Syllabus: Make the grade with Trinity
Brass Syllabus 2019 - 2022Trinity College, London
Trinity College London has recently released its new Brass Syllabus, which will be valid for use in exams from January 2019.
In essence, the structure of the syllabus remains much the same, and will feel familiar to most teachers and students. The most significant new addition is the introduction of ‘Initial' (pre-Grade 1) exams for trumpet, cornet, flugel horn, euphonium, baritone and trombone - a practical way of introducing exams to developing beginners. As a further incentive, duets have been introduced for Initial to Grade 3 exams in these instruments, promoting early ensemble skills. Other changes to the syllabus are less obvious, but as you delve into the repertoire lists for the three works performed in each exam, a number of alterations reveal themselves. Trinity delivers a commendable job in encompassing a wide range of musical styles, whilst remaining pragmatic in gauging the difficulty level for each grade.
The flexible options of the technical and supporting tests of the Trinity syllabus also impress, evolving according to standard. For example, in grades 1-5, the candidate performs a compulsory set lip flexibility exercise before choosing between scales and exercises. Following this, they have the choice of two of any of the following four topics: sight-reading, aural, improvisation, and musical knowledge (explained in detail in the Syllabus). This improves the accessibility of the exams, especially in the lower grades, allowing candidates to play to their strengths or, indeed, to focus on an area in need of development.
Grades 6-8 have different requirements. The lip flexibility exercise is supplemented by a compulsory chromatic scale, preceding an option to choose between scales and brass band or orchestral excerpts. The chosen extracts are realistic in scope, and provide a welcome way to help develop knowledge of repertoire and encourage wider musical appreciation. The brass band extracts are exclusively 20th Century works, however, perhaps missing a more comprehensive insight into the repertoire as a whole. To finish, grades 6-8 candidates will be required to perform a sight-reading test, then either aural or improvisation.
Overall, the Syllabus is far more than just a repertoire list. It provides both a logical overview and highly detailed explanations regarding every aspect of Trinity exams - an essential read for students and teachers alike.
THOMAS DUNNE
Find out more about the Trinity Brass Syllabus here
.gif)
