BEGINNER GRADE
A. TECHNICAL (20 marks)
To be played from memory.
To play the tune ‘Hot Cross Buns’ from memory on the G, D, A & E strings
commencing on the 2nd finger in the 1st position..
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C. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (10 marks)
Candidates will be asked five questions relating to the pieces performed.
A prompt and correct response is expected in order to achieve full marks.
(a) to name letter names of notes.
(b) to name note values using any correct terminology.
(c) to state the numerical value of notes and name note values.
(d) to recognise (but not explain) the time signature.
(e) to recognise (but not explain) the sharp, flat and natural.
JUNIOR GRADE
A. TECHNICAL (20 marks)
To be played evenly and from memory -
G, D and A Major scales. One Octave. Separate bows
G, D and A Major arpeggios. One Octave. Separate bows
To play from memory ‘Pease pudding hot’, commencing on the open strings G, D, A & E.
I try to sound better (Au Clair de la lune) (Strings Rock Bk. 1 – Dynamic Publishing)
This old man (Strings Rock Bk. 1 / Flying Start for Strings Bk. 2)
The old pipe organ (Strings Rock Bk. 1 – Dynamic Publishing)
Allegro (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
Long Long Ago (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
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Canon (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 2 – Jennifer Thorp)
Rocky Mountain (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
Can Can (Strings Rock Bk. 2 / Flying Start for Strings Bk. 2)
Old MacDonald (Strings Rock Bk. 1 – Dynamic Publishing)
A Walk in the park (Strings Rock Bk. 1 – Dynamic Publishing)
Deep sea diver (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Rock a bye baby (Strings Rock Bk. 2 / Flying Start for Strings Bk. 2)
Russian Folk Song (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
May Song (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
Skating (Stringing Along by Joanne Maree) available SCSM
PRELIMINARY GRADE
Arpeggios:
G, C, D and A Major arpeggios. One Octave. Separate bows
To perform the tune ‘Lightly Row’ on one string from memory commencing on the 4th
finger on the G, D, A and E strings.
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B. THREE ITEMS: ONE from each of the following groups
Ode to Joy (Strings Rock Bk. 2 / Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3)
Salamanca Market (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Merry Widow Waltz (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Camptown Races (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Perpetual Motion (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
Minuet (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
German Dance (Superstart Bk. 2 – Mary Cohen)
Boogie Woogie (Fast Forward – K & H Colledge)
Skye boat song (with repeats) (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Magical journey (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Hurdy gurdy (with repeat) (Strings Rock Bk. 2 – Dynamic Publishing)
Sakura (Strings Rock Bk. 3 – Dynamic Publishing)
The Grand Old Duke of York (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
Over the hills and far away (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
Allegretto (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
Andantino (Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1)
Hear That Whistle (Superstudies Bk. 2 – Mary Cohen)
Polly’s Polka (Fast Forward – K & H Colledge)
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Summer is a-coming in (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
The Wraggle taggle gipsies O! (Flying Start for Strings Bk. 3 – Jennifer Thorp)
Kinsey Study No. 1, 2 or 5 (Elementary Progressive Studies Set 1 - ABRSM)
Clever Clogs (Fast Forward – K & H Colledge)
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St Cecilia Concert Certificate Examinations
Concert Certificate examinations are available for all instruments and voice for all levels. These examinations
provide students with the opportunity of preparing and presenting an interesting programme in a formal
concert-style environment.
Presentation should include appropriate formal concert dress, a professionally-presented and informative
programme as well as a well-timed and constructed concert programme. Performance flair and maintaining
audience interest is also assessed.
An audience may be present but the hiring of venues including conditions of hire ie. insurance, cleaning etc.
remains the responsibility of the teacher/candidate.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
• four items must be presented which reflect an interesting and well-balanced programme. A particular
theme may be incorporated eg. music of one composer; a reflection of a mood or scene; a particular
country.
• technical work (scales etc) is not a requirement for these examinations.
• items should be chosen from the current SCSM grade syllabus. eg. Concert Certificate Three items should
be chosen from any of the listed works in the Grade Three syllabus. Alternative items may be presented
with prior approval.
• appropriate formal concert dress and accepted stage presentation (bowing, audience acknowledgement) is a
major part of the assessment. School uniform is not considered appropriate.
• an imaginatively set out written programme, containing interesting and informative details on the pieces to
be performed, must be presented to the examiner. Relevant biographical notes on the performer are
appropriate.
• accurate timing of the examination is important and will be assessed accordingly. Students are advised to
plan their programme to fit within the following maximum time limits: Concert Certificates B, J, P and 1
& 2 (10 minutes); Concert Certificates 3 & 4 (12 minutes); Concert Certificates 5 & 6 (15 minutes);
Concert Certificates 7 & 8 (20 minutes).
• Ensure the performance is played in the order as detailed in the Concert programme.
• Stage etiquette includes bowing, and acknowledgement of the accompanist. This should be treated in
a dignified and mature manner.
• The performance should be technically accurate as well as musically aware.
• Performance dress should be representative of a professional public concert. Casual clothing, school
uniforms, inappropriate foot wear are not acceptable.
• Arrange adequate rehearsal time with the accompanist and ensure that there is good communication
during the performance.
• Engage the audience during the performance. Be organised and professional. The performance must
not appear to be a rehearsal.
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Violin PERFORMANCE SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION to Grades 1 - 8
The St. Cecilia Violin Grade Performance Examinations are designed as a continuation of the
Beginner, Junior and Preliminary Grade examinations.
Items 1 and 2 provide a wide selection of attractive pieces which all students will enjoy
learning and playing. The nature of a Performance Examination is such that the pieces
chosen for examination purposes are equally suitable for performance at Concerts,
Masterclasses and Eisteddfods etc. We hope that the syllabus therefore has more than one
purpose. Item 4 selections are all unaccompanied studies or solo works of a specific technical
nature.
Unique to the St. Cecilia Examination system is the Own Choice Item 3 section.
Considerable scope is allowed here. Candidates are even encouraged to compose their own
piece if they so desire. Credit will be given to a good choice and all examiners will look
forward to an imaginative selection of pieces.
The Programme Notes section of the examination from Grades 1 - 4 tests the candidate’s
understanding of the score. Examiners always expect a prompt response and a clear
indication that the student really understands all the theoretical components of the piece.
From Grade 5 - 8 the candidate is expected to research the chosen works in detail and provide
a mature and enthusiastic account of their findings - as if providing a pre-concert talk to the
audience. Merely reading their account is insufficient at this level.
Students who follow the St. Cecilia course of Violin Performance Examinations will not only
enjoy the challenge of attaining the various grade levels, but will also be thoroughly prepared
to contribute to the amateur or even professional music-making worldwide.
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GRADE 1
Bowings: Separate and Slurred (2 notes per bow); Minims and Crotchets
Tempo: M.M. Crotchet = 84
Michael J Stocks: The Eureka Stockade (Strings Rock Bk. 3 – Dynamic Publishing)
Michael J Stocks: The Highwayman (Strings Rock Bk. 3 – Dynamic Publishing)
J.S. Bach: Minuet 2 or 3 (Suzuki Violin School Vol.1)
G.F. Handel: Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus (Suzuki Violin School Vol.2)
K & H Colledge: Snake Charmer (Fast Forward - Boosey & Hawkes)
K & H Colledge: Moto Perpetuo (Shooting Stars - Boosey & Hawkes)
Mary Cohen: Papageno’s Song (Superstart Bk.2 - Faber Music)
Joanne Maree: Marching (Stringing Along - available through SCSM)
Shostakowitsch: Kleiner Marsch (Albumstucke - Peters 4794)
F. Kuchler: Concertino Opus 11 – 2nd Mvt. (Bosworth 18809)
• Michael J Stocks: Sailing Botany Bay (SCSM Grade 1 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• Michael J Stocks: Le Festival (SCSM Grade 1 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• Marie Cowan: Waltzing Matilda (SCSM Grade 1 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section will require an accurate and detailed response to questions relating to the
content of all the music performed. The following areas must be covered in preparation:
GRADE 2
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
1. Scales A, Bb, and C Major (2 octaves)
G and A Harmonic minor (2 octaves)
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B. FOUR ITEMS: ONE from each of the following groups
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either: (i) a
keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
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C. PROGRAMME NOTES (10 marks)
This section will require an accurate and detailed response to questions relating to the
content of all the music performed. The following areas must be covered in preparation:
GRADE 3
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
• Traditional: The Mango Walk Medley (SCSM Grade 3 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• Michael J Stocks: Spanish Tango (SCSM Grade 3 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• Michael J Stocks: Furioso (SCSM Grade 3 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
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Item 2: (20 marks)
Telemann: Sarabande & Gavotte (Old Masters for Young Players Bk.2)
Dvorak: Humoresque (Suzuki Violin School Vol.3)
Kreisler: Tambourin (J.P. Rameau - Schott 1600)
Joanne Maree: Running Wild (Sounds in Tune - available through SCSM)
Kerin Bailey: Swing and Swang (Jazzin’ Around for Strings – Kerin Bailey Music)
Rosalind Carlson Mother Hen and the Chicks (Flexi-Fingers Publishing, Sydney)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section will require an accurate and detailed response to questions relating to the
content of all the music performed. The following areas must be covered in preparation:
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GRADE 4
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
1. Scales Ab, Db and E Major (2 octaves)
B and D Harmonic and Melodic minor (2 octaves)
Chromatic scale commencing on A (2 octaves) Separate quavers only..
M.M. Crotchet = 78
• Johann Strauss: Blue Danube Waltz (SCSM Grade 4 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• Michael J Stocks: Winter Waltz (SCSM Grade 4 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
• J.S. Bach: Air (SCSM Grade 4 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section will require an accurate and detailed response to questions relating to the
content of all the music performed. The following areas must be covered in preparation:
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St Cecilia First Recital Certificate
The First Recital Certificate examination is available for all instruments and voice and is recommended to be
taken either before or after the Grade Five examination. This very popular examination provides musicians with
the opportunity of preparing and presenting an interesting programme in a formal recital -style environment.
Presentation should include appropriate formal concert dress, a professionally-presented and informative
programme as well as a well-timed and constructed concert programme.
An audience may be present but the hiring of venues including conditions of hire ie. insurance, cleaning etc.
remains the responsibility of the candidate.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
• four items must be presented which reflect an interesting and well-balanced programme. A particular theme
may be incorporated eg. music of one composer; a reflection of a mood or scene; a particular country.
• At least one item from the Grade Five SCSM syllabus should be included.
• appropriate formal concert dress and accepted stage presentation (bowing, audience acknowledgement) is a
major part of the assessment. School uniform is not considered appropriate.
• an imaginatively constructed written programme, containing interesting and informative details on the pieces
to be performed, must be presented to the examiner. Relevant biographical notes on the performer are
appropriate.
• accurate timing of the examination is important and will be assessed accordingly. The programme should be
planned to last between 20 and 25 minutes. Entire works including repeats are encouraged.
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GRADE 5
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
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Shostakowitsch: Elegie (Albumstucke - Peters 4794)
Saint-Saens: The Swan (Schirmer 40130 or Durand DS 3891)
Dvorak: Romantic Piece No 1 (The Violin Collection: 11 Pieces by 11
Composers - Schirmer/Hal Leonard)
J.S. Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze (OUP)
Brahms: Intermezzo Op.117 No.1 (The Violin Collection: 11 Pieces by 11
Composers - Schirmer/Hal Leonard)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
• G.P. Telemann: Siciliana and Vivace, from Fantasia No. 9 (SCSM Grade 5 Album
- Dynamic Publishing)
• J.S. Bach: Bourre and Gigue, from Partita No. 3 (SCSM Grade 5 Album -
Dynamic Publishing)
• Michael J Stocks: Con Fuoco (SCSM Grade 5 Album - Dynamic Publishing)
This section of the examination is vitally important and should reflect thorough research
and knowledge of the music performed in the examination.
Successful candidates will have covered all aspects of the chosen piece in their research
including, but not confined to the following areas:
(i) All details on the score as for previous grades. ie. keys, modulations, terms, note
and rest names and values, metronome markings, signs.
(ii) A detailed explanation and description of the title of the piece whether it be
specific (eg. The Snake Charmer) or more generic (eg. Sonatina).
(iii) The nationality and dates of the composer with interesting and relevant
biographical information. Details of the composer’s other major works.
(iv) The formal structure of the piece with bar numbers where possible to clearly show
the main sections.
(v) Any unique or specific characteristics associated with the piece. eg. its place in
musical history.
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GRADE 6
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
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Item 3: (20 marks)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section of the examination is vitally important and should reflect thorough research
and knowledge of the music performed in the examination.
Successful candidates will have covered all aspects of the chosen piece in their research
including, but not confined to the following areas:
(i) All details on the score as for previous grades. ie. keys, modulations, terms, note
and rest names and values, metronome markings, signs.
(ii) A detailed explanation and description of the title of the piece whether it be
specific (eg. The Snake Charmer) or more generic (eg. Sonatina).
(iii) The nationality and dates of the composer with interesting and relevant
biographical information. Details of the composer’s other major works.
(iv) The formal structure of the piece with bar numbers where possible to clearly show
the main sections.
(v) Any unique or specific characteristics associated with the piece. eg. its place in
musical history.
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GRADE 7
A. TECHNICAL (10 marks)
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Item 3: (20 marks)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section of the examination is vitally important and should reflect thorough research
and knowledge of the music performed in the examination.
Successful candidates will have covered all aspects of the chosen piece in their research
including, but not confined to the following areas:
(i) All details on the score as for previous grades. ie. keys, modulations, terms, note
and rest names and values, metronome markings, signs.
(ii) A detailed explanation and description of the title of the piece whether it be
specific (eg. The Snake Charmer) or more generic (eg. Sonatina).
(iii) The nationality and dates of the composer with interesting and relevant
biographical information. Details of the composer’s other major works.
(iv) The formal structure of the piece with bar numbers where possible to clearly show
the main sections.
(v) Any unique or specific characteristics associated with the piece. eg. its place in
musical history.
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GRADE 8
A. TECHNICAL WORK (10 marks)
1. Scales: Ab, Db and E Major (3 octaves)
Ab, Db and E Harmonic and Melodic minor (3 octaves)
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Item 3: (20 marks)
Own Choice: A work of equivalent standard to the set pieces is to be chosen by the
candidate for this section. The work may be the candidate’s own composition. A copy
must be provided for the examiner. The work must be accompanied by either:
(i) a keyboard instrument or (ii) a small instrumental ensemble.
This section of the examination is vitally important and should reflect thorough research
and knowledge of the music performed in the examination.
Successful candidates will have covered all aspects of the chosen piece in their research
including, but not confined to the following areas:
(i) All details on the score as for previous grades. ie. keys, modulations, terms, note
and rest names and values, metronome markings, signs.
(ii) A detailed explanation and description of the title of the piece whether it be
specific (eg. The Snake Charmer) or more generic (eg. Sonatina).
(iii) The nationality and dates of the composer with interesting and relevant
biographical information. Details of the composer’s other major works.
(iv) The formal structure of the piece with bar numbers where possible to clearly show
the main sections.
(v) Any unique or specific characteristics associated with the piece. eg. its place in
musical history.
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St Cecilia Advanced Recital Certificate
The Advanced Recital Certificate examination is available for all instruments and voice and is recommended
to be taken either before or after the Grade Eight examination. This very popular examination is a good
stepping stone to the Associate Diploma and provides musicians with the opportunity of preparing and
presenting an interesting programme in a formal recital-style environment.
Presentation should include appropriate formal concert dress, a professionally-presented and informative
programme as well as a well-timed and constructed concert programme.
An audience may be present but the hiring of venues including conditions of hire ie. insurance, cleaning etc.
remains the responsibility of the teacher/candidate.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
• four items must be presented which reflect an interesting and well-balanced programme. A particular
theme may be incorporated eg. music of one composer; a reflection of a mood or scene; a particular
country.
• At least one item from the Grade Eight SCSM syllabus should be included.
• appropriate formal concert dress and accepted stage presentation (bowing, audience acknowledgement) is a
major part of the assessment. School uniform is not considered appropriate.
• an imaginatively constructed written programme, containing interesting and informative details on the
pieces to be performed, must be presented to the examiner. Relevant biographical notes on the performer
are appropriate.
• accurate timing of the examination is important and will be assessed accordingly. The programme must
last between 30 and 35 minutes. Entire works including repeats are encouraged.
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