General Performance Examinations: 
Grades One through Ten

Programs/Exams > Graded Piano Performance > General Performance Examinations

Exam Preparation

Candidates may prepare an exam in one of the following two categories. Candidates, however, must not prepare two concurrent Theme Performance Examinations.

• General Performance Examinations: repertoire selections grades one to nine must include at least eight selections as follows (Grade ten must include a post-romantic selection for a minimum of eight selections):

• Baroque work
• Classical work
• Romantic style work
• 20th or 21st century work
• Canadian work
• Study
• Additional work
• At least one encore
• Theme Performance Examinations:
  • Repertoire selections for grades one to nine must include at least:
    • Seven selections
    • Must also include at least one encore
  • Grade ten must include at least:
    • Eight selections
    • Must also include at least one encore

​Examples:

• Sonata Performance Exam: Candidates should include examples from the Baroque period through to the 21st century including Canadian content when possible. In the case of Sonatas or Sonatinas, various movements and forms should be included.
• Jazz Performance Exam: Candidates should include as many jazz styles as possible (ragtime, blues, swing, etc.) and include Canadian content.
• Canadian Composer Performance Exam: Candidates should include as many compositional styles as possible from various periods of a composer's life.

Candidates may choose works in addition to the above selections, but must not exceed the maximum time limit. Candidates must provide a short commentary for each selection and composer.

General or Theme Performance Examination Components

Program: Candidates are required to prepare a written program. This program must include a list of repertoire and composers and a brief biography of the candidate. Programs are to be presented to all guests and the examiner.
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Oral Presentation: Candidates should welcome their guests and introduce each work. Historical, biographical and stylistic elements will be discussed as they relate to each work presented.

Memory: Memory is recommended. Two marks will be deducted for each work not memorized to a maximum of 10 marks.

Performance Etiquette: Candidates will receive marks for the quality of the Oral presentation.

Encore: Candidates are required to perform at least one short encore (a work(s) not included on their program). The encore(s) must be no more than one grade level below the exam grade and may be at a higher grade level.

Guests: Candidates should make every possible effort to include an audience.

Requirements

Program
Oral Presentation
Performance Etiquette
Repertoire Selection
Performance
See 2012 Piano Syllabus page 10

Marks

 See 2012 Piano Syllabus page 10

Sample Programs

For Performance Examinations, candidates are required to prepare a written program. This program must include a list of repertoire and composers and a brief biography of the performer. Programs are to be presented to all guests and two copies handed to the examiner. Check out sample programs on our Examination Resources page.