Drums Syllabus Guide

2012-2018

www.rockschool.co.uk v1.0
Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Debut................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Grade 1............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Grade 2.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Grade 3.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Grade 4.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Grade 5.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Grade 6.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Grade 7.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Grade 8.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Technical Work......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Sight Reading and Improvisation & Interpretation.................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Quick Study Piece .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Ear Tests........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Assessment Criteria ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
Exam Regulations ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 2

Introduction
Welcome to the Rockschool 2012-2018 syllabus for Drums. This syllabus guide is designed to give teachers, learners and candidates
practical information on the graded examinations run by Rockschool.

The Rockschool website, www.rockschool.co.uk has detailed information on all aspects of our examinations, including examination
regulations, detailed marking schemes and assessment criteria as well as notated and audio examples to help you prepare for the
examination.

This Syllabus Guide covers the following examinations:

• Graded Examinations Debut – Grade 8

• Performance Certificates Debut – Grade 8
• Band Exams Grades 3, 5 and 8

Examinations
Rockschool offers two types of graded music examination, Grade Examinations and Performance Certificate.

GRADE EXAMINATIONS

Grade Examinations are available at every grade Debut - Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:

• 3 Performance Pieces: Debut - Grade 8

• Technical Exercises: Debut - Grade 8
• Sight Reading: Debut to Grade 5 or Improvisation & Interpretation: Grade 1 – Grade 5
• Quick Study Piece: Grade 6 - 8
• Ear Tests: Debut - Grade 8
• General Musicianship Questions: Debut - Grade 8

These elements fall into two categories: Prepared work and Unprepared work. Prepared work consists of the three pieces and
technical exercises. Unprepared work consists of Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation, (Quick Study Piece at Grades 6 - 8),
Ear Tests and General Musicianship Questions.

PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

Performance Certificates are available at every grade Debut - Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:

• 5 performance Pieces: Debut – Grade 8

BAND EXAMS

Band Exams are available for Guitar, Bass and Drums at grades 3, 5 and 8 and consist of the following elements:

• 5 Performance Pieces: Grades 3, 5 and 8

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Examination Structure
The examination structure for the grade examinations is shown below:

• 1st - pieces or technical exercises

• 2nd - technical exercises or pieces
• 3rd - Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation or Quick Study Piece
• 4th - Ear Tests
• 5th - General Musicianship Questions

Examination Timings
Examination Timings for Grade Exams & Performance Certificates

• Debut: 15 minutes
• Grade 1: 20 minutes
• Grade 2: 20 minutes
• Grade 3: 25 minutes
• Grade 4: 25 minutes
• Grade 5: 25 minutes
• Grade 6: 30 minutes
• Grade 7: 30 minutes
• Grade 8: 30 minutes

Examination Timings for Band Exams

• Grade 3: 40 minutes
• Grade 5: 40 minutes
• Grade 8: 45 minutes

Free Choice Pieces

Candidates are able to play a number of free choice pieces in the examination:

• Grade Examinations: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance Certificates: 3 free choice pieces

Visit www.rockschool.co.uk for grade specific criteria. For guitar and drums, ‘Hot Rock’ offer examination graded pieces with specially
tailored backing tracks in specific graded books.

Notation
All notated work is to be played as written. There should be no changes or arrangement (unless previously agreed with Rockschool).
Each piece is specifically written for the grade to assess key notation issues regarding, pitch, rhythm or technique.

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Debut
The Debut Bass exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have learnt the basic skills. There are two types of
exam available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the
differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates play 3 pieces that last a maximum of 1 minute and Technical Exercises cover the preliminary areas.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to use the drums for a simple sight reading test and two ear tests that begin to develop
fill playback and groove recall. The final part of the exam is a set of 5 simple questions based on the candidate’s choice of piece.
These are designed to explore simple theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Debut exam lasts 15 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a simple previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two simple tests. Fill playback and Groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Debut the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute. This is to enable the candidate to remain focused and concentrate on the
basic requirements of notation and control. Simple groove work and coordination and sync.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Debut there are four groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 70 bpm

Group A: Single Strokes

In eighth notes

Group B: Double Strokes

In eighth notes

Group C: Paradiddles
In eighth notes

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Group D: Fill

In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade Debut book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars
1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.

SIGHT READING

Tempo: 80 bpm
At Debut you will be offered a previously unseen Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare
drum. This is a previously unseen test and an example is shown in the Debut grade book. The test is 4 bars long made up of half and
quarter notes and quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of
practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter and eighth notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap
for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The
candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing.
You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Debut you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• Quarter note and eighth note values

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Debut you will be asked to identify:

• The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash
cymbal

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 1 minute each.

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Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

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Grade 1
The Grade 1 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning for a relatively short period and have mastered the key basic
skills. There are two types of exam available at Grade 1, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations
section for an explanation of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and Interpretation test.
There are also two ear tests that begin to develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 simple
questions based on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. The candidate is given a simple previously unseen test to
practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two simple tests. Fill playback and recognition and Groove recall
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 1 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the length of piece is designed
to enable the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation, technical control, coordination, balance and sync.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 1 there are four groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 70 bpm

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

In eighth notes alternate bars

Group B: Single and Double Strokes

In sixteenth notes alternate bars

Group C: Paradiddles
Single paradiddle in sixteenth notes

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Group D: Fill
In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 1 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1-3
and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION

At Grade 1 you have the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are previously unseen and an
example can be found in the Grade 1 book.

Sight Reading
Tempo: 80 bpm
At Grade 1 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum. The test is
made up of half and quarter notes and quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will
offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.

Improvisation & Interpretation

Tempo: 70-80 bpm
At Grade 1 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated
one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide or throughout this
time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be
examined.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in.
There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the
metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing.
You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 1 you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• Quarter note and eighth note values
• A rest in the piece

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Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 1 you will be asked to identify:

• The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash
cymbal
• Two main drum kit makes

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from the Hot Rock Drums Grade 1.

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 10

Grade 2
The Grade 2 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately one year to eighteen months and have established
the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or Performance
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and Interpretation test.
There are also two ear tests that develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based
on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 2 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. The candidate is given a simple previously unseen test to
practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two simple tests. Fill playback and recognition and Groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 2 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the length of piece is designed
to the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation accuracy, technical control, coordination, balance and sync.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 2 there are five groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 70 bpm

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

In eighth and sixteenth notes alternate bars

Group B: Paradiddles
Single paradiddles in sixteenth notes using the whole kit

Group C: Flams
In quarter notes

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Group D: Triplets
In eighth notes with alternate sticking

Group E: Fill
In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 2 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1-3
and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION

At Grade 2 you have the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are previously unseen and an
example can be found in the Grade 2 book.

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70 bpm
At Grade 2 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum. The test is
made up of quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation
and practise time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for
the examination.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Tempo: 70-80 bpm
At Grade 2 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated
one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide or throughout this
time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be
examined.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar
count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the
metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat (open and closed), snare and bass drum with a
metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a
short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome
backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

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In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• The meaning of time signature marking
• Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note and 16th note values
• Rest values
• Repeat markings including first and second time bars

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:

• The following parts of the drum kit - bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash
cymbal
• The following parts of the drumstick - tip, neck, shaft and butt
• Two main drum kit makes

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from the Hot Rock Drums Grade 2.

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 13

Grade 3
The Grade 3 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately eighteen months to two years and have
established the basic skills and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through controlled balance, technique and coordination of the kit
and the introduction of solo and development work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, Grade Exam or
Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 2 minutes and demonstrate a selection of Technical Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and Interpretation test.
There are also two ear tests that develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based
on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 1 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback and groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 3 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes. Pieces are over two pages and the length of piece is designed to enable
the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation, technical control, balance of kit, coordination, solo and
improvisation work and sync.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 3 there are six groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 75 bpm

Group A: Single Strokes

In eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes

Group B: Double Strokes

In eighth and sixteenth notes using snare and toms

Group C: Paradiddles
Single paradiddles in sixteenth notes using the whole kit

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Group D: Flams and Drags
In quarter notes

Group E: Triplets
In eighth notes with accents on snare and toms

Group F: Fill
Tempo: 80 bpm

In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 3 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1-3
and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION

At Grade 3 you have the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are previously unseen and an
example can be found in the Grade 3 book.

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
At Grade 3 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum and is made up
of quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and
practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the
examination.

Improvisation & Interpretation

Tempo: 80-100 bpm
At Grade 3 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated
one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide or throughout this
time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be
examined.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is
preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then
play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), snare and bass drum
with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will
be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome
backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 15

In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• The meaning of time signature marking
• Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note, triplet eight notes and 16th note values
• Rest values
• Repeat markings including first and second time bars

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:

• The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash
cymbal
• The following parts of the drumstick – tip, neck, shaft and butt
• Two main drum kit makes
• Two main cymbal makes

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 2 minutes each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from the Hot Rock Drums Grade 3.

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 16

Grade 4
The Grade 4 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two - two and half years and have mastered the
basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic
conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work and more complex groove patterns. There are two
types of exam available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation
of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either an 8 bar sight reading test, or an 8 bar Improvisation and Interpretation test.
There are also two ear tests that develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based
on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 1 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback recognition and Groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 4 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are designed so the
candidate can retain focus and concentration. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, stylistic sense of groove, technical control including
execution of stylistic drum techniques, developing solo and improvisation elements and sync.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 4 level there are five groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 75 bpm

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

Eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes. To be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 17

Group B:

Paradiddles
Sixteenth notes using the whole kit

Triple Paradiddle
Sixteenth notes using the whole kit

Group C: Flams and Ruffs

Flam tap and ruffs in quarter notes

Group D: Hands and Feet Patterns

Four patterns

Group E: Fill
Tempo: 80 bpm

In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 4 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1-3
and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is to play the repeat.

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION

At Grade 4 you have the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. The tests are previously unseen and an
example can be found in the Grade 4 book.

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
At Grade 4 there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 4 the notation consists of
quarter, dotted quarter, eighth, dotted eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars
long and is on the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising
with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.

Improvisation & Interpretation

Tempo: 80-120 bpm
In Grade 4, the improvisation and interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two bar groove at
the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the test developing the groove and
ending with a two bar drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets and dotted eighth and sixteenth notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded
by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill
back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), ride, bell of ride, cross
stick, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a
one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove
back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from asset of three listed by the
examiner.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 18

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• The meaning of the time signature marking
• The meaning of bpm markings
• Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al fine markings
• All note values used in the chosen piece
• Equivalent rests
• One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically in the solo or development section of the piece
• Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify/explain:

• Any part of the drum kit and drumstick

• How to tune the drum kit
• Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from the Hot Rock Drums Grade 4.

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 19

Grade 5
The Grade 5 Drum exam is for candidates who have the intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense
of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, rhythmic complexity, coordination and balance of the kit
and maturing solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 5, Grade Exam or Performance
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either an 8 bar sight reading test, or an 8 bar Improvisation and Interpretation test.
There are also two ear tests that develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based
on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 5 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and Groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 5 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are designed so the
candidate can retain focus and concentrate on notation accuracy, stylistic sense of groove, technical control including execution of
stylistic drum techniques, developing solo and improvisation elements, sync and the communication of the music through
performance.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 5 there are six groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 80 bpm

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

Eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes. To be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 20

Group B:

Paradiddles
Single paradiddle in sixteenth notes using the whole kit (bass drum follows the right hand)

Triple Paradiddle
Sixteenth notes using the whole kit (bass drum follows the right hand)

Group C: Flams and Ruffs

Flam accent and single drag tap

Group D: Rolls
Five stroke roll phrase (75bpm)

Group E: Hands and Feet patterns

Four patterns

Group F: Fill
Tempo: 90 bpm

In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 5 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1-3
and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is to perform the repeat.

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION

At Grade 5 you have the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. The tests are previously unseen and an
example can be found in the Grade 5 book.

Sight Reading
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
At Grade 5 there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 5 the notation consists of
quarter, dotted quarter, eighth, dotted eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars
long and is on the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising
with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.

Improvisation & Interpretation

Tempo: 80-120 bpm
In Grade 5, the improvisation and interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two bar groove at
the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the test developing the groove and
ending with a two bar drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets, dotted eighth and sixteenth notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a
one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back
with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), ride, bell of ride, cross
stick, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 21

one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove
back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from asset of three listed by the
examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 5 you will be asked to identify:

• Drum voices on the stave

• The meaning of the time signature marking
• The meaning of bpm markings
• Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al fine markings
• Stylistic drum notation
• All note values used in the chosen piece
• Equivalent rests
• One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically in the solo or development section of the piece
• Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.
In Grade 5 you will be asked to identify/explain:

• Any part of the drum kit and drumstick

• How to tune the drum kit
• Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from the Hot Rock Drums Grade 5.

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 22

Grade 6
The Grade 6 Drum exam is for candidates who have begun to develop advanced technical control and have a competent grasp of
stylistic techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, creative and
stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a secure sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam
available at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the
differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests that continue
to develop fill playback and recognition and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the
candidate’s choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 6 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 6 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on notation
accuracy, execution of stylistic techniques, technical control, maturing solo and improvisation elements and a clear sense of
ownership and communication of the music.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 6 there are five groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Tempo: 80 bpm

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

Single and double strokes in triplet eighth notes, 16th notes and 16th note sextuplets played alternately as a continuous exercise. To
be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat.

Group B: Paradiddles
Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 23

Group C: Ratamacues
Single ratamacue.

Group D: Rolls
Five stroke roll phrase with accents on toms. Nine stoke roll phrase.

Group E: Stylistic Studies

You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the
Quick Study Piece. Each study concentrates on two stylistic techniques.

• Rock/Metal: half open hi-hat, busy 16th-note bass drum pattern

• Funk: snare drum ghost notes, quick open/closed hi-hats
• Jazz/Latin/Blues: polyrhythm, advanced co-ordination

QUICK STUDY PIECE

At Grade 6 you will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic
study you selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played.
Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track
will be played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now
absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is
up to you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter and eighth note rests. Each time
the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-
in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from
three printed examples.

Groove Recall Tempo

Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the
test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you
will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify
the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain:

• Any notation used in the chosen piece

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece
• What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
• Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 24

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:

• Care and maintenance of drums

• How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
• How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 25

Grade 7
The Grade 7 Drum exam is for candidates who have developed advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended
stylistic techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and
creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two
types of exam available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation
of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests that continue
to develop fill playback and recognition and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the
candidate’s choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 7 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and groove recall.
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 7 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on notation
accuracy, commanding execution of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature and creative solo and improvisation elements
and a clear sense of ownership and communication of the music through performance.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 7 there are seven groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Group A: Single and Double Strokes

(65bpm) Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes, eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes, sextuplet 16th notes,
septuplet 16th notes and 32nd notes.

Group B: Paradiddles
(80bpm) Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets with accents on toms.

Group C: Flams
(80bpm) Pataflafla

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 26

Group D: Ratamacues
(80bpm) Single and double ratamacue

Group E: Rolls
(85bpm) Seven stroke roll phrase. Nine stoke roll phrase with accents on toms.

Group F: Stylistic Studies:

You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the
Quick Study Piece.

• Rock/Metal: bell of ride 7/8 pattern, five stroke roll

• Funk: linear funk, nine stroke roll
• Jazz/Latin/Blues: bell of ride 6/8 pattern, splashed hi-hats

QUICK STUDY PIECE

At grade 7 you will be asked to prepare and play a Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic study you
selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars
that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be
played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent,
before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to
you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter, eighth and sixteenth note rests.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a
vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the
test from three printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-140 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the
test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you
will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify
the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain:

• Any notation used in the chosen piece

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece
• What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
• Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 27

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:

• Care and maintenance of drums

• How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
• How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 28

Grade 8
The Grade 8 Drum exam is for candidates who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended
stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity,
mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There
are two types of exam available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an
explanation of the differences.

Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds and demonstrate a selection of Technical
Exercises.

Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests that continue
to develop fill playback and recognition and groove recall and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the
candidate’s choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument knowledge.

Exam Structure
The Grade 8 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken in the following structure.

• 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. The candidate chooses to play either their pieces or their technical exercises first.
• 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. The candidate will perform the element not chosen above.
• 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
• 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and groove recall
• 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. The candidate answers 5 questions related to a piece of their choice.

PIECES

At Grade 8 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on command of
complex notation accuracy, execution of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature and creative solo and improvisation
elements and a clear sense of ownership and communication of the music through performance.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

Before playing the first piece all the way through, the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track is correct for the
candidate by asking them to play along to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the correct level has been agreed, the
examiner will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only done for the first piece.

TECHNICAL WORK

At Grade 8 there are six groups of technical work.

The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play
the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.

Group A: Single Strokes

(65bpm): Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes, eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes, sextuplet 16th notes,
septuplet 16th notes, 32nd notes, nontuplet 32nd notes and double quintuplet 32nd notes

Group B: Paradiddles
(90bpm) Paradiddle-diddle and alternative paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets around the kit.

Group C: Triplets
(85bpm) Swiss Army Triplet and Pataflafla

© Copyright 2012 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 29

Group D: Ratamacues
(85bpm) Triple ratamacue

Group E: Rolls
(90bpm) Seven stroke roll phrase with accent on the toms. Combined rolls.

Group F: Stylistic Studies:

You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the
Quick Study Piece.

• Rock/Metal: rhythmic displacement, 5/4 coordination

• Funk: linear funk with 32nd notes, stepped hi hat
• Jazz/Latin/Blues: 3-2 and 2-3 clave

QUICK STUDY PIECE

At grade 8 you will be asked to prepare and play a Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic study you
selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars
that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be
played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent,
before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to
you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.

EAR TESTS

There are two tests which are Fill Playback and Recognition and Groove Recall.

Fill Playback and Recognition

Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test
will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter, eighth and sixteenth note
rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will
hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify
the test from three printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-160 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the
test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you
will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify
the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will
nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain:

• Any notation used in the chosen piece

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece
• What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
• Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections

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Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument.

In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:

• Care and maintenance of drums

• How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
• How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces in the examination.

• Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

• Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or questions
about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you can email it to exams@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the Rockschool team
will advise you.

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Technical Work
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3

Debut 1 2 3
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 75
Single Strokes Single & Double Single & Double Strokes Single Strokes
Strokes
Group A e s n § y
e 3

Group B Double Strokes Single & Double Single Paradiddle with Double Strokes
Strokes Accent
e e s
s s
Group C Paradiddles Paradiddles Flams Single Paradiddle
Accents on Snare &
e s q Tom

s
Group D Fill Fill Triplets Flams & Drags

§ q
3
Group E   Fill Triplets. Accents on
Snare & Toms

§
3
Group F    Fill

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Grade 4 & 5

4 5
Tempo q= 75-80 q= 80
Single & Double Single & Double
Strokes Strokes
Group A
n § y n § y
3 3
Group B Paradiddles: Single & Paradiddles: Single &
Triplet Triplet

s s
Group C Flams: Flam Tap & Flams: Flam Accent &
Ruffs Single Drag Tap

n q § n
3
Group D Hands & Feet Pattern Rolls: 5 Stroke Roll
Phrase
§ y
3
Group E Fill Hands & Feet Pattern

§ y
3
Group F  Fill

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Grade 6, 7 & 8

6 7 8
Tempo q= 80 q= 65-85 q= 65-90
Single & Double Single Single
Strokes
Group A q- q-
§ y 5 5
3 6
Group B Paradiddles: Flam Paradiddles: Flam Paradiddles: Paradiddle-
Paradiddle, Paradiddle, diddle, Alternative
Paradiddle-diddle Paradiddle-diddle Paradiddle-diddle

Y y
Group C Ratamacue Single Flams Pataflafla Triplets: Swiss Army
Triplet & Pataflafla
§ s
3
§ y
3
Group D Rolls: 5 & 9 Stroke Ratamacue: Double & Ratamacue: Triple
Roll Phrase Single
Group E Stylistic Study Rolls: 7 & 9 Stroke Roll Rolls: 7 Stroke Roll
Rock/Metal Phrase Phrase With Accent on
Funk Toms, Combined Rolls
Jazz/Latin/Blues
Group F Stylistic Study Stylistic Study
Rock/Metal Rock/Metal
Funk Funk
Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues

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Sight Reading and Improvisation & Interpretation
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3

Debut 1 2 3
Sight Reading
Tempo q= 80 q= 80 q= 70 q= 70-80
Notation
qnQ qnQ qes Q E qes Q E
Length (Bars) 4 4 4 4
Drums used Snare Snare Snare Snare
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo  q= 80 q= 80 q= 80-100
Notation 
qe qe Q E qeis Q E
Length  4 4 4
Drums used  Hi-hat, Hi-hat, Crash,
Snare, Snare, Hi-hat,
Bass Bass Snare,
Bass

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Quick Study Piece
Grade 6, 7 & 8

6 7 8
Tempo q= 80-120 q= 80-120 q= 80-120
Styles Rock/Metal Rock/Metal Rock/Metal
Funk Funk Funk
Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues
Length (Bars) 12 12 12
Sight reading (Bars) 6 6 6
Solo/Improvisation (Bars) 6 6 6
Preparation/Practice 1 listen with Bass + 1 listen with Bass + 1 listen with Bass +
3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice +
1 run through 1 run through 1 run through

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Ear Tests
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3

Debut 1 2 3
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 70
Notation
qe qe Q qes Q qes™ Q
3
Length (Bars) 1 1 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q= 80 q= 80 q= 80 q= 80
Notation
qe qe qe qe E
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated
Drums used Hi-hat, Hi-hat, Hi-hat (open/closed), Crash,
Snare, Snare, Snare, Hi-hat (open/closed),
Drums Drums Drums Snare,
Drums

Grade 4 & 5

4 5
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q= 70 q= 70
Notation
qeis™ Q E qeis™ Q E
3 3
Length (Bars) 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q= 80-120 q= 80-120
Notation
qes Q qes™
3
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated
Drums used Crash, Crash,
Hi-hat (open/closed), Hi-hat (open/closed),
Ride, Ride,
Bell of ride, Bell of ride,
Cross stick Cross stick
Snare, Snare,
Drums Toms,
Drums

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Grade 6, 7 & 8

6 7 8
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q = 70 q = 70 q = 70
Notation
qes™ qes™ ³ qeis™ ³
3 3 3 3 3

QE QE QES
6 6 6

Length (Bars) 1 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q = 80-140 q = 80-140 q = 80-160
Notation
qeis Q E qeis Q qeis ™
3
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated
Tempo Whole kit Whole kit Whole kit
Time Signatures
4 5 6 7
4 4 8 8

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Assessment Criteria
Prepared Work

Debut - Grade 2 Grade 3 - Grade 5 Grade 8 - Grade 8

Distinction • Consistent and secure basic • Consistent and secure • Consistent and secure
Pieces 18-20 techniques techniques advanced techniques
Technical exercises 13-15 • Consistent rhythm / pulse • Consistent rhythm / pulse • Consistent rhythm / pulse
• Notation accuracy detailed • Notation / harmonic • Notation / harmonic
throughout accuracy detailed accuracy detailed
• Consistent sync throughout throughout
• Highly confident and • Stylistic direction detailed • Stylistic direction detailed
assured presentation throughout throughout
• Convincing and stylistic solo • Advanced solo / improv
/ improv with stylistic conviction
• Consistent sync • Consistent sync
• Highly confident and assured • Comprehensive
stylistic performance understanding of complete
musical structure
• Convincing communication
through stylistic
performance
Merit • Secure basic techniques • Secure techniques overall • Secure advanced
Pieces 15-17 overall • Secure rhythm / pulse overall techniques overall
Technical exercises 11-12 • Secure rhythm / pulse • Notation / harmonic • Secure rhythm / pulse
overall accuracy observed overall overall
• Notation accuracy observed • Stylistic direction observed • Detailed notation /
overall overall harmonic accuracy
• Mainly synchronised • Stylistic solo / improv overall observed overall
• Confident presentation • Mainly synchronised • Stylistic direction observed
overall • A sense of stylistic overall
performance overall • Convincing and stylistic
solo / improv overall
• Mainly synchronised
• Secure understanding of
complete musical structure
• Good sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Pass • Basic techniques evident • Some secure techniques • Some advanced techniques
Pieces 12-14 • Rhythm / pulse evident evident shown
Technical exercises 9-10 • Notation accuracy evident • Generally secure rhythm / • Generally secure rhythm /
• Sync evident pulse pulse
• Some confidence in • Some notation / harmonic • Notation / harmonic
presentation accuracy evident accuracy observed
• Some stylistic direction • Some stylistic direction
evident observed
• Adequate solo / improv • Solo / improv with some
• Sync evident stylistic conviction
• Some sense of stylistic • Sync evident
performance • General understanding of
musical structure
• Some sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Below Pass 1 • Basic techniques not shown • Techniques hesitant and/or • Advanced techniques
Pieces 6-11 • Rhythm/pulse largely incorrect hesitant and/or incorrect
Technical exercises 4-8 inaccurate • Rhythm/pulse mostly • Rhythm/pulse mostly
• Notation accuracy largely inaccurate inaccurate

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 inaccurate • Notation/harmonic work • Notation/harmonic work
• Sync not achieved hesitant and /or incorrect hesitant and /or incorrect
• Unsure in presentation • Stylistic direction hesitant • Stylistic direction hesitant
and/or incorrect and/or incorrect
• Solo/improv limited in • Solo/improv limited in
stylistic understanding stylistic understanding
• Sync largely not achieved • Sync largely not achieved
• Sense of stylistic • Hesitant in understanding
performance not achieved of musical structure
• Communicating of stylistic
performance not achieved
Below Pass 2 • Incomplete performance • Incomplete performance • Incomplete performance
Pieces 0-5 • No attempt • No attempt • No attempt
Technical exercises 0-3

Unprepared Work

Debut - Grade 8
Distinction • Notation/pitch accuracy correct throughout
Sight/Improv • Consistent rhythm/pulse
QSP/Ear Tests 9-10 • Convincing improv/solo throughout
GMQ 5 • Consistent sync
• Accurate responses
Merit • Notation/pitch correct overall
Sight/Improv • Secure rhythm/pulse overall
QSP/Ear Tests 7-8 • Improv/Solo convincing overall
GMQ 4
• Mainly synchronised
• Accurate responses overall
Pass • Notation/pitch accuracy evident
Sight/Improv • Rhythm/pulse evident
QSP/Ear Tests 6 • Improv/solo evident and generally appropriate
GMQ 3
• Sync evident
• Adequate Responses
Below Pass 1 • Notation/pitch largely inaccurate
Sight/Improv • Rhythm/pulse largely inaccurate
QSP/Ear Tests 3-5 • Improv/solo largely absent or inappropriate
GMQ 2
• Sync largely absent
• Responses vague or incorrect
Below Pass 2 • No attempt
Sight/Improv • Responses not offered
QSP/Ear Tests 0-2
GMQ 0-1

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Exam Regulations
1. Rockschool exams are open to all candidates, irrespective of age and without previously having taken any other grade in the
same subject in accordance with our Equal Opportunities policy.
2. Full payment and relevant documentation must reach the offices of Rockschool on or before the chosen exam period's closing
date. If late entries are received, a £10 fee will be applied to each candidate. The late fee is non-refundable and no guarantee is
made that an exam will be scheduled in the current exam period if the late fee is paid. Fees will be charged for any payments
made with a dishonoured cheque to cover administrative costs and bank charges.
3. Rockschool reserves the right to withhold the release of examination results and certificates until full payment has cleared.
Failure to make full payment inclusive of late fees at least two weeks prior to the exam will result in the exam being cancelled.
4. The dates of the exam periods are as given and may include any date between the start and end of that period inclusive of
weekends, school days and school holiday periods. On application, candidates may give dates within an examination period
when they are unavailable. However, the scheduling of exams is dependent on many factors and therefore Rockschool cannot
guarantee to avoid all such dates.
5. It is the responsibility of the applicant/candidate to read and to abide by these regulations ensuring the correct payment has
been made, the accuracy of information supplied and that those connected with the examination are aware of all relevant
information.
6. Names on certificates will be as on candidate's acknowledgement letter. A £6 fee will be charged if:
a) Any amendments to the name are requested by the candidate after the date of the exam.
b) A replacement certificate is needed due to loss or error in the information given, either by the teacher or candidate.
7. Cancellation of an exam will result in loss of the exam fee. Exam entries may not be transferred from one candidate to another.
Full refunds will only be given for medical reasons and on production of a medical certificate. Partial refunds may be given under
exceptional circumstances at the discretion of Rockschool.
8. Any changes to an exam date or time after it has been scheduled will incur a sliding scale of fees: More than one month to the
exam - £10; within fourteen days of the exam - £20. Please note that any changes to a schedule can only be made by an
authorised Rockschool Exams Officer and are subject to the availability of an alternative exam slot in the period.
9. If a candidate wishes to defer their exam once it has been scheduled they will incur a charge of half the original exam entry fee.
10. Rockschool reserves the right to defer exams until the next available exam period. After one deferral, an exam is guaranteed at
an exam centre chosen by Rockschool. This may not be your local centre.
11. Photocopying of any material to facilitate page turns in the exams is allowed with the copies being retained by the examiner.
12. Candidates must bring in two copies of music for any Free Choice piece(s). One must be an original copy of the piece to be
performed, and one must be a second copy for the examiner, which may be a photocopy. If there is no music available, a zero
mark may be given for the piece. Any queries in writing should be addressed to the Chief Examiner at least two weeks prior to
the exam date. Free Choice backing tracks provided by the candidate must be without the examined part. If an unacceptable
backing track is submitted, a zero mark may be given for the piece.
13. No teacher, or other person, may be present during the preparation of a candidate's Quick Study Piece. Any assistance given
to a candidate may result in disqualification from the examination.
14. Only the examiner and candidate are allowed to be present in the examination room, with the exception of moderators
appointed by Rockschool and teachers/assistants of special needs candidates, agreed by Rockschool in advance.
15. Any candidates with special educational needs must notify the Rockschool office of any special provision needed prior to the
exam and provide medical acknowledgement where possible.
16. All band exams are for the advertised instruments only. No backing CDs may be used in the exam.
17. On occasion an examiner may conclude an element of an exam when enough has been heard to reach a balanced assessment.
18. Entries will be accepted by Rockschool only in accordance with the conditions and regulations stated and in all matters the
decision of Rockschool must be accepted as final.
19. Rockschool operates a quality assured appeals process. All appeals must be made in writing no later than 30 days after receipt
of result. There are three criteria for formal appeals. These are:
a) Appeals in respect of errors in procedure
b) Appeals in respect of errors in matching comments to marks awarded
c) Appeals against Rockschool's decisions on reasonable adjustments or special considerations requests

Second levels of appeal will be charged at a standard fee of £25, payable to Rockschool Ltd. Any successful appeals will be
refunded in full. Third levels of appeal will be charged at a standard fee of £50, payable to Rockschool Ltd. Any successful
appeals will be refunded in full. Full details of Rockschool Ltd's appeal process are available from the Rockschool office or
website (www.rockschool.co.uk).

All fees quoted are inclusive of VAT.

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