Grades can be important for structuring lessons and we strongly encourage tutors to offer these and for students to work through them (while still acknowledging that they aren’t for everyone!). Currently, for Trinity Rock and Pop and classical, online exams are an option alongside in-person. You can find out more information from each relevant grade site including which ones are planning to offer online or offline.
SAM preferred syllabuses – there are others that you are also welcome to use – Please check requirements as some conditions vary (such as number of songs and free choice song options)
It is also always worth checking that the songs are still relevant, for example a syllabus can change as seen here: https://www.trinityrock.com/rock-pop-syllabus-changes-faqs
If you feel your student / child is ready to take an exam but there are no updates from the grade syllabus regarding on or offline exams, one option could be that they move onto the next grade, tutors will inform the parents of this via mySAM or when you see them online – likewise if this is something a parent requires and hasn’t managed to communicate with the tutor, please email SAM and we will pass the message on.
FAQs:
How will I know when my child is ready to start and sit their grade exam?
Your tutor will discuss the opportunity of grade exams during your lessons, they will also detail the information in your lesson reports via mySAM. It’s important to check the lesson reports weekly for updates, especially when preparing to sit a grade exam. Please ask your tutor if you have any questions or contact the SAM team. Sometimes before the exam, a pre-exam one-off lesson is advised.
Where can I find the entry deadlines for the grade exam I wish to sit?
We recommend that you check the exam board’s website for entry deadlines and exam dates. Your tutor will inform you via your mySAM lesson reports when they feel you’re ready to sit your exam. Please note that for some exam boards, there is no entry deadline for the digital exams, instead you will have a time frame of 2 weeks to submit your recordings once paid.
Who enters a student for an exam and how does the process work?
It is the responsibility of the parents / guardians to enter and pay for exams on request of the tutor. This information will be written by the tutor in the students’ mySAM.
Will the student need accompaniment and what happens if they do?
Often for classical instrument and vocal grades an accompanist will be required. Ideally the tutor will accompany the student, if this is not possible (teaching commitments etc) – please contact SAM as soon as possible so the contact details of local accompanists can be provided for the parent / guardian to arrange. If a rehearsal is required and not possible at home, this may be hosted online.
Where do they take place?
There are specific centres across the county, usually within a reasonable travelling distance. Many syllabuses are looking at online alternatives.
Does the student need to complete grade 1 to enter grade 2?
No, however there will be various scales and techniques covered in the preliminary grade and every grade thereafter that can be used in following grades, therefore must be taught to the student.
Does the student need a book for grades and how is this incorporated into the lessons?
Yes, the students’ need a book for every grade, the lessons leading up to the exams will focus on pieces, scales and techniques in preparation. The lessons can also include working on separate “non grade” exercises to vary the learning, with obvious focus more on grades closer to the exam. Tutors will ask parents to purchase the books through the mySAM lesson reports.
