Trinity’s new Repertoire-only Pathway for Classical & Jazz digital exams has now launched, giving you and your students the option to choose between a new Repertoire-only pathway and our established Technical Work pathway, which follows the familiar format of our existing digital exams. In this blog, we take a look at the Repertoire-only pathway, supporting you in making the most appropriate progression route choices for your students.
Our new Repertoire-only pathway utilises just what the name suggests – repertoire. Candidates will perform four pieces from the current repertoire lists, and each will be marked out of 25. Candidates taking Grades 6-8 Singing will be required to perform five songs, each being marked out of 20.
More choice
Not all teachers teach in the same way, and not all learners learn in the same way! Trinity’s ethos focuses on providing assessments which are relevant to the largest possible number of learners and educators through offering choice and flexibility within and across its exam offers. We believe that a candidate should be enabled to demonstrate their musical abilities in the ways which are most relevant to them. You can already benefit from this through the various options within the exams, and now can even select the digital exam format which is most relevant to you.
There are many reasons why candidates and teachers might want to make use of this new pathway. Some students engage more readily with repertoire than anything else and having the option to focus on the pieces can deepen their engagement with their instrumental learning. As a teacher, you can select pieces which will focus on particular aspects of technique or musicianship, or use the breadth of choice to broaden your students’ musical outlook – they can choose pieces which they are excited about practising and performing!
It undoubtedly gives students more choice and ownership of their own development: this can be an important factor in helping students to stay motivated and keep learning. There is also the aspect of programme building to consider – whilst not a requirement, this can be a useful tool and talking point in lessons. This can also help with wider performance preparations outside of the exam context.
The Repertoire-only route, alongside the other options for exams, offers increased accessibility for all candidates, and allows for a wide range of teaching and learning approaches. There is so much that can be learnt from the study of any particular piece in terms of technique, music theory, music history, and aural skills, and the option to select pieces from a wide range of styles and genres is sure to please all learners, at all ages and stages of development.
It’s worth namechecking that this isn’t the only innovation this nature on offer this year. Late 2022 saw the removal of syllabus end dates, allowing for all repertoire to continue to be available for all present and future exams. You’ll be able to play the music you love for as long as you wish to! And, as we’ll continue producing the usual, high quality, inspirational music that you’re used to seeing on a regular basis, the amount of repertoire you can choose from for your exam will continue to grow. The Repertoire-only pathway provides everyone with the perfect opportunity to choose an extra piece! The recently released 2023 Piano syllabus offers a huge range of styles and genres and finding a selection of pieces which motivate and encourage will be easier than ever.
Whilst this new pathway offers increased flexibility by enabling you to choose a fourth piece (or fifth for singers at Grades 6-8), examiners will be expecting to see the same standards of instrumental technique and musical skills as in any other graded exam – this new format enables you to demonstrate your prowess through the context of a performance which echoes real life. Think of it as a mini concert or recital. This approach will be a perfect fit for the type of learner who really enjoys focusing more on shaping and creating their exam performance.
All of our graded exams, whether face-to-face, digital, Technical Work pathway or Repertoire-only carry the same currency and value as each other. They are all regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales, and recognised by a number of international education authorities globally. They still provide progression routes into further or higher education, and hold the same UCAS points and Progress 8 points. You can read more about UCAS and Progress 8 points here.
Support
For an overview of the specific changes and how to book and submit for a Repertoire-only Pathway examination, check out our recent blog. The option to book a Repertoire-only Pathway examination is now available on our digital booking site. If you require assistance with your booking, or have any questions about the new exam option, you can reach us at UK&I.DigitalGradesandDiplomas@trinitycollege.com
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