Posted by Dean E on November 24, 2003 at 23:07:30:
In Reply to: Difficulty Ratings posted by Mark Wiseman on November 24, 2003 at 20:14:17:
Any reference to a difficulty grade level would do well to tell the reader which grading system is applicable. There's a diversity of state-by-state, as well as in-state, standards.
A couple of weeks ago, I asked about grading in the SmartGroups TubaEuph forum and received an informative private e-mail from the UK.
Grading internationally is overseen by at least three boards: (a) the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, (b) the Trinity College of Music, London, and (c) the Guildhall School of Music in the UK. They certify grades 1-8 and award diplomas.
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music:
Was founded in London in 1889 and now represents four Royal Colleges of Music in the U.K. The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal College of Music [both in London], The Royal Northern College of Music [in Manchester], and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama [in Glasgow].
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The grade examinations start with Grade 1 and are numbered progressively in order of difficulty to Grade 8. Entrance to Associated Board examinations is totally non-discriminatory [except for the age limit on Adult Assessment] and the only information asked of candidates is their name, instrument and Grade entered, and contact address of the person who entered them for the examination.
So the candidate who enters for Grade 1 could be aged 8 or 80. However, as most youngsters start learning an instrument between the ages of 7 - 10, that will be the age range of the majority of Grade 1 candidates. Progression through the Grades is usually one grade per year, so most Grade 8 candidates will probably be in their late ‘teens. After Grade 8 the student can progress to the Advanced Certificate examination. [Although not a graded examination, the standard expected to pass at Advanced Certificate level would be the equivalent of Grade 10, if such a grade existed.] This covers all instruments and singing and is a pre-entry requirement for the highest level examination offered by the Board; the Licentiate Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music. The LRSM is a professional qualification equivalent in standard to the graduate diplomas conferred by any one of the Royal Colleges of Music.
Dean E