TRINITY EXAM SYLLABUS 20212023 INTITIAL-GRADE 8
Trinity College London ISMN: 978-0-85736-914-7 (Initial); -915-4 (1); -916-1 (2); -917-8 (3); -918-5 (4); -919-2 (5); -920-8 (6); -921-5 (7); -922-2 (8)
Trinity’s new piano syllabus covers the same graded levels as its previous iterations – an Initial grade followed by Grades 1 to 8. Books for each grade are available in two variants. One contains 12 pieces, performance notes, and the complete set of six newly written exercises. The other, extended, version additionally includes scales and arpeggios, and a code that provides access to an e-book containing the sheet music for nine more pieces from the syllabus (which is actually the music printed in their 2018-2020 books), and audio recordings for all of these 21 pieces. For a marginal increase in price, the latter version represents the much better deal.
Not to be outdone by ABRSM, who increased its repertoire lists significantly for its 2021-2022 piano syllabus to 30 pieces per grade, Trinity has raised their total to 35 pieces per grade. In the first five grades a candidate is given complete freedom to compile a balanced programme of three pieces from the 35, whilst in the three highest grades, candidates are required to choose two pieces from one half of the syllabus and one from the other. Given that around half or more of the repertoire has been composed in the last century, candidates taking any of the grades are able to prepare three modern pieces should they wish to do so, and a candidate can perform their own composition as part of their programme. This flexibility is both a strength and weakness – a candidate is able to tailor their exam to their strengths, but this also gives rise to the perception of being an easier syllabus.
The graded repertoire lists contain a typically varied selection of contemporary repertoire. There are many noteworthy inclusions across the grades but highlights that may be less familiar to readers are
Stealth Mode by Melody Bober (Grade 1),
nDcvr Agnt by Sandra Lynch (Grade 3), and
Forty Winks by Mark Tanner (Grade 4). The modern-weighted repertoire coupled with the relatively modest scale/arpeggio requirements and attractive aural tests will ensure that Trinity remains a serious alternative to ABRSM for many candidates.