A harp exam is a practical exam usually conducted by a recognised exam board. There is absolutely no requirement to sit these, but some learners like them as a way to set goals and assess their level.
The practical exams usually consist of performing 3 or more assigned pieces plus technical work such as scales, arpeggios or studies, and additional musicality tests, which may include aural tests, sight-reading, general knowledge and more.
Harp exams are conducted by an examiner trained by the exam board. They will hold deep knowledge of the competency requirements for each level (or grade, as most exam boards call them).
There are quite a number of exam boards in the world, but for lever harp, the most popular ones are ABRSM, Trinity College London and RCS Traditional Music Graded Exams.
Each exam board sets forth its own exam criteria and submission rules. This blog post gives a comparison between the 3 most common exam boards found in the UK: ABRSM, Trinity and RCS. Often people ask which is the ‘best’ exam board to follow - I think it is not a matter of ‘better or worse’, but they are different according to your goals and targets in your musical education.
N.B.. ABRSM and TCL go up to Grade 8. RCS only go up to Grade 5.
Pieces
ABRSM – There are 3 lists of pieces (A, B and C), each with 6 different choices. The candidate picks one piece from each list. The syllabus lists feature a broad range of repertoire, with items to suit and appeal to candidates of differing ages, backgrounds and interests, however is definitely more slanted towards ‘classical’ style pieces. Syllabus last revised in 2019.
Trinity – There is a long list of pieces and the candidate picks 3 contrasting choices. Big mix of styles available. There is also an option to enter your own compositions for one of the pieces. Syllabus last revised in 2020.
RCS – The music for this syllabus is all Traditional in style. There are 3 lists of pieces: 1) Airs, 2) Dance Tunes and 3) Recently-composed Tunes. The candidate picks one piece from each list. Rather than have to buy 3 separate books, most of the pieces are published in one edition.
Technical exercises
ABRSM – there is a large number of scales, arpeggios, dominant 7ths etc – which increases with each grade you take
Trinity – Candidates perform one of the following options:
◗ Scales, arpeggios & exercises
◗ Studies
In option 1, Candidates prepare the scales and arpeggios set for the grade, and play a selection as requested by the examiner. Exercises are also played.
In option 2 candidate play Studies - specially composed short pieces designed to demonstrate and develop key areas of technique through performance. Candidates should prepare all three studies listed for the grade, two of which are played in the exam. One is chosen by the candidate and one by the examiner.
RCS - Technical work for Scottish Traditional Music Graded Exams will include a limited number of scales, arpeggios and technical exercises.
Supporting tests
ABRSM – in addition to scales and pieces, students are also tested on sight reading and aural skills.
Trinity – At Initial to Grade 5, candidates choose two supporting tests from four options:
Sight reading
Aural
Improvisation
Musical knowledge
At Grades 6–8, all candidates are assessed in sight reading, and choose either aural or improvisation for their second supporting test
RCS – There are two components to this – a Quick Study and Practical and Aural Musicianship. The Quick Study, in which you are to play back a short piece of music, can be done by ear or by sight. Practical and Aural Musicianship (PAM) comprises a short series of tests designed to encourage your understanding of traditional rhythms and tune idioms, and challenge your ability to echo and improvise responses to musical prompts.
All in all, exams can be an enriching part of your harp journey, but they are in no way a necessity. When used correctly, they can offer an invigorating challenge, if used incorrectly, they are often the main reason students quit harp lessons.
If you want to take exams, make sure you inform your teacher asap. It may mean a slight change in focus in your lessons, and it will undoubtedly help them with their lesson planning!