Overview
Trinity College London offers graded music exams in several families: Classical and Jazz, Rock and Pop, Theory of Music, and music certificate exams, plus performance diplomas (ATCL, LTCL and FTCL). Trinity says performance is at the heart of its music grades. This page describes the Classical and Jazz graded exams, which are covered in detail on Trinity's public pages.
Levels or stages
Exams are numbered from Initial (offered in many subjects) to Grade 8. Initial is an introduction to the exam system for new performers. Trinity's syllabus formats cannot be combined: a Rock and Pop song cannot be used as a piece in a Classical and Jazz exam.
Exam pattern
Candidates can choose a face-to-face exam with an examiner or a digital exam by video upload.
| Format | Pieces | Technical work | Supporting tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to face | 3 pieces (4 for Singing Grades 6 to 8): 66 marks (68 for Singing 6 to 8) | Scales, arpeggios, exercises or orchestral extracts, with a selection requested by the examiner: 14 marks (12 for Singing 6 to 8) | Two tests from sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge, depending on grade and choice: 20 marks |
| Digital, Technical Work pathway | Same pieces: 66 marks (68) | Reduced technical requirements: 14 marks (12) | Assessed through the whole performance: 20 marks |
| Digital, Repertoire Only pathway | 4 pieces (5 for Singing Grades 6 to 8): 100 marks | None | None |
The total is 100 marks in each case.
Syllabus
Classical and Jazz syllabuses no longer have fixed end dates. Most repertoire stays valid indefinitely, subject to copyright and territory, and Trinity says planned changes are announced at least 12 months ahead. Always check that your pieces appear in the current syllabus or repertoire list for your instrument category.
How to apply
Book through Trinity, choosing the subject, grade and exam format. Trinity publishes syllabus PDFs and repertoire lists for each instrument category, such as brass, guitar, piano, singing, bowed strings and woodwind.
FAQs
How are Trinity Classical and Jazz grade exams marked?
Out of 100: 66 marks for pieces, 14 for technical work and 20 for supporting tests in a face-to-face exam. The Repertoire Only digital pathway puts all 100 marks on the pieces.
Can I take a Trinity music exam by video?
Yes. Classical and Jazz grades can be taken digitally, by video upload, through either the Technical Work or Repertoire Only pathway. Music certificate exams are face-to-face only.