Piano own composition starting points

Written by Sample HubSpot User | Jul 3, 2018 6:24:14 PM

In our piano exams, candidates can choose to perform an own composition as one of their pieces, which can enhance their musical experience in a number of ways:

it brings music theory to life
it enables learners to express their creativity
it helps with developing an understanding of musical styles and composers
it provides flexibility and choice, making the exam personalised and tailored to the needs of the individual
it encourages a holistic approach to learning music: performing, composing, listening, improvising

Own composition as part of a piano exam

Here are some guidelines for performing an own composition piece in an exam:

Own composition pieces will be assessed in the same way as our listed repertoire. Marks are not awarded for the quality of the composition
Own compositions must be comparable in technical and musical demand to the pieces listed for the same grade. Examples of compositional techniques that may be used at each level are listed in each grade section of the piano syllabus
A typeset or handwritten copy of the composition must be given to the examiner at the beginning of the exam
At Initial to Grade 5, own compositions may be notated in any easily readable form, including graphic score or lead-sheet. At Grades 6–8 they must be notated on a stave. Marks will be deducted if notation is incomplete or inaccurate, or if the performance varies significantly from the notation
Own compositions should be candidates’ own unaided work, although teachers may offer guidance as necessary

Musical starting points and suggested techniques

For help with getting going, the following PDF provides a series of own composition starting points. These sample openings can be used as part of the piece presented in the exam. The PDF features, for each grade:

a suggested musical starting point (as staff notation)
the required duration of the piece
some ideas for compositional techniques that may be included

Download Own Composition Piano Starting Points PDF

You can also listen to accompanying audio of these starting points by downloading the following MP3 files:

Initial – example 1 Initial – example 2 Initial – example 3	Grade 1 – example 1 Grade 1 – example 2 Grade 1 – example 3	Grade 2 – example 1 Grade 2 – example 2 Grade 2 – example 3
Grade 3 – example 1 Grade 3 – example 2 Grade 3 – example 3	Grade 4 – example 1 Grade 4 – example 2 Grade 4 – example 3	Grade 5 – example 1 Grade 5 – example 2 Grade 5 – example 3
Grade 6 – example	Grade 7 – example	Grade 8 – example

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