From the Trinity exam specifications for Electronic Keyboard
Instruments
Electronic Keyboard
?? Candidates are responsible for providing their own keyboard, music stand, keyboard stand, power adaptor and seat (if required).
?? A mains power supply will be available at centres but candidates should check with the representative to ensure it is within easy reach of the instrument.
?? Candidates are responsible for the electrical safety of any equipment used in their exam.
?? The steward will normally be responsible for assisting with the setting up and removal of the
instrument but the candidate should have a full working knowledge of the set up procedure.
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Instruments must have at least the following specification:
–– Range: minimum 4 octaves (Initial–Grade 1); minimum 5 octaves (Grades 2–5)
–– Keyboard: full-size keys
–– Capability — from Grade 2: minimum 16-note polyphonic capacity; a range of individual
voices and rhythm styles; dual voice/layer.
—— from Grade 3: registration memory; touch sensitivity option.
—— from Grade 5: left split point.
—— from Grade 6: a minimum of 8 registrations which can be pre-programmed before the exam; touch sensitivity (compulsory); left voice; accompaniment split point; pedal function with different settings to include sustain, registration change, fill, rhythm start/stop; pitch bend function with moveable range; octave transpose for both right and left voices; chord settings to include fingered chords, fingered on bass and full keyboard chords.
?? All pieces and tests will be assessed on the musicality of the candidate’s performance and not on the capacity of the instrument itself. However, performances that fail to realise a large amount of the performance information on the printed score will not be able to attract high marks.
?? Candidates may therefore adapt the music making use of the resources available. Any changes must not substantially alter the character of the pieces (e.g. changing Clarinet/March, Electric Guitar/Ballad).
?? Up to and including Grade 2, candidates using keyboards without registration memory may find it necessary to alter the voice from that stipulated in the music to facilitate quick changes; for example,
by selecting voices with near or adjacent menu locations which give a noticeable voice change.
?? The ability to use dual voice and to program voice changes is important to build a musically interesting performance.
?? The use of volume control is important to add interest and shape and should follow the dynamics marked in the score. Volume may be varied manually, through foot pedals or through a touch sensitive keyboard setting as appropriate.
?? The use of Accompaniment B and, optionally, Accompaniments C and D at Grades 6–8, can also add a feeling of climax and direction.
?? Left and Accompaniment Split Point functions are required at Grades 6–8. Pieces which require these functions have split points suggested for 5 octave keyboards where middle C is C3.
?? Guides for use of Octave Transpose on 5 octave keyboards are printed on Grades 6–8 pieces which require this function.
About the exams
?? Further guidance on keyboard functions and a Glossaries of Terms for Initial-Grade 8 are provided
on our website.
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Candidates may introduce further changes according to the capabilities of their instrument, as long as they add to the musical whole.
?? Auto intro/endings may only be used where indicated and integrated within the style and
instrumentation of the piece. They should not exceed four bars in length.
?? Pre-recorded material is not permitted in Electronic Keyboard exams, but registration memory facilities may be used.