RSL G1 2019

Piano Grade 1
Performance pieces, technical exercises, supporting tests and in-depth

guidance for Rockschool examinations
All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads
Input the following code when prompted: 2YA5STMH4L
For more information, turn to page 5
www.rslawards.com
Acknowledgements
Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2019

Catalogue Number: RSK200090
ISBN: 978-1-78936-055-4
Initial Release | Errata details can be found at www.rslawards.com/errata
SYLLABUS MUSICIANS
Syllabus designed and written by Jono Harrison Piano and Keyboards: Jono Harrison, Gary Sanctuary,
Syllabus Director: Tim Bennett-Hart Ross Stanley & Tania Ilyashova
Syllabus consultants: Gary Sanctuary, Chris Stanbury, Drums & Percussion: Pete Riley and Richard Brook
Simon Troup and Jennie Troup Bass & Synth Bass: Andy Robertson
Hit Tune arrangements by Jono Harrison and Gary Sanctuary Guitars: Rory Harvey, Nat Martin and Jono Harrison
Supporting Tests written by Jono Harrison, Chris Stanbury, Saxophone: Jonathan Griffiths
Nik Preston and Ash Preston Trombone: Tom George White and Norton York
Syllabus advisors: Tim Bennett-Hart, Brian Ashworth, Trumpet: Nick Mead and John Simpson
Stuart Slater, Peter Huntington, Bruce Darlington, Lead and Backing Vocals: Glen Harvey & Katie Hector
Simon Troup and Jennie Troup Additional Programming: Jono Harrison
PUBLISHING DISTRIBUTION
Proof reading of arrangements by Sharon Kelly, Simon Troup, Exclusive Distributors: Hal Leonard
Jennie Troup and Jono Harrison
Music engraving and book layout by Simon and Jennie Troup of CONTACTING ROCKSCHOOL
Digital Music Art www.rslawards.com
RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

Fact files written and edited by Abbie Thomas Telephone: +44 (0)345 460 4747
Notes written by Roland Perrin Email: [email protected]
Proof reading and copy editing by Gemma Bull, Jono Harrison
and Jennie Troup EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Cover design by Philip Millard of Rather Nice Design John Simpson, Norton York
Cover photograph: Ariana Grande © Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
AUDIO
Produced by Jono Harrison
Engineered by Jono Harrison, Gary Sanctuary, Tim Bennett-Hart,
Pete Riley, Richard Brook, Rory Harvey and Andy Robertson
Assisted by Paul Pritchard at Abbey Road
Recorded at Dock Street Studios, The Dairy and Abbey Road
Mixed by Patrick Phillips
Mastered by Francis Gorini
Supporting Tests recorded by Chris Stanbury and Jono Harrison

Piano Grade 1
2
Table of Contents
Introductions & Information
1 Title Page
2 Acknowledgements
3 Table of Contents
4 Welcome to Rockschool Piano Grade 1
6 Performance and Technical Guidance
Rockschool Grade Pieces
7 ‘Tattooed Heart’.............................................. . . . . . . . . . . Ariana Grande

11 ‘Hallelujah’.......................................................... . . . . . . . . . Jeff Buckley
15 ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ .......... . . . . . . . . . From ‘The Lion King’ (1994)
19 ‘Wildest Dreams’............................................ . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Swift
23 ‘Let It Be’.. ............................................................ . . . . . . . . . . The Beatles
27 ‘I’m Not the Only One’.. ............................... . . . . . . . . . Sam Smith
Technical Exercises
32 Scales, Arpeggios & Chord Voicings

Supporting Tests
37 Sight Reading
38 Improvisation & Interpretation
39 Ear Tests
40 General Musicianship Questions
Additional Information
41 Entering Rockschool Exams

42 Marking Schemes
43 Copyright Information
44 Piano Notation Explained
Piano Grade 1
3
Welcome to Rockschool Piano Grade 1
Welcome to Rockschool’s Piano syllabus 2019. This syllabus is designed to support pianists in their progression from
Debut to Grade 8, through an engaging and rigorous pathway covering all the genres, stylistic elements, techniques and
musical skills required for success as a contemporary pianist.
Piano Exams
At each grade you have the option of taking one of two different types of examination:
■■Grade Exam
A Grade Exam is a mixture of music performances, technical work and tests. You are required to prepare three pieces
(two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) and the contents of the Technical Exercise section. This accounts for 75% of
the exam marks. The other 25% consists of: either a Sight Reading or an Improvisation & Interpretation test (10%),
two Ear Tests (10%), and finally you will be asked five General Musicianship Questions (5%). The pass mark is 60%.
■■Performance Certificate
A Performance Certificate is equivalent to a Grade Exam, but in a Performance Certificate you are required to perform
five pieces. A maximum of three of these can be Free Choice Pieces. Each song is marked out of 20 and the pass mark
is 60%.
All elements required to participate in a Rockschool exam can be found in the grade book. These are as follows:
■■Exam Pieces

The 2019 syllabus comprises six ‘hit tune’ arrangements, benchmarked and devised so as to equip contemporary
pianists with industry-relevant skills in any performance environment. These fall into three categories:
Melody & Accompaniment

These arrangements are performed to full band backing tracks, with the piano performing both melody
and accompaniment
Solo Piano Arrangement

These are full solo piano arrangements, performed without backing tracks
Vocal Accompaniment
These arrangements cover the skills required of contemporary pianists in ensemble environments, be they on
the stage or in the studio. The backing tracks feature vocalists, and the piano parts are reflective of what session
pianists would perform live or on mainstream commercial recordings
Each ‘hit tune’ arrangement is preceded by a Fact File, giving surrounding context to the piece and the original
performers/recording artists.
Furthermore, at the end of each arrangement you will find notes giving additional supportive context to get the most
out of the pieces.
■■Technical Exercises
There are either three or four groups of technical exercise, depending on the grade:
Debut–Grade 8:
Group A: Scales
Group B: Arpeggios/Broken Chords
Piano Grade 1
Group C: Chord Voicings
Grades 4–8 only:

Group D: Technical Study
4
■■Supporting Tests
There are three types of unprepared supporting tests in the exam:
1. The first type can be one of two options (this is the candidate’s choice):
Either:
Sight Reading tests, developing the musician’s ability to read and perform previously unseen material;
or:
Improvisation & Interpretation tests, developing the musician’s ability to develop previously unseen
material in a stylistic way and perform improvised passages of melody. The book contains examples of
both types of test – equivalent ‘unseen’ examples will be provided for the examination
2. Ear Tests
Debut–Grade 3: feature Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition
Grades 4–8: feature Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall
3. General Musicianship Questions (GMQs), which you will be asked by the examiner at the end of each exam
General Information
You will find information on exam procedures, including online examination entry, marking schemes, information on
Free Choice Pieces and improvisation requirements for each grade.

Audio
In addition to the grade book, we have also provided audio in the form of backing tracks (minus piano) and full tracks
(including piano) for all ‘hit tune’ arrangements, technical exercises and supporting tests (where applicable). We have
provided professional performance recordings of all solo piano pieces in the syllabus. This audio can be downloaded from
RSL directly at www.rslawards.com/downloads
You will need to input this code when prompted: 2YA5STMH4L
The audio files are supplied in MP3 format. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any compatible device.
Further Information
You can find further details about Rockschool’s Contemporary Piano syllabus by downloading the syllabus guide from our
website: www.rslawards.com
All candidates should download and read the accompanying syllabus guide when using this grade book.
Piano Grade 1
5
Performance and Technical Guidance
Fingering
Any fingering annotation is given as a guide only.
Interpretation
Notation should be performed exactly as written, except where there are performance indications to ad. lib, improvise,
develop, etc. In these instances, the candidate will be marked on their ability to interpret the music in a stylistically
appropriate way, commensurate with the grade level.
Adaptation
A small degree of adaptation is allowed where, for example, hand stretches do not facilitate the required notated parts.
Marks may be deducted if adaptation results in over-simplification of the notation. If in doubt you can submit any
adaptation enquiries to [email protected]
Articulation & Dynamics

Where articulation and dynamics are marked on the notation, they should be followed. Where it is open to interpretation,
the candidate is free to take their own approach.
Pedalling
The candidate may use the pedal freely at any grade, but it should be applied judiciously as marks may be deducted for any
over usage resulting in an unclear tone. In addition, where pedalling is written into (or out of) the notation, this should
be observed.
Chord Symbols

Most hit tune arrangements have chord symbols written above the notation. This is purely for guidance, and to assist the
candidate and teacher.
Piano Grade 1
6
Tattooed Heart
SONG TITLE: ‘TATTOOED HEART’

ALBUM: YOURS TRULY
Pop s
RELEASED: 2013
q = 75
LABEL: REPUBLIC
#4 ˙
A
˙˙˙
G
˙˙
GENRE: POP/R&B
& 4 ˙˙
WRITTEN BY: GRANDE/BABYFACE/
RIDDICK-TYNES/
˙
P
THOMAS III/DIXON/
˙
SQUIRE/SEAN FOREMAN
? # 44 w
PRODUCED BY: BABYFACE/DIXON/
THE RASCALS/SQUIRE/
NATHANIEL MOTTE
UK CHART PEAK: N/A

# C has released four studio albums, all of
˙˙˙
‘Tattooed Heart’ is the fourth song to feature on Grande
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

Ariana Grande’s debut studio album, Yours Truly. which debuted in the top ten of the UK album charts,
Although never released as a single, the song has and has three UK number 1 singles so far. With her
over 7 million views on YouTube and over 44 million fifth studio album Thank U, Next due for release soon,
streams on Spotify. The album from which it stems it can only be assumed that her success will continue
was met by critical acclaim, with many reviewers and she’ll have yet another top ten album to be proud
?# w ˙
being surprised by its sophistication and Grande’s of. The lead single from the up and coming album
vocal capabilities. Many compared Grande to the likes of the same name recently broke a UK Chart record
on Mariah Carey, which doesn’t surprise as she is and now claims the highest number of streams in a
renowned for her ability to mimic others. week, hitting 14.9 million and overtaking Ed Sheeran’s
‘Shape of You’ which previously held the record at
Ariana Grande was born in Florida in 1993 to [5] 14.2 million.
Italian heritage and began her showbusiness career
at the young age of 15, starring in Broadway musical Although she is yet to win a Grammy, Grande does
‘13’. She then went on to fill the role of Cat Valentine have six nominations to her name and has won three
for Nickelodeon’s television series ‘Victorious’, with American Music Awards, two NME awards and a long
# ˙
whom she launched her music career by featuring on list of many more.
˙˙˙ ˙˙
the official Music from Victorious (2011) soundtrack. G
& ˙˙ ˙
Her debut album, Yours Truly, was released in 2013
and topped the US Billboard album charts, whilst
peaking at number 7 in the UK. Grande lists her
influences for Yours Truly as Whitney Houston,
˙
Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera and Mariah
?# w
Carey, detailing that much of the album is a homage
to the R&B sounds of the 90s which many of these
talented singers contributed to. The album also had
Piano Grade 1
top ten success in Australia, Canada, Denmark, The

Netherlands, and Japan.
[9]
7
Tattooed Heart
Ariana Grande
q = 75 Pop s
D 7/F #
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Piano Grade 1
&
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
[17]
Words & Music by Kenneth Edmonds, Antonio Dixon, Matthew Squire, Ariana Grande, Sean Foreman, Leon Thomas & Khristopher Van Riddick Tynes
8
© Copyright 2013 Seven Peaks Music/Faze 2 Music/EMI Blackwood Music Inc/Universal Music Corporation/Songs Of Universal Inc/Cletis Jones/Sony-ATV Tunes LLC/
Rafael’s Son Music/Master Falcon Music/Khristopher Van Riddick Tynes Music Publishing/Tone Face Music/Grandarimari.
Universal Music Publishing Limited/Kobalt Music Publishing Limited/Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited/EMI Music Publishing Limited /Universal /MCA Music Limited.
All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.
( )
Em D
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3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
&
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& ˙˙ œœœ œœœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ œœœ

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Piano Grade 1
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[31]
9
Notes
Although there are no eighth-note rhythms in the piano part, teachers might think about preparing students for other songs
by discussing the concept of swing feel – perhaps by explaining that swing feel skips, rather than ticking like a clock.
This song is influenced by pop music from the 1950’s, and teachers might enjoy listening to Elvis Presley (‘Can’t Help Falling
In Love’) and The Righteous Brothers (‘Unchained Melody’) with students. Understanding the context and history of songs
can help deepen the student’s engagement with the music.
It is important that students should keep a steady pulse throughout Section A. In slow moving passages of music, the
challenge lies in avoiding the temptation to pre-empt each chord and inadvertently speed up. Practise the right hand
separately before adding in the left-hand bass line. When you put both hands together, make sure to listen carefully and aim
for all notes within the chord to sound clearly and precisely at the same time.
Pay careful attention to the staccato chords in bars 8 and 16. Remember that staccato chords are different from accented
chords. Aim to keep the volume the same as the previous bar and count the following rests carefully.
In bars 17 to 24, the left hand plays quite high in the treble clef. Students will need to learn to move their left arm across
their body, and must be discouraged from moving to the right of the piano stool. Teacher must also ensure that students
maintain a straight back during this passage.
Section C is a repeat of the opening first 8 bars of the piece. Be careful to observe the tied whole-note rhythm in bars 33
and 34, holding the chord right to the end of the final bar of the piece.

Piano Grade 1
10
Hallelujah
SONG TITLE: ‘HALLELUJAH’

ALBUM: GRACE
RELEASED: 2007
LABEL: COLUMBIA qd = 60 Folk/Rock
68 ‰ ‰
GENRE: FOLK/ALTERNATIVE ROCK C Am
& œ œ œ
œ œ œ
WRITTEN BY: LEONARD COHEN
PRODUCED BY: JEFF BUCKLEY/
p
ANDY WALLACE
j
UK CHART PEAK: 2
? 68 œ . œ œ œ.
j j

œ œ œ
Am
& .. œ
C
œ œ œ
This song was written and originally released It seemed that at last the mastery of the song was
by Canadian singer songwriter Leonard Cohen. receiving the acclaim it deserved.
Featuring on his 1984 album Various Positions, the
œ˙ ..
track initially found little success and peaked at Jeff Buckley’s album Grace was released in 1994 and
number 59 on the US Billboard singles chart. It is with initially achieved poor sales, peaking at number 149
? .. ˙˙˙ ... ˙.
Jeff Buckley’s 1994 version that the song received the in the US Billboard Album Chart. However, by 2007
critical acclaim it deserved. Certainly a songwriter’s the album as a worldwide success and had sales of
masterpiece, Cohen delivered a powerful lyric and over 2 million copies globally. Grace has been cited by
melody. However, it was Buckley’s haunting vocal and critics and listeners as one of the greatest albums of all
arrangement that saw the song peak at number 2 in time. Sadly, Jeff Buckley never lived to see the success
the UK Singles Chart. of his work and will never know the impression his
[5]
adaption of Hallelujah had on its listeners. At six and
Jeff Buckley featured his version of the track on a half minutes long, his version takes the listener on a
his one and only album, Grace (1994). Hallelujah was whirlwind of emotions, with constant highs and lows
never officially released as a single at the time and his vocal is mesmerising to listen to and the lyrics
j j
featured only as an album track. It wasn’t until ten can be heard far clearer than on Cohen’s original. Of
j
years after Buckley’s untimely passing that the song course, the credit for writing such a beautiful piece
œ œ œ œ œ
F Cohen’s but had it not been for Buckley’s
& œ
was released as a single in 2007. Since it’s release, remains
Buckley’s version has been held as one of the greatest interpretation we may never have known the genius of
interpretations of all time and is regarded highly by the lyric.
artists to this day. John Legend famously reports that
˙˙˙ ... œœœ ...

Buckley’s posthumous release is ‘…one of the most
beautiful pieces of recorded music I’ve ever heard.’
In 2004 ‘Rolling Stone Magazine’ ranked Buckley’s

rendition at number 259 in their ‘The 500 Greatest ?
Piano Grade 1
Songs of All Time’ list, long before its single release. In

2007, Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’ was named ‘The Greatest
[9]
Song of All Time’ by The International Observer.
11
F
Hallelujah
Jeff Buckley
qd = 60 Folk/Rock
& 68 ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ j
C Am C Am
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p
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j j j j j
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? .. ˙˙˙ ... œ˙ .. œ. ˙˙˙ .. œœ .. œ œ

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[5]

F
j j j
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Œ j
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[13]
œ œ œ œ œ j
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Piano Grade 1
Œ. œ œ œ. Œ.
[17]
© Copyright 1984 Bad Monk Publishing.

12 Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited.
1.
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F Am
& œ. œ. œ. œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ œ
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˙. ˙˙˙ ... ˙˙ .. œœ .. œœ ..
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[21]
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˙. ˙˙ ..
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[25]

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[29]
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[33]
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Piano Grade 1
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[38]
13
Notes
F
The tender, semi-religious feel of this song needs to be mirrored by the performer’s careful following of the dynamic
markings – the playing must never rise above the marked .
The opening four bars help set the mood of the piece and should be played legato, allowing the flowing pattern to pass
evenly between the hands.
After the simple introduction, the left hand takes on a more of an accompanying role while the right hand should be allowed
to take the lead, continuing to play legato. Be careful not to allow this shift in roles to lead to an increase in the overall
volume, and strive to maintain the gentle quiet mood established in the introduction.
Note that the lyrical melody line in the right-hand part starts on the final eighth-note of bar 4 and not at the start of bar 5!
This is also the case for the final eighth note at the end of the first time repeat in bar 32.
It is worth spending time practicing the left hand part separately to secure all of your hand position changes when moving
from one chord voicing to the next. Pay particular attention to the hand position change when moving from the G major
chord position in bar 17 to the E major chord in bar 18. Playing these two bars in isolation at a slower tempo will help to
secure a confident and quick change.
From bar 21 onwards, many bars contain longer, sustained rhythm patterns. It will be important to keep the pulse steady to
avoid speeding up or slowing down.

Piano Grade 1
14
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
SONG TITLE: ‘CAN YOU FEEL THE

LOVE TONIGHT’
ALBUM: THE LION KING: q = 60 Soundtrack
D/F #
ORIGINAL MOTION
#4 ˙ œ
G
œ
PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
& 4
RELEASED: 1994
LABEL: WALT DISNEY
p
GENRE: POP 2 5
3
? # 44 ˙ ˙
WRITTEN BY: ELTON JOHN/TIM RICE
PRODUCED BY: CHRIS THOMAS
1
UK CHART PEAK: 14

#
Am G/B C
D/FJohn was bornG Reginald Kenneth
œ
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ was written Elton Dwight
& œ œ
by Elton John and Tim Rice. The pair were in 1947 and grew up in the Pinner area of London.
œ œ
commissioned to write the song for Disney’s 1994 He began playing the piano at a very young age and
musical release of ‘The Lion King’, the 32nd animated soon became interested in songwriting. He met his
œ
1
œ
feature film to be released by the conglomerate. long-term writing partner,1 Bernie Taupin,
2 in 1967
œ œ
John and Rice are well known for their partnership, when they2 both responded to an advertisement
?# œ
with John on composition and rice on lyrics, and seeking songwriters. Together the duo wrote hits for
they did not disappoint. They tell a moving tale of existing artists (such as Lulu) for two years, before
responsibility and love, delivered perfectly by the John released his debut album in 1969. Since then,
cast for the in-scene film version; Kristle Edwards, they have achieved unmeasurable success and have
2 30 albums. 1 2
Joseph Williams, Sally Dworsky, Nathan Lee and collaborated
3 on more than
Ernie Sabella. [4]
Elton John was appointed a CBE in 1995 and
Elton John’s recording of ‘Can You Feel the Love was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his
Tonight’ was released approximately six weeks before commendable charity work. He has been performing
the film was due to hit the box office, working as for more than five decades and has sold more than
Am
# œ
promotion for Disney’s latest release. This proved a 300 million records worldwide, making G/ B one of
him
œ
C
œ œ
successful marketing technique and John’s recording the best-selling music artists of all time. ‘Can You Feel
& œ œ œ œ œ
made it to number 4 on the US Billboard Singles the Love Tonight’ won John his first Academy Award
Chart and number 14 in the UK. With sales of over in 1995 for ‘Best Original Song’, he actually had three
one million copies, the song was certified as Platinum nominations in that same category for that same year,
in the US. On its release, ‘The Lion King’ took the all of which were compositions for ‘The Lion King’.
œ œ œ œ œ
box office by storm with an initial gross of $766 He has been nominated for 34 Grammy Awards, five
? #
million and finished its theatrical run as the highest- of which he has won including the Grammy Legend
grossing release of 1994. Award in 2000. His songwriting has certainly been
acknowledged as outstanding, with a staggering ten
Piano Grade 1
wins at the Ivor Novello Awards over the years.
[7]
15
G/B C
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Elton John
From ‘The Lion King’ (1994)
q = 60 Soundtrack
D/F #
#4 ˙ œ
G C/E G/D C G
& 4 œ ˙ œ œ œ
œ ˙ œ œ œ œ
p
3 2 5 4 5 4 2 2 5 2
1 3
1
? # 44 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
1
1
D/F #
#
œ œœ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
G Am G/B C G/B C G/B
& œ
œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
1
œ œ œ œ œ
2
œ
1
?# œ œ
2
3 2 1 2
[4]

#
C G/B Am D C G/B
œ œ œ œ œ ˙ Œ
& œ œ œ œœœ œ œ œœ œ œ œ œ
œ
?# œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
[7]
#
C G/B C E m7 F D
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ j
& œ œœ œ œ ˙ œ œœ œ œ œœœ œ
?# œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ n ˙˙ # œœ œœ
[10]
D/F #
# . Gœ œ
E m7
œ œ œ
C
& . œ œ œ
2
œ ˙
1
F
? # .. œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
Piano Grade 1
[13]
Music by Elton John
16 Lyrics by Tim Rice

© 1994 Wonderland Music Company, Inc.
b
C # m7 5
1.
# œ
G C D C G/D
& Œ œ œ
œ œ w Œ œ œœ Œ œ œ
1 2 5
? # œœ œœ œœ # œœ ˙˙ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
[15]
b
C # m7 5
# œ
E m7 G/D C Am G/B C D
& œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. ..
œ
? # œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ..
œ œ œ #œ ˙
[18]
2.

œ
E m7 C6 D sus 4
œ œ œ ‰ œj œ
C G/B G/D C Am G/B
Œ œœœ Œ
& œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ
? # œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ
œ œ œ
[21]
# G sus Œ Œ
4 G C G
& w œ œ œ œ œ
p
? # ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
[24]
# E mœ œ œ œ œ ‰ œj œ œ
7 C6 D sus 4 G sus 4
œ
D C Am G/B G
& œ œ w
Piano Grade 1
œ œ œ œ ˙˙ ˙˙
? # œœ œœ ˙˙
[26]
17
Notes
This is a simple, romantic ballad and students should make sure they play the song at the correct tempo in order to be true
to the sentiment of the lyrics.
As the left-hand part moves from a half-note rhythm pattern to quarter-notes from bar 4 onwards, it can be tempting for
students to allow the tempo to speed up. To avoid this, students should have a clear quarter-note pulse in mind before
beginning the piece.
Note that the rhythm pattern in the right-hand part of bar 5 is syncopated. Take time to work out clearly where each note
falls between the two parts by slowing down the tempo and playing the bar in isolation until secure. Time would be well
spent identifying where this pattern repeats and noting where it differs, for example in bar 7.
To improve the effectiveness of the song, students should be aware of the contrast in articulation between the right hand and
the left hand. The right hand should maintain a smooth, singing legato, whilst the left hand should add impetus by allowing
a small amount of separation when playing the quarter notes.

Piano Grade 1
18
Wildest Dreams
SONG TITLE: ‘WILDEST DREAMS’

ALBUM: 1989
RELEASED: 2014
LABEL: BIG MACHINE/REPUBLIC q = 140 Pop
#4
GENRE: DREAM POP C Em
& 4
WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR SWIFT/
MAX MARTIN/SHELLBACK
p
PRODUCED BY: MAX MARTIN/SHELLBACK
ww
UK CHART PEAK: 40
? # 44 ww
#
Em
C
&

‘Wildest Dreams’ was a chart hit for American singer and honed the sounds of her then home
ww
singer songwriter Taylor Swift and was the 5th single Nashville. Swift quickly found success and was signed
? # ww
to be released from her popular album 1989. The by Big Machine Records, making her the youngest
song was written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin and person ever to have been signed by the Sony/ATV
Johan Schuster (professionally known as Shellback), Music publishing house. In 2006 she released her self-
a common collaborative for Swift, with hits including titled debut album, which peaked at number 5 on the
three tracks on her earlier album Red. Together the US album chart and included the track ‘Our Song’ –
trio created what has been described as a “dream [5] for this particular song she became the youngest ever
pop power ballad” and although the song did well artist to solely write and perform a number one hit for
jœ
commercially it did receive some mixed reviews. the Hot Country Songs chart.
# ‰ œj œ œ œ
A Em
‰
Many felt that the sound was simply too comparable
œ
C
& œ
to that of Lana Del Rey, claiming that it was so similar In 2008 the crossover from country to pop began
that they couldn’t tell whether the song was intended for Swift with her second album, Fearless. The album
as a homage or a parody. received rave reviews and became the highest selling
US album of 2009. The album also won Swift a cool
Nevertheless, the track went on to achieve success four Grammy awards, amongst which was the Album
? # ww ww
in the US charts where it peaked at a very respectable of the Year award for which she become the youngest
number 5. This gave Swift her 5th consecutive top ten ever winner.
single from her chart topping 3rd album, 1989. The
single was by no means her most successful in the Taylor Swift’s repertoire has now reached an
UK, peaking at only number 40 on the UK Singles impressive six studio albums, a feat only achieved
Chart. However, the album itself had great success due to launching her career at such a young age.
[9]
j
in the UK and topped the chart on it’s first week of During her career she has received an impressive
#
release, thus becoming her second number one album number of awards, including an outstanding total of Em
œ œ œ ‰ Œ
C
œ
in the UK. 10 Grammy’s (31 nominations). ‘Wildest Dreams’
& œ œ œ
became Swift’s 13th top ten hit in the US, a clear
Piano Grade 1
Taylor Swift was born and raised in Pennsylvania representation of her success in the industry.
but moved to Nashville at the young age of 14 in
search of a music career. She originated as a country
? # ww ww 19
Wildest Dreams
Taylor Swift
q = 140 Pop
#4 C Em D
& 4
p
? # 44 ww ww ww ww
# C Em D
Ó ‰ œj œ
&
? # ww ww ww ww
[5]
# j
A
‰ œj œ œ œ ‰ œj œ
C Em D
& œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ jœ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ œ œ

4 5 5 2 2 1
? # ww ww ww ww
[9]
# j
C Em D
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ Œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ Œ ‰ j œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ
? # ww ww ww ww
[13]
# œ ‰ œj œ Œ ‰ œj œ œ
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
? # www www www www

[17]
# j
‰ œj œ ‰ œ œj œ . j
œ œ œ œ œ
& Œ œ Ó
œ œ œ 5 4 3
œ œ.
2
www
1
? # www www www

Piano Grade 1
[21]
Words & Music by Taylor Swift, Shellback & Max Martin
20 © Copyright 2014 Taylor Swift Music/Sony/ATV Tree Publishing /MXM Music AB.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited/Kobalt Music Publishing Limited.
# j
B
j
G D Am C
& œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
4
˙
2 3
œ œ
f
? # ˙˙˙ ... œœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
œ w
[25]
# j j
G D Am C
& œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
?# ˙˙ .. œœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

˙. œ w
[29]
# œ
G D Am
˙. œ œ œ œ Œ
5
& œ
4 3
œ ˙
? # www ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ..

w . œ

[33]
# œ
G D Am C
& ˙. œ œ œ œ Œ œ ˙
œ
? # www www ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
w
[37]
# Em D
&
p
? # ww ww ww ww
[41]
# C Em D
&
Piano Grade 1
? # ww ww ww ww
[45]
21
Notes
The successful performance of this song depends on holding a steady tempo. Students should be encouraged to keep
thinking in a strict quarter-note pulse throughout the opening eight bars in preparation for the introduction of the melody
towards the end of bar 8.
Be aware of the different roles for each hand and ensure that the left-hand part steps back to allow the right-hand melody to
shine through without the need to increase volume.
As the right-hand part follows the original vocal melody line, keep in mind that the rests are where the vocalist would
breathe and allow this to guide you in shaping the musical phrases.
The right-hand part contains some interesting and varied syncopated patterns. Take time to play this through slowly to
ensure that you are aware of exactly where the patterns repeat and differ and where the notes fall on or off beat.
Counting out loud during practice sessions can be helpful. It is also worth spending time playing the right-hand part
separately and securing the rhythmic patterns first before putting both hands together.

Piano Grade 1
22
Let It Be
SONG TITLE: ‘LET IT BE’

ALBUM: LET IT BE
RELEASED: 1970
LABEL: APPLE q = 65 Pop/Rock
44
GENRE: ROCK/POP/GOSPEL C G
& œœ œœ œœ
WRITTEN BY: JOHN LENNON/
PAUL MCCARTNEY
p
PRODUCED BY: GEORGE MARTIN
UK CHART PEAK: 2
? 44 ˙ ˙
G
C
& œœ œœ œœ œœ

‘Let it Be’ was the final single to be released by were enormously influential to the music industry,
The Beatles. Following an incredible career, this was both then and now, and are regarded as largely
? ˙
the 22nd single to be released by the collective in only responsible for the shift from Rock and Roll to Brit
˙
nine years. Shortly after writing the hit McCartney Pop. The Beatles have been awarded an outstanding
announced his soon to be departure from the band, fifteen Ivor Novello awards and seven Grammys,
a decision that would leave Beatlemania in disarray. not to mention having been collectively listed in The
The single was first released in March of 1970 and Times ‘The Twentieth Century’s 100 most influential
sadly the band announced their break up shortly [3] People’. In 1988 the band were inducted into the
afterwards in the April of that year. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a status that it’s unlikely
anyone would argue.
œ
‘Let it Be’ is taken from their 23rd studio album
A G
C
œ œ œ
1
œ
of the same name, although the album version of 2
‘Let it Be’ was often regarded as a religious song,
& œ œ
the track was in fact a little different to the single with references to ‘Mother Mary’ being misconstrued
release. Slightly longer and featuring a second guitar as biblical. However, McCartney actually wrote the
solo, the album version was remixed by none other song about his mother, Mary, who had sadly died of
˙˙˙
than Phil Spectre and introduced a more prominent cancer when he was only fourteen. During a difficult
? ˙˙˙
instrumentation. The studio album, Let it Be, was time with the band he tells of a dream in which his
sadly the last to be released by the British super mother visits him to tell him to “let it be”. Although
group but it would be followed by solo careers for all this is often misunderstood McCartney is known for
four of them. assuring his listeners that they should interpret the
song in whichever way they feel.
The Beatles are listed as the world’s highest selling
artists of all time and it could be argued that this isn’t [5] The single peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles
œ œ œ œ
surprising, with 23 studio album releases in only Chart and topped the US Billboard Hot 100, where it
œ œ
nine years. When they first formed The Beatles had stayed for two weeks. The song gave The BeatlesG their
C
&
a mission to release an album every 6 months and seventh consecutive year of charting a number 1 hit
Piano Grade 1
they certainly did not disappoint. In 1962 they took in the US, sharing the all time record of that time with
the world by storm with their debut single ‘Love Me Elvis Presley.
˙˙˙
Do’ and suddenly Beatlemania was born. The band
? ˙˙˙
23
Let It Be
The Beatles
q = 65 Pop/Rock
& 44 œœ
C G Am F maj 7 F6
œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
p
? 44 ˙ j
˙ œ. œ ˙
‰ j
C G F C/E Dm C
& œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œ œ œ œ
? ˙ œ œ œ œ
˙ œ
[3]
œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
C G Am F
& œ œ œ œ œ Œ
2 1

˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙
[5]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. j
‰ ‰
C G F C
& œ
˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ œ œ œ œ œ
[7]
C G Am F
& œ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ
˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ ˙
[9]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ œ
‰
C G F C
&
˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ œ œ
Piano Grade 1
œ œ œ
[11]
Words & Music by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
24 © Copyright 1970 Sony/ATV Tunes LLCD/B/A.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited.
œ œ œ œ
B
œ œ œ œ ˙
& œ
Am E m/G F C
œ œ
2 1
3 2 1 5
˙˙˙f ˙˙ ˙˙˙
? ˙ ˙˙˙
[13]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ œ
‰
C G F C
&
˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ œ œ œ œ œ
[15]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
& œ
Am E m/G F C
œ œ
2 1
3 2 1 5
˙ ˙˙
? ˙˙ ˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
[17]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. j
‰ ‰
C G F C
& œ

˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ œ œ œ œ
œ
[19]
C G Am F
& œ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ
p ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
[21]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ w
‰
C G F C
&
˙˙˙
? ˙˙˙ œ œ œ ˙
[23]
F C/E Dm C Bb Am G F C
& œ œ
3 1
œ
2 1
œ ˙˙ ww
3 2 1 2 1 3
œ œ œ œ
Piano Grade 1
?œ œ œ ˙˙ ww
œ
1
bœ œ
1 2 3 5
œ
1 2 3 1 2
[25]
œ
25
Notes
The first four bars of this song are a scene-setting introduction with a strong melodic identity. Observing the piano dynamic
marking will help ensure the solemnity of this introduction.
In the A section, the verse is comprised of two near-identical four bar phrases. This section maintains the solemnity of the
introduction. While continuing to play quietly, allow the right-hand part to sing out over the left hand accompaniment,
staying legato throughout. The left hand part will benefit from being played slightly detached and a little bit quieter than the
melody line.
In the B section, the chorus is more passionate, releasing the previous inward feeling into an outward hopeful prayer. Pay
attention to the forte dynamic here.
The fingering of the melody in bar 14 will need slow and careful practise, with the right hand alone.
The C section returns to the calm mood of the A section. The solemn mood in the first part of the song needs to be
recreated, so it is important to observe the piano dynamic marking. Fingering in bars 25 and 26 will need to be practised
slowly – hands separately at first, then together.
Be aware that there is B b in bar 25, which is then cancelled out in bar 26. Finally, make sure that the tied C major chord in
bar 26 across to bar 27 is held for the full six beats.

Piano Grade 1
26
I’m Not the Only One
SONG TITLE: ‘I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE’

ALBUM: IN THE LONELY HOUR
RELEASED: 2014 q = 82 Soul/Pop
j
LABEL: CAPITOL F A
44 œ œ œ œ # œœ
GENRE: SOUL
WRITTEN BY:
PRODUCED BY:
SAM SMITH/JAMES NAPIER
JAMES NAPIER/ & b
p
STEVE FITZMAURICE
œ
UK CHART PEAK: 3
? b 44 ˙ J
j j
Dm
œ
A

œ
F
b œ œ œ # œ œ œ œ
& œ
‘I’m Not the Only One’ was the third single to be for the top spot. In 2014 he released his debut album
œ œ
released from British singer songwriter Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour, which despite initially receiving
debut album, In the Lonely Hour (2014), preceded by lukewarm reviews achieved global success – topping
œ
‘Money on My Mind’ and ‘Stay with Me’. The song the album charts in 6 countries and becoming the
œ
was written by Sam Smith and James Napier (better UK’s second-best selling album of 2014. Although his
œ œ J
known in the industry as Jimmy Napes) and became a vocal was well received by reviewers the songwriting
?b ˙ J
global hit for the pair, peaking at number 1 in the UK, on the album was initially met with disappointment.
number 5 in the US and achieving top ten positions in However, on release of the 3rd single ‘I’m Not the Only
more than ten other countries worldwide. One’ several of these opinions were quashed with
many reviewers feeling that the song showed a richer
The song itself was originally built around a piano complexity to Smith’s songwriting.
ballad, but on production it became instrumentally [3]
impressive with escalating strings and gospel vocals. In 2015 Smith and Napes achieved huge success
Smith himself felt that there were far more obvious with their song ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ which they
tracks on In the Lonely Hour which could have been wrote together for the 24th James Bond film Spectre.
b
j
released but that ‘I’m Not the Only One’ showed a The song won Smith both a Golden Globe and F
B maj 7Song. The singer’s
œ. œœ ˙˙
different and more sophisticated side to his debut Academy Award for Best Original
b œ
album, an opinion which many reviewers shared. second studio album, ‘The Thrill Of It All’, was
& œ. œ ˙
The track was met with praise and was described released in 2017 and continued his success in the
by many as a turning point on the album, showing charts worldwide, topping both the UK and US album
real depth, impressive vocal skills and a spellbinding charts. Among his many achievements are 4 Grammy
strings section. Awards, 3 Brit Awards, 7 UK number 1 singles and 4
œ ˙
People’s Choice nominations.
? b œ. J
Sam Smith first found success with his
collaboration on Disclosure’s single ‘Latch’, which
peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart in
Piano Grade 1
2012. This was followed shortly by featured vocals on

Naughty Boy’s ‘La La La’ in 2013 which topped the
charts on release and gave the singer his first taste [6]
27
A
I’m Not the Only One
Sam Smith
q = 82 Soul/Pop
B b maj 7
j j j
F A Dm
œ.
& b 44 œ œ œ œ œ œœ
# œ œ œœ ˙˙
œ œ. œ ˙
p œ œ.
? b 44 ˙ œ œ J œ ˙
J J
B b maj 7
j j j j j
F A Dm F A Dm
œ œ œ œ œœ
# œ œ œ. œœ ˙˙ œ œ œ œ œœ
# œ œ
&b œ œ œ. œ ˙ œ œ
œ œ œ œ. œ ˙ œ œ
?b ˙ J J J ˙ J œ
[3]
J

B b maj 7
j j
C7
j
F F
.
& b œœ . œœ ˙˙ œ œ œ œ œœ œœ œœ ww
œ ˙
? b œ. œ ˙ ˙ j œ w
J œ œ J
[6]
B b maj 7
A
œ œ œ
F A Dm
&b Ó œ œ œ ˙ Œ
# œœ œœ œœ .. œœ ˙˙
? b ˙˙ ‰ œ œ. œ ˙
J J
[9]
B b maj 7
&b Œ ‰ œj œ œ œ œ Œ Œ ‰ œj œ œ œ œ
F A Dm F A Dm
˙.
# œœ œœ œœ .. œœ ˙˙ # œœ œœ
? b ˙˙ ‰ œJ œ. œ ˙ ˙˙ ‰ œJ
Piano Grade 1
J
[11]
Words & Music by James Napier & Sam Smith
28 © Copyright 2014 Stellar Songs Limited/Naughty Words Limited/Salli Isaak Songs Limited.
Downtown Music UK Limited/EMI Music Publishing Limited/Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited.
B b maj 7 F C7 F
&b œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ Œ œ
œ. œœ ˙˙
? b œœ .. œ ˙ ˙ j
œ œ
œœ ww
J J
[14]
B b maj 7
B
j j
&b ˙ ‰
F A Dm F A Dm
œ œ œ œ. œ. j œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
F
?b j œ œ. j j œ
˙ œ œ J œ ˙ ˙ œ œ J
[17]
B b maj 7 B b maj 7
j j
œ œ œ œ œj œ

j
F A Dm
&b ˙ Œ ˙ œ œ œ œ
œ
? b œ. j j j j j
œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
[20]
˙
j
F C7 F
j
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. ‰ œ
J
j œœ ww ˙˙ # œœ œœ
?b ˙ œ œ ‰ Jœ
J
[23]
j j
F C7 F
œ œ œ œ œ œ j
& b œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ w
Piano Grade 1
œ. œœ ˙˙
? b œœ .. œ ˙ ˙ j
œ œ
œœ ww
J J
[26]
29
Notes
This soulful ballad has some challenging syncopations to negotiate in both hands. To ensure correct rhythmic patterns,
students should keep thinking in a steady quarter-note pulse throughout. It will be helpful to mentally count a couple of bars
to secure the tempo before starting to play.
If students find these syncopated phrases difficult, they should play them slowly without the ties. Once this can be done
securely, the ties can be put back in.
While many of the syncopated patterns are identical in both hands (for example beats 3 and 4 of bar 1), pay careful
attention to the occasions where hands are syncopated but move independently. A good example of this can be found in
bars 9 and 10. These two bars would benefit from playing in isolation and at a much slower tempo to identify and learn
how the parts fit together.

Piano Grade 1
30
31
Piano Grade 1 RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]
Technical Exercises
In this section you will be required to play a selection of exercises drawn from each of the groups below. The examiner will
be looking for the speed of your response and will also give credit for the level of your musicality. Please see the syllabus
guide for details on the marking criteria.
All scales and arpeggios need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending, in the keys, octaves
and tempos shown. Pentatonic scales are right hand only. You may use your book for Group A and Group B. Group C
exercises must be played from memory.
Note that Groups A and B need to be played to a click and any fingerings shown are suggestions only.
Group A: Scales
The tempo for this group is q = 60 bpm.
1. F major scale | right hand
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
3 4 1
&b œ
2
œ œ
4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 3
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
2. F major scale | left hand
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

?b œ œ
4 3 2 4 3 2 1 3 2 1
5 1
1 3 2
3. G major scale | right hand
#
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
2 3 4 1 3 4
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
œ
4. G major scale | left hand
?# œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ 4 3 2 4 3 2 1 3 2 1
5 1
1 3 2
5. D natural minor scale | right hand
5
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
3 4
1 2
œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3
2 3 4 1
6. D natural minor scale | left hand
Piano Grade 1
?b œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ 1 3 2 1
œ œ œ œ
3 2 1
3 2 4 3 2 1
5 4
32
7. E natural minor scale | right hand
# œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
5
3 4
& œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2
2 3 1 3
œ œ œ
1 1 2
2 3 4
8. E natural minor scale | left hand
?# œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ
œ œ 3 2 1 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 2 1
5 4
9. F major pentatonic scale | right hand
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2 3
œ
2 4
œ œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 1 1 2
œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
10. G major pentatonic scale | right hand
# œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2 3
œ œ
2 4
&
2
œ
1 2 3 1 1
œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ
11. D minor pentatonic scale | right hand
œ
5
œ œ œ œ
4
&b œ œ œ œ œ
3 2 3
1 2
œ œ œ
2 1
1 2
12. E minor pentatonic scale | right hand
# œ
5
œ œ œ œ œ
4
& œ œ œ œ œ
3 2 3
2 1 2 1
œ œ
1 2
Piano Grade 1
33
Technical Exercises
Group B: Arpeggios
The tempo for this group is q =100 bpm.
1. F major broken chord | right hand
œ œ ˙. œ œ
& b 43 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
5
œ
3 5 1 2 5 1 3 3
1
2. F major broken chord | left hand
? b 43 œ œ ˙. œ œ
œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
5 3 1 5 3 1 5 2 1 2
3. G major broken chord | right hand
œ œ œ œ
# œ œ ˙. œ œ ˙.
& 43 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
œ
1 5 1 3 3
3 5 1 2

4. G major broken chord | left hand
œ œ œ œ
? # 43 œ œ ˙. œ œ ˙.
5 3 1 5 3 1 5 2 1 2
5. D natural minor broken chord | right hand
œ ˙. œ œ
& b 43 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
1 3 5 1 2 5 1 3 5 3
6. D natural minor broken chord | left hand
? b 43 œ œ ˙. œ œ
œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
3 5 1
3 1 5 1 2 2
5
Piano Grade 1
34
Technical Exercises
7. E natural minor broken chord | right hand
#3 œ œ œ œ
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
1 5
œ
3 5 1 2 5 1 3 3
8. E natural minor broken chord | left hand
? # 43 œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ ˙.
3 1 5 3 5 1
5 1 2 2
9. C diminished arpeggio | right hand
& 43 bœ œ bœ
1 2 3
bœ bœ
5
œ ˙.
10. C diminished arpeggio | left hand
bœ œ bœ

? 43 œ bœ bœ ˙.
1
5 3 2
11. C augmented arpeggio | right hand
3 œ
&4 œ #œ #œ
1 2 3
œ œ
5
˙.
12. C augmented arpeggio | left hand
#œ œ #œ
? 43 œ œ œ ˙.
1
5 3 2 Piano Grade 1
35
Technical Exercises
Group C: Chord Voicing

Diminished and Augmented triads
In the exam you will be asked to play either the C diminished or the C augmented triads below, from memory.
The examiner will state the exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner
will be looking for the speed of your response.
1. C diminished
bw
& 44 b b www w
b b ww b ww
2. C augmented
w
& 44 # ww # www # ww
w

Piano Grade 1
36
Sight Reading
In the exam, you have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask
you which one you wish to choose before commencing. Once you have decided you cannot change your mind.
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give you a 4–6 bar melody in the key of either G major or F major. You will
first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for you to
practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track
will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is q = 70.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in of the second playing will
start immediately.
Sight Reading | Example 1
#
& 44 œ œ ˙ ∑ œ œ œ œ Œ Œ
œ œ
?#4 œ œ ˙ œ œ
4 ∑ ∑ Œ Œ

Sight Reading | Example 2
& b 44 ∑ ∑ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙
? b 44 ˙ ˙ œ œ ˙ ∑ ˙ ˙
Please note: The tests shown are examples: The examiner will give you a different version in the exam.
Piano Grade 1
37
Improvisation & Interpretation
In the exam, you have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner
will ask you which one you wish to choose before commencing. Once you have decided you cannot change your mind.
In the Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give you a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either G
major or F major. You will first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice.
The first time is for you to practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each
playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is q = 70.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will
start immediately.
You are only required to improvise single note melodies, with either right or left hand. It is permissible to play chord
voicings, but please note you will only be marked on melodic content.
Improvisation & Interpretation | Example 1
q = 70
Bb Bb
& b 44 ’ ’ ’ ’
F C
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

Improvisation & Interpretation | Example 2
q = 70
#4 G C D C
& 4 ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Please note: The tests shown are examples: The examiner will give you a different version in the exam
Piano Grade 1
38
Ear Tests
In this section, there are two ear tests:

■■Melodic Recall
■■Chord Recognition
You will find one example of each type of test printed below and you will need to perform both of them in the exam.
Test 1: Melodic Recall

The examiner will play you three consecutive notes. You will need to identify whether the last two notes are higher or lower
than the first. This means you will need to tell the examiner whether the second note is higher or lower than the first, and
whether the third note is higher or lower than the second. You will hear the test twice, each time with a one bar count-in.
The tempo is q = 95 bpm.
For this exercise, please use the words ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ in your answer.
˙
& 44 ˙ w
Please note: The test shown is an example. The examiner will give you a different version in the exam.

Test 2: Chord Recognition
The examiner will play you a sequence of chords, each with a C root note. You will hear the chord sequence twice, each time
with a one bar count-in. You will then be asked to identify the chord quality of each chord, from a choice of major, minor,
diminished and augmented. The tempo is q = 95 bpm.
& 44 ww b b www
w
? 44 w w
Please note: The test shown is an example. The examiner will give you a different version in the exam.
Piano Grade 1
39
General Musicianship Questions
The final part of your exam is the General Musicianship Questions section, which features five questions relating to one of
your choice of the performance pieces.
1. You will be asked a question relating to the harmony from a section of one of your pieces
2. You will be asked a question relating to the melody in a section of one of your pieces
3. You will be asked a question relating to the rhythms used in a section of one of your pieces
4. You will be asked a question relating to the technical requirements of one of your pieces
5. You will be asked a question relating to the genre of one of your pieces
Further guidance on the types of questions asked at this grade can be found at the RSL website www.rslawards.com

Piano Grade 1
40
Entering Rockschool Exams
Entering a Rockschool exam is easy, just go online and follow our simple six step process. All details for entering online,
dates, fees, regulations and Free Choice pieces can be found at www.rslawards.com
■■All candidates should ensure they bring their own Grade syllabus book to the exam or have proof of digital purchase
ready to show the examiner.
■■All Grade 6–8 candidates must ensure that they bring valid photo ID to their exam.

Piano Grade 1
41
Marking Schemes
Grade Exams | Debut to Grade 8
ELEMENT PASS MERIT DISTINCTION
Performance Piece 1 12–14 out of 20 15–17 out of 20 18+ out of 20
Technical Exercises 9–10 out of 15 11–12 out of 15 13 + out of 15
Sight Reading
or 6 out of 10 7–8 out of 10 9 + out of 10
Improvisation & Interpretation
Ear Tests 6 out of 10 7–8 out of 10 9 + out of 10
General Musicianship Questions 3 out of 5 4 out of 5 5 out of 5
TOTAL MARKS 60%+ 74%+ 90%+
Performance Certificates | Debut to Grade 8

ELEMENT PASS MERIT DISTINCTION
TOTAL MARKS 60%+ 75%+ 90%+

Piano Grade 1
42
Copyright Information
Tattooed Heart
(Edmonds/Dixon/Squire/Grande/Foreman/Thomas/Riddick Tynes)
Universal Music Publishing Limited/Kobalt Music Publishing Limited/Sony/
ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited/EMI Music Publishing Limited /Universal/MCA Music Limited
Hallelujah
(Cohen)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited
Can You Feel The Love Tonight (from “The Lion King”)
(John/Rice)
Universal Music Publishing Limited
Wildest Dreams
(Swift/Shellback/Martin)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited/Kobalt Music Publishing Limited
Let It Be
(Lennon/McCartney)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited
I’m Not The Only One

(Napier/Smith)

Downtown Music UK Limited/EMI Music Publishing Limited/Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited
Piano Grade 1
43
Piano Notation Explained
œ œ œ œ œ
4 œ œ œ œ œ
&4 œ œ œ œ œ
THE MUSICAL STAVE shows pitches and
œ œ œ œ
rhythms and is divided by lines into bars.
?4 œ
C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C
œ œ œ
Pitches are named after the first seven letters
4 œ œ œ
of the alphabet.
œ œ œ œ
Grace Note: Play the grace note on Pedal Marking: Depress and then release the
or before the beat depending on the sustain pedal. Multiple pedal operations in a
style of music, then move quickly to short space of time may be simplified as shown
the note it leads onto. in the last two beats of the bar below.
3 4 œ
&4 œ
j ˙˙ .. &4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
° °
Spread Chord: Play the chord from the bottom note up Glissando: Play the notes between the notated
(top down only if there is a downward arrow head). pitches by sliding over the keyboard with the

The final note should sound by the appropriate fingers or fingernails.
# 4 g ˙˙ ggg ˙˙˙˙
notated bar position.
& 4 ggg n ˙˙ g & h h

gliss.
Tremolando: Oscillate at speed Finger Markings: These numbers represent

between marked notes. your fingers. 1 is the thumb, 2 the index
finger and so on.
bw w
& & œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 4 5
>œ
D.%. al Coda
fi
(accent) • Accentuate note (play it louder). • Go back to the sign (%), then play until
fi
the bar marked To Coda then skip to
œ^
the section marked Coda.
D.C. al Fine • Go back to the beginning of the song and

play until the bar marked Fine (end).
(accent) • Accentuate note with great intensity.
Una Corda • Use soft pedal
œ. .. .. • Repeat the bars between the repeat signs.

(staccato) • Shorten time value of note.
œ-
• When a repeated section has different
.. ..
1. 2.
Piano Grade 1
endings, play the first ending only the first

time and the second ending only the
second time.
(accent) • Accentuate note with more arm weight.
44

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Piano Grade 1

Performance pieces, technical exercises, supporting tests and in-depth

All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads

Input the following code when prompted: 2YA5STMH4L

For more information, turn to page 5

Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2019

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

Supporting Tests recorded by Chris Stanbury and Jono Harrison

Introductions & Information

Rockschool Grade Pieces

7 ‘Tattooed Heart’.............................................. . . . . . . . . . . Ariana Grande

32 Scales, Arpeggios & Chord Voicings

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

41 Entering Rockschool Exams

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

Melody & Accompaniment

Solo Piano Arrangement

Group C: Chord Voicings

Grades 4–8 only:

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

You will need to input this code when prompted: 2YA5STMH4L

Articulation & Dynamics

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: ‘TATTOOED HEART’

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

& ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

top ten success in Australia, Canada, Denmark, The

˙˙˙ ˙˙ œœ œœ œœœ œœœ

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

& ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ œœœ # # # œœœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ œœœ Œ Ó

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

& ˙˙ œœœ œœœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ œœœ

˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ œœœ

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: ‘HALLELUJAH’

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

˙˙˙ ... œœœ ...

In 2004 ‘Rolling Stone Magazine’ ranked Buckley’s

Songs of All Time’ list, long before its single release. In

? .. ˙˙˙ ... œ˙ .. œ. ˙˙˙ .. œœ .. œ œ

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

© Copyright 1984 Bad Monk Publishing.

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: ‘CAN YOU FEEL THE

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

wins at the Ivor Novello Awards over the years.

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

Music by Elton John

16 Lyrics by Tim Rice

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: ‘WILDEST DREAMS’

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

RSL-294277046570 / 1 / Richard Littlewood / [email protected]

? # www www www www

? # www www www

Words & Music by Taylor Swift, Shellback & Max Martin

?# ˙˙ .. œœ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙