syllabus

Chairman Emeritus
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
NZAA President
Silvio de Pra
Marcel Riethmann APDNZ ATDNZ AIRMT B.Ed Dip Tchg
Harley Jones APDNZ ATDNZ LTCL FRIMT
Heather Masefield AIRMT
Sonja Palinich ATDNZ AIRMT BA LLB
Board:
Campbell Bettridge
Stephanie Poole
Fay Schaw
John Statham
ATDNZ AIRMT B.Mus(Hons) DipTch(Prim)
ATDNZ AIRMT GradDipBus(QualM) MBA
ATDNZ AIRMT
Entry Forms & Music Lists are available from the Secretary
Further Information Available at www.accordions.com/aebnz
CONTENTS
Foreword
Examination Regulations
Aural Tests
General Notes
Preliminary Grade Accordion
Grade 1 Accordion
Grade 2 Accordion
Grade 3 Accordion
Grade 4 Accordion
Grade 5 Accordion
Grade 6 Accordion
Grade 7 Accordion
Grade 8 Accordion
Accordion Performers Diploma of New Zealand (APDNZ)
Accordion Teachers Diploma of New Zealand (ATDNZ)
1
2
3
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
FOREWORD
2012
To Teachers, Students and Parents
This revised syllabus of the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand Inc. has required
little alteration. The main change to the syllabus has been bringing the Theory Prerequisites
closer in line with other international examination bodies.
The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand Inc. is an autonomous body responsible for
the running of practical accordion examinations in New Zealand which covers grades from
Preliminary to Performers and Teachers Diplomas. These Practical Examinations are available
to all, and any make, size or type of accordion may be used providing the music is adequately
performed.
We ask all accordionists, teachers and parents for their full support of these examinations which
provide the opportunity to progress through the grades and gain a Teachers Diploma which is
recognised by the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand as being of equal
standard to existing diplomas of other instruments such as piano, violin, etc.
Since 1973 the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand has been providing
examinations to Teachers and Students who realise the value of an outside assessment of their
progress. The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand Inc. would like to thank all of
those people who have made the success of these examinations possible through their
participation.
The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand would also like to thank the New Zealand
Accordion Association Inc. for their continuing support and encouragement and wishes all
candidates the very best of musical success.
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
1 An annual Teachers Newsletter will set out the closing dates and examination times for the
year, generally relating to the school term year. Current Entry Forms will be enclosed with
this. The newsletter, entry forms, syllabus and music are available from the Secretary: Mrs
Heather Masefield, 4 O’Neills Ave, Takapuna, Auckland, 0622. Ph 09 486 3012 or
09 489 8316. These can also be downloaded from: www.accordions.com/aebnz
2
The following Prerequisites are required:
(Theory must be ABRSM or Trinity College)
Grades 6 to 8 Practical require Grade 5 Theory.
2
Performers and Teachers Diplomas require AEBNZ Grade 8 Practical or another equivalent
qualification may be substituted. If presenting an alternative qualification in place of
AEBNZ Grade 8 for consideration, you should attach as much evidence as possible of
transcripts, syllabuses, concert programmes, references, certificates, etc, to your entry form.
Each proposed substitution will be considered on individual merit by the Chief Examiner.
Teachers Diploma also requires Grade 8 Theory.
3
Candidates who are blind should indicate their disability on their entry form. In lieu of
sight-reading, additional aural tests will be given from those prescribed for the next highest
grade.
AURAL TESTS
Aural Tests will be as for ABRSM except for Preliminary and Diploma examinations.
GENERAL NOTES
The technical work (scales and arpeggios) for Grades 1 to 6 may be played with either stradella
bass or free bass at the candidate’s choice.
The candidate is required to play the technical work for Grades 7 and 8 on an accordion with a
real range of at least two octaves in the bass.
List A (study) for Grades 1 to 6 inclusive has both stradella and free bass studies listed and
either may be played, at the candidate’s choice.
The examiners, in marking, will pay attention to accuracy of notes and time and other things
inherent in a good performance (quality of touch, variety and graduation of tone, choice of
tempo, observance of marks of expression, rhythm, phrasing and accent, and the use of practical
fingering).
Scales, arpeggios and broken chords should be played from memory, ascending and descending
throughout the prescribed compass, at a pace appropriate to the technical demands of the grade
consistent with accuracy and distinctness and without undue accentuation.
Switch markings may be taken as suggestions
Immediate repeats need not be played.
FREE BASS GRADES
Candidates whose left hand is too small to play the music as written will not be penalised for
“spreading” chords or omitting occasional notes at wide stretches, provided the result is
musically satisfactory.
Where the music written goes below the normal free bass accordion range, candidates may play
an octave higher provided the musical intention is not altered.
3
PRELIMINARY GRADE ACCORDION
Legato and from memory
20 Marks
Technical Work
Scales
C G F Majors ascending and descending, right hand only.
Compass one octave.
One piece selected from each list.
Performance
List A
See current Music List
20 Marks
List B
See current Music List
20 Marks
List C
See current Music List
20 Marks
20 Marks
Aural and Sight-reading Tests
1
To sing a note played by examiner between middle C and treble G.
2
To say whether a note is the 3rd or the 5th of a Major scale or to give its sol-fa name,
when it has been played after the key-chord and key-note have been sounded.
3
To clap the rhythm pattern of a short melody played twice.
4
Sight-reading will be a simple right hand melody in C Major, with no note shorter
than a crotchet.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
GRADE 1 ACCORDION
Legato and from memory
20 Marks
Technical Work
Scales
C G D F Majors. Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
Broken Chords
Three note groups. Keys of C Major and G Major. Right hand only,
ascending and descending. One octave according to the following pattern:
One piece selected from each list.
Performance
List A
See current Music List
15 Marks
List B
See current Music List
20 Marks
List C
See current Music List
20 Marks
10 Marks
Sight-reading
A passage with no note shorter than a crotchet in 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time.
Hands separately only.
See page 3
8 Marks
Aural Tests
7 Marks
General Knowledge
The notes, rests, signs and terms of the pieces selected, also the keys in which the pieces are written.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
4
GRADE 2 ACCORDION
20 Marks
Technical Work Legato and from memory
Scales
1
C G D A F Majors.
A E D minors (harmonic or melodic at candidate’s choice)
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
Chromatic scale beginning on C. Right hand only.
Compass one octave.
Broken Chords
Four note groups. Keys of C Major and G Major. Right hand only,
ascending and descending. One octave according to the following pattern:
Performance One piece selected from each list.
List A
See current Music List
List B
See current Music List
List C
See current Music List
Sight-reading
A passage with no note shorter than a crotchet in 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time.
Hands together.
Aural Tests
See page 3
15 Marks
20 Marks
20 Marks
10 Marks
8 Marks
7 Marks
General Knowledge
The formation of the prescribed scales, the keys of the pieces selected with simple
modulations, and the signs and terms which occur in them.
A basic knowledge of the accordion.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
5
GRADE 3 ACCORDION
20 Marks
Technical Work Legato and from memory
Scales
1
A E F B flat, E flat, A flat Majors.
A E D G C minors (harmonic or melodic at candidate’s choice)
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
C G Majors in contrary motion with both hands beginning on the key note (unison).
3
Chromatic scales beginning on A flat, C and E. Right hand only.
Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
C G F Majors
A E D minors
Right hand only, root position only.
Compass two octaves.
Performance One piece selected from each list.
List A
See current Music List
List B
See current Music List
List C
See current Music List
Sight-reading
The standard for sight-reading for this grade is Grade 1 material.
Aural Tests
See page 3
15 Marks
20 Marks
20 Marks
10 Marks
8 Marks
7 Marks
General Knowledge
The formation of the prescribed scales, the keys of the pieces selected with
simple modulations, and the signs and terms which occur in them.
A basic knowledge of the history of the accordion.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
6
GRADE 4 ACCORDION
18 Marks
Technical Work Legato and from memory
Scales
1
E B F sharp, A flat, D Flat Majors.
E B F sharp, C sharp, C F B flat minors (harmonic or melodic at candidate’s choice).
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
C G Majors in contrary motion with both hands beginning on the key note (unison).
3
Chromatic scales beginning on any note named by the examiner.
Right hand only.
Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
C G A E F B flat, E flat, A flat Majors
Right hand only, root position only.
Compass two octaves.
A E D minors
Performance One piece selected from each list.
List A
See current Music List
List B
See current Music List
List C
See current Music List
List D
See current Music List
Sight-reading
The standard for sight-reading for this grade is Grade 2 material.
Aural Tests
See page 3
9 Marks
17 Marks
17 Marks
17 Marks
8 Marks
9 Marks
5 Marks
General Knowledge
The period of the composers, the form and analysis of the pieces selected,
together with a knowledge of the signs, terms, keys and modulations which
occur in them.
A general understanding of the construction and mechanical principles of
the accordion.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
7
GRADE 5 ACCORDION
Technical Work
From memory. Staccato and legato as directed by examiner.
18 Marks
Scales
1
Major and minor scales (harmonic or melodic at candidate’s choice) in all keys.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass three octaves where possible.
2
C G F Majors in contrary motion with both hands beginning on the key note (unison).
Compass two octaves.
3
Chromatic scales beginning on any note named by the examiner.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
All Major and minor chords. Root position only, right hand only.
Compass two octaves.
Performance One piece selected from each list.
List A
See current Music List
List B
See current Music List
List C
See current Music List
List D
See current Music List
Sight-reading
The standard for sight-reading for this grade is Grade 3 material.
Aural Tests
See page 3
9 Marks
17 Marks
17 Marks
17 Marks
8 Marks
9 Marks
5 Marks
General Knowledge
The period of the composers, the form and analysis of the pieces selected,
together with a knowledge of the signs, terms, keys and modulations which
occur in them.
A general understanding of the construction and mechanical principles of
the accordion.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
8
GRADE 6 ACCORDION
Theory Prerequisite
Grade 5
18 Marks
Technical Work
From memory. Staccato and legato as directed by examiner.
Scales
1
Major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic) in all keys.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass three octaves where possible.
2
C G D F B flat Majors in contrary motion with both hands beginning on the key note
(unison). Compass two octaves.
3
Chromatic scales beginning on any note named by the examiner.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
4
Contrary motion chromatic scale beginning on C in the left hand and E in the right
hand. Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
1
All Major and minor chords. Root position only, right hand only.
Compass three octaves where possible.
2
Diminished seventh chords beginning on B C C sharp, right hand only.
Compass two octaves.
Performance One piece selected from each list.
List A
See current Music List
9 Marks
List B
See current Music List
17 Marks
List C
See current Music List
17 Marks
List D
See current Music List
17 Marks
8 Marks
Sight-reading
The standard for sight-reading for this grade is Grade 4 material.
See page 3
9 Marks
Aural Tests
5 Marks
General Knowledge
The period of the composers, the form and analysis of the pieces selected,
together with a knowledge of the signs, terms, keys and modulations which
occur in them.
A general understanding of the construction and mechanical principles of
the accordion.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
9
GRADE 7 ACCORDION
Theory Prerequisite
Grade 5
18 Marks
Technical Work
From memory. Staccato and legato as directed by examiner, each hand ranging over two octaves.
Scales
1
Major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic) in all keys.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
C G D F B flat Majors in contrary motion with both hands beginning on the key note (unison).
Compass two octaves.
3
C E G F Majors in similar motion, left hand beginning on the keynote, right hand beginning on
the third degree of the scale. Compass two octaves.
4
Chromatic scales beginning on any note named by the examiner.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
5
C E Chromatic scales in contrary motion with hands beginning and ending on the keynote.
Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
1
All Major and minor chords, root position only.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion, ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
Dominant seventh chords beginning on C F B root position only.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion, ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
Performance
List A
List B
List C
List D
Aural Tests
One piece selected from each list.
See current Music List
See current Music List
See current Music List
See current Music List
7 Marks
19 Marks
19 Marks
19 Marks
See page 3
9 Marks
5 Marks
General Knowledge
The same as for Grades 5 and 6 but in more detail, and in addition some knowledge of other
works by the composers of the pieces selected.
8 Marks
Initiative Test
The candidate will be given music of Grade 7 standard, fifteen minutes before starting the exam.
The candidate will be expected to play the right hand and demonstrate how a satisfactory left hand
fingering would be achieved. The candidate will also be asked interpretive points about the music.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
10
GRADE 8 ACCORDION
Theory Prerequisite
Grade 5
18 Marks
Technical Work
From memory. Staccato and legato as directed by examiner, each hand ranging over two octaves.
Scales
1
Major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic) in all keys.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
2
The following scales, in two ways
C E G F Majors
G D A B minors (harmonic)
In similar motion, left hand beginning on the key note, right hand beginning on the third degree of the scale.
In contrary motion with both hands beginning and ending on the keynote.
Compass two octaves.
3
C B flat Majors in thirds in the right hand.
Compass two octaves.
4
Chromatic scales in similar motion, left hand beginning on any note named by the examiner.
Right hand a minor third higher, hands together, ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
5
C E F Chromatic scales in contrary motion with hands beginning and ending on the keynote.
Compass two octaves.
Arpeggios
1
All Major and minor chords.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Root position, first and second inversions.
Compass two octaves.
2
Dominant seventh chords beginning on C F B in root position.
Also first, second and third inversions of these same chords.
Each hand separately and hands together in similar motion ascending and descending.
Compass two octaves.
Performance
List A
List B
List C
Aural Tests
One piece selected from each list.
See current Music List
See current Music List
See current Music List
See page 3
20 Marks
24 Marks
14 Marks
10 Marks
6 Marks
General Knowledge
The same as for Grades 5 and 6 but in more detail, and in addition some knowledge of other works by
the composers of the pieces selected.
8 Marks
Initiative Test
The candidate will be given music of Grade 8 standard, fifteen minutes before starting the exam.
The candidate will be expected to play the right hand and demonstrate how a satisfactory left hand
fingering would be achieved. The candidate will also be asked interpretive points about the music.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70 Merit 80 Honours 90
11
ACCORDION PERFORMERS DIPLOMA OF NEW ZEALAND (APDNZ)
Practical Prerequisite
Grade 8 AEBNZ or substitution (see page 3)
60 Marks
Performance
The candidate will submit a list of eight prepared works to the Accordion Examination Board
of New Zealand Inc. four weeks prior to the examination.
At least two works from each of the following periods must be submitted:
(a) Baroque
(b) Classical, Romantic or Impressionistic
(c) Contemporary, preferably original accordion works
The candidate will be required to perform FOUR of these works, to be chosen by the examiner.
Orchestral reductions and transcriptions must be well transcribed and of good quality and style.
Music composed for the accordion must be played as written.
Note: The degree of difficulty, choice, and suitability to the instrument will be considered in
awarding marks.
Repertoire
The candidate will submit, at the time of the examination, a suggested concert programme
of approximately 60 minutes duration. This is not to be performed, but will be discussed with
regard to content, programming, artistic merit and audience appeal.
Initiative Test
Same as Grade 8
10 Marks
10 Marks
10 Marks
Aural Tests
Melody
The examiner will play a two part phrase and the candidate will hum, sing or
play from memory the lower part.
Pitch
The tonic of a phrase having been sounded and named by the examiner, the
candidate will give the letter name of any one or more of the notes as they are
played slowly.
Harmony The tonic chord of a Major or minor key having been sounded, the examiner will
play a progression of chords not exceeding three in number in that key. The
candidate will then name each of these when played again as either Tonic,
Subdominant or Dominant chords (or as I, IV or V) and state the position of the
chord, whether it is in root position, first inversion or second inversion.
Only the harmonies specified above will be included in the progression.
Harmony The candidate will be required to recognise modulation from a Major key to its
Dominant, Subdominant and Relative minor keys. The original key will be named
by the examiner.
10 Marks
Viva Voce
To answer questions on the general literature of the Accordion and in addition to show some
knowledge of the works by the composers represented; any of the recognised types of musical
form; modulations occurring in the works already performed; the meaning of any terms and
signs commonly used in accordion music.
Total 100 Marks
Pass 70
12
ACCORDION TEACHERS DIPLOMA OF NEW ZEALAND (ATDNZ)
Theory Prerequisite
Grade 8
Practical Prerequisite
Grade 8 AEBNZ or substitution (see page 3)
There are two separate sections for this diploma:
Practical, Viva Voce
Total 100 Marks
Part I
Theory
Total 100 Marks
Part II
These may be taken either together or separately, and both must be passed before the diploma is awarded.
If taken separately, not more than five years must have elapsed between the first successful pass and the
completion of the whole examination.
PART I:
PRACTICAL
8 Marks
A: Quick Study Piece
The candidate will receive from the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand Inc., on request
the “Quick Study Piece” one month prior to the examination. This work should be studied and
prepared by the candidate WITHOUT any assistance from a teacher.
42 Marks
B:
Repertoire
The candidate will submit a list of six prepared works to the Accordion Examination Board of
New Zealand Inc. four weeks prior to the examination.
At least one work from each of the following categories must be submitted:
(a) Baroque
(b) Classical, Romantic or Impressionistic
(c) Contemporary, preferably original accordion works
The candidate will be required to perform THREE of these works, to be chosen by the examiner.
Orchestral reductions and transcriptions must be well transcribed and of good quality and style.
Music composed for the accordion must be played as written.
15 Marks
C: Teaching Material
A list of teaching pieces fifteen minutes in duration from the current Music List – Preliminary
through to Grade 5 – is to be presented by the candidate at the examination and questions will be
asked relating to the teaching of these pieces.
15 Marks
D: Principles of Teaching
The candidate will be expected to answer questions relating to the teaching of the accordion.
20 Marks
E:
Demonstration Lesson
The candidate will be required to provide a student and demonstrate to the examiner a typical lesson.
Questions may also be asked about teaching techniques for levels other than that of the student
presented. Note: The degree of difficulty as well as the presentation of all material will be considered
when awarding marks.
Pass 70
PART II:
THEORY
To harmonise a given melody of approximately 16 bars, and to add bass.
Harmony:
(a) Analysis of the diatonic triads in Major and minor keys.
Chords:
(b) Writing chord combinations for the left hand.
Diatonic, Chromatic, simple and compound intervals in any key.
Intervals:
All note and rest values, including syncopation and irregular time signatures.
Time and Rhythm:
Questions based on the following:
General Knowledge:
(a) Bellows control and technique.
(b) Accents and time signature. Explanations of simple and compound time.
(c) Systematic Teaching.
(d) Fingering music for both hands.
A thorough knowledge of the history of the accordion; its development and construction; composers;
History:
their works and contributions to the literature for the instrument.
The English meanings of the terms, signs, abbreviations as used in the material
Terminology:
throughout the syllabus.
Pass 70
13