musical knowledge
Musical Knowledge (for Trinity College grade exams, grades 1 to 5)
These questions test the candidate’s understanding of their chosen pieces, the context of their performance and their knowledge of their instrument and its technical demands, including best practice for rehearsal and performance.
Five questions, each worth 2 marks, will normally be asked. Questions will include discussions on most of the areas mentioned below, but not all parameters will be relevant to all disciplines and pieces, and examiners will select questions as appropriate. Candidates must ensure that copies are not so heavily annotated that a reasonable range of questions for the grade is precluded.
These questions test the candidate’s understanding of their chosen pieces, the context of their performance and their knowledge of their instrument and its technical demands, including best practice for rehearsal and performance.
Five questions, each worth 2 marks, will normally be asked. Questions will include discussions on most of the areas mentioned below, but not all parameters will be relevant to all disciplines and pieces, and examiners will select questions as appropriate. Candidates must ensure that copies are not so heavily annotated that a reasonable range of questions for the grade is precluded.
guitar & accessories
The guitar - the musical instrument on which we make sounds and create music.
Footstool - the adjustable stand on which the left foot is placed. This raises the neck of the guitar so it is more comfortable to play.
Strings - there are 6 strings of varying thickness on the guitar. Each string is tuned to a different note.
Open Strings - an open string is a string which isn't pressed down by a left hand finger. When pulled by the right hand fingers, it rings freely on its own.
Footstool - the adjustable stand on which the left foot is placed. This raises the neck of the guitar so it is more comfortable to play.
Strings - there are 6 strings of varying thickness on the guitar. Each string is tuned to a different note.
Open Strings - an open string is a string which isn't pressed down by a left hand finger. When pulled by the right hand fingers, it rings freely on its own.
guitar technique
Technique - the skills required to play the guitar.
Right hand - Walking Fingers
Left hand - Fingertips/Finger-Tunnels
Right hand - Walking Fingers
- Raised wrist - Your right wrist should be raised into an arch so your fingers can "swing" freely onto and off the string.
- Walking fingers - Your index (i) and middle (m) fingers should pull the strings, one after the other in an alternating or "walking" motion. Play with rest strokes or free strokes.
- Rest stroke (Apoyando) - After pulling the desired string, the finger should come to rest on the adjacent string before springing back out in a smooth motion.
- Free stroke (Tirando) - After pulling the desired string, the finger should swing free of the adjacent string before springing back out out in a smooth motion.
Left hand - Fingertips/Finger-Tunnels
- Your left fingertips should press inside the frets. Flat thumb - Your left thumb should be flat, situated under your second finger.
teaching & learning
Teaching and Learning - exercises that help develop technique and musicality.
Listening Position - both hands flat, resting on top of the guitar.
Practice - regular time set aside to develop musical skills.
Warm Up - an activity to prepare the mind and hands for playing guitar or singing.
Listen and Copy - the teacher plays a note pattern and the student tries to copy it.
Listen and Remember - listening to music and then playing it from memory.
Loop Practice - playing a small section of a tune in a repeating pattern in order to perfect it.
Listening Position - both hands flat, resting on top of the guitar.
Practice - regular time set aside to develop musical skills.
Warm Up - an activity to prepare the mind and hands for playing guitar or singing.
Listen and Copy - the teacher plays a note pattern and the student tries to copy it.
Listen and Remember - listening to music and then playing it from memory.
Loop Practice - playing a small section of a tune in a repeating pattern in order to perfect it.
music notation and the elements of music
Music Notation - the symbols and words used to represent and describe sound and music.
Music Elements - Music is made up of various elements. These contribute to the structure of a piece of music.
Music Elements - Music is made up of various elements. These contribute to the structure of a piece of music.
