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Brass

About Brass assessments

We offer a range of assessments for learners playing the horn, trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn, E flat horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium and tuba - from the Prep Test for beginners up to Grade 8 and diplomas in Music Performance for advanced musicians.  

Read on to find out more about Brass exams.  

brass
What’s new
Brass Syllabuses from 2023

The new Brass Syllabuses for Practical and Performance Grades feature refreshed repertoire for all instruments and grades, as well as new scale and sight-reading requirements for Practical Grades. There are no changes to the aural tests for Practical Grades.  

The new syllabuses came into effect on 1 January 2023 and there is a one-year overlap period. You can find information about overlaps on our syllabus page. 

We have a range of supporting books and apps to support teachers and learners preparing for Brass exams with the new syllabus. 

Prep test
Brass – Practical Grades

Practical Grades are face-to-face exams that focus on all-round musical knowledge and skills, including performance. Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. In the exam you perform three pieces, play scales and arpeggios and take sight-reading and aural tests.    

Downloads

Download a PDF of the Brass Practical Grades Qualification Specification, which includes syllabuses for all instruments.

For ‘from 2017’ syllabuses, use the subject selector below to go to the relevant instrument page.  

Brass – Performance Grades

Performance Grades are digital exams assessed from a video recording. They have a strong focus on performance, including communication, interpretation and delivery.  In the exam you perform a programme of four pieces.  

Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. There are no booking periods or exam sessions so you can choose when to book, record and submit your exam.  

As well as reading the qualification specification and the syllabus for your instrument, you should also read our Performance Grade guidance which includes important information about recording and submitting your exam video.  Follow the link below to find out more. 

Downloads

Download PDFs of the Performance Grades Qualification Specification and Brass syllabus.

Instruments

Select your Brass instrument

Watch a performance

Astley Unlimited Brass Band play Hogwarts March by Patrick Doyle (arr. Lawrance) from the Grade 3 syllabus.

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drumkit