Percussion

Percussion: Timpani, Non-Pitched Percussions, and Keyboard Percussions

You need to demonstrate skills in timpani, snare drum, & marimba as a basic requirement

How can I determine my playing level?

LAYP Playing Level	CM Level	RCM Grade	ABRSM Grade
5-6	4-5	4-5	3-4
7-10	6-8	6-8	5-6
11-12	9-11	9-10	7-8

Q: I’m participating in a certificate or competition program other than CM, RCM, ABRSM, ASTACAP, SYMF, Satori, WMCF, etc. How can I determine my playing level in this case?

A: Discuss this playing level (above) with your private instructor, teacher, section coach, or director. They can easily determine your playing level using this chart.

	LAYP Playing Level 5 – 6 Audition Requirements
	Once you’ve determined your playing level, choose one of the following audition types.

Scale	Play a scale, arpeggio (tonic), and chromatic in one, one & half, or two octaves (ascending & descending) at the suggested tempo below as fast as possible to show fluency in the key of your solo piece. If your solo piece is in a minor key, play the melodic minor scale. For atonal or non-traditional pieces, play either F-sharp major or E-flat melodic minor scale.
Marimba, Vibraphone, or Xylophone	Play solo piece or etude. If it’s shorter than 24 measures, add another piece or etude.
Timpani	Play solo piece or etude. If it’s shorter than 24 measures, add another piece or etude.
Snare Drum	Play solo piece or etude. If it’s shorter than 24 measures, add another piece or etude.
Length	The video length will depend on your solo piece and etude. Suggested length: 2-7 minutes

	LAYP Playing Level 7 – 10 Audition Requirements
	Once you’ve determined your playing level, choose one of the following audition types.

Scale	Play a scale, arpeggio (tonic), and chromatic in one & half, or two octaves (ascending & descending) at the suggested tempo above or as fast as possible to show fluency in the key of your solo piece. If your solo piece is in a minor key, play the melodic minor scale. For atonal or non-traditional pieces, play either F-sharp major or E-flat melodic minor scale.
Marimba, Vibraphone, or Xylophone	Play a solo piece, etude, or band/orchestra excerpt (an excerpt from your current band or orchestra pieces is acceptable).
Timpani	Play a solo piece, etude, or band/orchestra excerpt (an excerpt from your current band or orchestra pieces is acceptable).
Snare Drum	Play a solo piece, etude, or band/orchestra excerpt (an excerpt from your current band or orchestra pieces is acceptable).
Length	The video length will depend on your excerpts. Suggested length: 3-15 minutes.

LAYP Playing Level 11 – 12 Audition Requirements

Scale	Play a scale, arpeggio (tonic), and chromatic in one & half, or two octaves (ascending & descending) at the suggested tempo above or as fast as possible to show fluency in the key of your solo piece. If your solo piece is in a minor key, play the melodic minor scale. For atonal or non-traditional pieces, play either F-sharp major or E-flat melodic minor scale.
Marimba, Vibraphone, or Xylophone	Play a solo piece, arrangement, transcription, or concerto.
Timpani	Play a solo piece, etude, concert piece, or band/orchestra excerpt.
Snare Drum	Play a solo piece, etude, concert piece, or band/orchestra excerpt.
Length	The video length will depend on your excerpts. Suggested length: 5-15 minutes.

• Click here to watch a sample video of ‘Marimba Concerto after J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto’
• Click here for RCM syllabus

You can play any other comparable solo piece recommended by your private teacher.