Drumming demands more than just â??staying in timeâ??. The drummer is the driving force, the backbone and the foundation of the entire band dynamic. Drummers punctuate, embellish and lead changes in the rhythmic figures of each track. They accentuate a horn section, pick up on guitar riffs, mimic vocal lines and command the rhythm section. Drummers do all this and more.
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Drums Debut
The Debut Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have learnt the basic skills. There are two types of exam available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.
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Drums Grade 1
The Grade 1 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning for a relatively short period and have mastered the key basic skills. There are two types of exam available at Grade 1, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 2
The Grade 2 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately one year to eighteen months and have established the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.
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Drums Grade 3
The Grade 3 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately eighteen months to two years and have established the basic skills and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through controlled balance, technique and coordination of the kit and the introduction of solo and development work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 4
The Grade 4 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two - two and half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work and more complex groove patterns. There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 5
The Grade 5 Drum exam is for candidates who have the intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, rhythmic complexity, coordination and balance of the kit and maturing solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 5, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 6
The Grade 6 Drum exam is for candidates who have begun to develop advanced technical control and have a competent grasp of stylistic techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a secure sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 7
The Grade 7 Drum exam is for candidates who have developed advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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Drums Grade 8
The Grade 8 Drum exam is for candidates who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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