1

vcmexams.com

OCARINA

ictoria College ExaminationsP

2

Victoria College of Music and Drama, London

PrincipalDr. Martin Ellerby HonDLitt DMA HonVCM FVCM GLCM LMusLCM FTCL FRSA

Chief ExecutiveRobin Wood HonVCM FVCM FCV FInstSMM ALAM FRSA

Chief ExaminerClaire C. Pashley MA BA(Hons) PGCE HonVCM FVCM LTCL ALCM(TD) FRSA AdvDip(Open)

Qualifications Manager and Head of of MusicStewart L. Thompson BA(Hons) CT,FVCM FMCM FSCO FIGOC FCollT MNCMSoc ACIEA

Head of Speech & DramaStuart Morrison MA HonVCM FVCM(TD)(Hons) PGCE ALAM ALCM(TD) LVCMEd(Hons) FIfL FRSA

Curriculum SpecialistDr June Fileti PhD MA(Mus)(Open), MEd BA(Hons) CT,FVCM, LMusEdASMC(Hons)

Governing Council:

Founded 1890

71 Queen Victoria Street, LONDON EC4V 4AYT: 020 7405 6483 E: info@vcmexams.com W: Vcmexams@aol.com

©2016 Victoria College of Music and Drama, London Ltd

Ltd

Corporate Member of

Member of

Subject ConsultantColin R. Tribe BEd(Hons) FVCM FRSA

Ocarina Syllabus

3

ABOUT THE VCMVictoria College of Music and Drama, London Ltd. is an independent body providing examinations inMusic, Speech, and Drama subjects. It has held examination sessions throughout the British Islesand certain overseas countries since it was founded in 1890. It no longer operates a full-time teachinginstitution. The VCM is a corporate member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, theIncorporated Society of Musicians, the Music Education Council, the Association of Teachers ofSinging, the European Piano Teachers Association, the European Recorder Teachers Association, theSociety of Recorder Players, the European String Teachers Association the Society of Teachers ofSpeech & Drama, the National Association of Music Educators, the Association of British ChoralDirectors, the Schools Music Association of Great Britain and is an institutional member of the Collegeof Teachers and abides by its code of practice.

COMPARISONS WITH OTHER EXAMINATION BODIESVCM Grades 1 to 8 are intended to compare on a level for level basis with the grades 1 to 8 of othersimilarly recognised examination boards.In addition to Grades 1 to 8, VCM examinations are available at several introductory levels prior toGrade 1 as a means of encouraging beginners, or students with special needs. Medal and Diplomaexaminations are also available in all subjects. Candidates at all levels receive a written report, and ifsuccessful, a full certificate or diploma.

EXAMINERSAll Examiners of the Victoria College of Music are appointed for their experience and understanding ofcandidates as well as for their professional and educational qualifications. All are trained by theCollege and their marking is regularly moderated to ensure consistent standards wherever VictoriaCollege examinations are held.

CHANGES TO SYLLABUSVCM examination requirements do not alter annually: this syllabus is valid for all examinations heldbetween the dates shown on the cover.Any changes to syllabus are announced well in advance in College Noticeboard which is sent free ofcharge to all on our mailing list.

PASS MARKSIntroductory Grades 65%Grades 1 to 8 65%with Merit 80%; with Distinction 90%Merit is shown as “Honours” in IrelandPre-diploma certificate 75% (85% with Honours)Medal examinations 75%Diplomas 75% (85% with Honours)

EXEMPTION FROM QUESTIONS AT PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONSCandidates who have passed certain VCM Theoretical Examinations are entitled to claim full marks forquestions at Practical Examinations as follows:

Grade 1 Theory exempts up to and including Preliminary PracticalGrade 1A Theory exempts up to and including PreparatoryGrade 2 Theory exempts up to and including Grade 3 PracticalGrade 3 Theory exempts up to and including Grade 5 PracticalGrade 4 Theory exempts up to and including Grade 7 Practical

In all such cases the theory result or certificate must be produced for the Examiner at the beginningof the practical examination.

4

REGULATIONSAll entries are accepted on the conditions laid down in General Regulations and Information, a copy ofwhich is available free of charge. It is also on our website: www.vcmexams.com

ENTRY FORMSAll grades and medal examinations can be entered on white entry forms with no more than tencandidates on a page. Please use the code OA in the column headed “subject” and the letter(s) ornumbers in the “grade no.” column.

QUESTIONSQuestions are based principally on the music performed; but in addition examiners are at liberty to askquestions on notes, rests, musical terms and signs, key and time-signatures, according to the Grade.Also specifically on minor keys; perfect, major, and minor intervals (Grade 3 upwards).

SIGHT READINGSight Reading tests are included from Preparatory level upwards. The relative standard will be that ofapproximately two grades below the grade being taken. Examiners will be at liberty to discuss theSight Reading Test with candidates as part of the Questions.

PIECESCandidates are required to prepare the whole of the pieces they have selected from the lists, but theexaminer may stop the candidate at any given point or ask for certain sections to be performed, or toomit repeats where appropriate.

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOSThe examiner will request a representative sample of those specified for a particular examination.Candidates will not be expected to play scales specified for earlier grades. Scales and Arpeggios mustbe played from memory.

WHAT THE EXAMINERS ARE LOOKING FORExaminers are looking for a combination of skill, knowledge and understanding. Questions are askedin a manner which assesses the candidate’s depth of understanding, not merely the ability to repeatdefinitions. Ingenuity, variety, musicianship, and a sense of style are rewarded, as well as technicalskill and musical accuracy.

PHOTOCOPIESAll VCM and LMP publications are copyright. Photocopying of LMP publications is not permissibleand candidates using unauthorised photocopies at examinations will be disqualified. It isacceptable, however, to use a photocopy for the second copy when the syllabus requires one to behanded to the examiner, provided the original is also brought to the examination. It is also acceptableto use photocopies of parts of long pieces to avoid awkward page turns, again provided the original isalso brought to the examination.

5

London Music Press52 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4LRthe College’s own in-house publisher.

LMP exists to provide an inexpensive method for candidates to obtain set pieces forexaminations at economical prices

An order form showing the price and availability of all LMPpublications is available on request.

All orders are despatched post free worldwide

Discounts for quantity.Payment by cheque in Sterling or Euro with order.

All LMP publications are guaranteed to remain available in print for the duration of thesyllabus

Ocarina Workshop Publications

Play Your Ocarina - the books prescribed in this syllabus can be obtained fromOcarina Workshop Publications Ltd

12 Beardsley GardensKETTERING

Northants.United Kingdom NN15 5UBTelephone 01536 415543

Fax. 01536 485051Email: info@ocarina.co.uk

Website: www.ocarina.co.uk

Ocarinas, OWP publications, CDs and complete teaching packs can be obtained on theInternet at http:ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ocarina/books.htm

6

All pieces for these examinations are contained in either The Ocarina Songbook (LMP) orPlay your Ocarina books published by Ocarina Workshop Publications (OWP). Studies,

Scales and Arpeggios are contained in Studies and Scales for Ocarina (LMP). Scales andarpeggios must be played from memory

First Steps (A)EXERCISES 20 marksEither of the two studies set for First Steps

SOLO PIECES 60 marksAny TWO pieces fromJ’ai du Bon Tabac Ocarina Songbook LMPWhen the Saints Go Marching in

Ocarina Songbook LMPLittle Bird Starting Off OWPBobby Shaftoe Starting Off OWP

SCALEWORK 10marksScale of D major

QUESTIONS 10 marks

Preliminary (B)EXERCISES 20 marksEither of the two studies set for Preliminary

SOLO PIECES 60 marksAny TWO pieces fromSur le pont d’Avignon Ocarina Songbook LMPTheme from Mahler’s 1st.Ocarina Songbook LMPAu clair de la lune Starting Off OWPMuffin Man Starting Off OWP

SCALEWORK 10marksScale and Arpeggio of D major

QUESTIONS 10 marks

Preparatory (C)EXERCISES 20 marksEither of the two studies set for Preparatory

SOLO PIECES 50 marksAny TWO pieces fromOranges and Lemons Ocarina Songbook LMPThe Drunken Sailor Ocarina SongbookLMPOh Susanna Starting Off OWPCamptown RacesStarting Off OWP

SCALEWORK 10marksScale and Arpeggio of D Harmonic minor C major(E-E)

QUESTIONS 10 marks

SIGHT READING 10 marksA simple phrase in the key of D major

Advanced Preparatory(D)EXERCISES 20 marksEither of the two studies set for AdvancedPreparatory

SOLO PIECES 50 marksAny TWO pieces fromAll through the night Ocarina Songbook LMPScarborough Fair Ocarina Songbook LMPAll things bright and beautiful Starting Off OWPPlaisir d’amour Starting Off OWP

SCALEWORK 10marksScale and Arpeggio of D Melodic and E HarmonicminorG major (D-D)

QUESTIONS 10 marks

SIGHT READING 10 marksThese introductory examinations should be shown on entry forms in the Grade column

as simply A, B, C or D as appropriate

7

Grade I Primary

Solo Pieces (60 marks )To choose and play one Study from List A andany two pieces from List B

List AStudies, Scales and Specimen Sight ReadingTests for Ocarina. LMPWhat Shall We Do Tonight?Gentle Times.

List BBlack eyes Moving on OWPMy Grandfathers Clock Moving on OWPSkye Boat Song Ocarina Songbook LMPAmazing Grace Ocarina Songbook LMP

Scalework (10marks)Scales and Arpeggios of E major and E melodicminorChromatic scale from D

Questions (10 marks)

Sight Reading (10 marks)

EITHER of the following two tests (10 marks)

Either a) Musicianship TestsTest 1: To clap a rhythm in 2/4 time. 2 bars inlength, played twice by the examiner.Test 2: To identify any note in the arpeggio C/E/G/C', Middle C being givenTest 3: To echo a five-note phrase played twice bythe examiner.

or b) Own CompositionPerform an own composition of about 8 bars inthe key of C major. It should be balanced as anopening 4-bar phrase which forms a “question”and a 4-bar phrase that forms an “answer”.

Grade 2 Junior

Solo Pieces (60 marks )To choose and play one Study from List A andany two pieces from List B

List AStudies, Scales and Specimen Sight ReadingTests for Ocarina. LMPRosmundUnder the Linden Tree

List BAir from “Water music suite” by Handel,Rock around the “oc” Going for it OWPGreensleeves Ocarina Songbook LMPIn the Hall of the Mountain King

Ocarina Songbook LMP

Scalework (10marks)Scales and Arpeggios of E flat major and C sharpharmonic minor, Chromatic Scale from E flat

Questions (10 marks)

Sight Reading (10 marks)

EITHER of the following two tests (10 marks)Either a) Musicianship TestsTest 4: To clap a rhythm in 2/4 time. 2 bars inlength, played twice by the examiner.Test 5: To identify any note C to G, played from CTest 6: To hum, play or sing a group of 5 or 6notes played twice by the examiner, and tocomplete the phrase by adding one note

or b) Own CompositionPerform an own composition of about 16 bars inthe key of C, G or F major. It should be balancedas an opening 4-bar phrase which forms a“question” , a 4-bar phrase that forms an“answer”, a repeat of the opening 4-bar phrase,and a second “answering” phrase

8

Grade 3 Advanced JuniorSolo Pieces (60 marks )To choose and play one Study from List A and any two pieces from List B

List AStudies, Scales and Specimen Sight Reading Tests for Ocarina. LMPThe Lost QueenWhat a Sweet LadyOur Boychild is Born

List BThe Entertainer Finishing Touches OWPDie Fledermaus Finishing Touches OWPHabenera Ocarina Songbook LMPJoshua Fit the Battle of Jericho

Ocarina Songbook LMP

Scalework (10marks)Scales and Arpeggios of D flat major andE flat harmonic minor. Chromatic scale from E.

Questions (10 marks)

Sight Reading (10 marks)

EITHER of the following two tests (10 marks)Either a) Musicianship TestsTest 7: To clap a rhythm in 2/4 or 3/4 time, 2 bars, played twice by the examiner and identify the timeas 2/4 or 3/4Test 8: To identify any note(s) in the chords of C, G, or F, played from the root note.Test 9: To hum, sing or whistle a group of 5 or 6 notes played twice by the examiner, and then tocomplete the phrase by adding two or three notes.

or b) Own CompositionPerform an own composition in simple binary form in the key of C, G , F , D or B flat major.

9

This syllabus currently stops at Grade 3 because of the limitations of theinstrument, particularly regarding scales and arpeggios. Suggestions formaterial for higher grades, medals and diplomas are always welcome

ENSEMBLESOcarina players may take part in Ensemble Examinations along with

players of other instruments. Details are shown in the separate Ensemblesyllabus obtainable free from the College or it can be downloaded from

www.vcmexams.com

ACCOMPANISTSIt is permissible for teachers to accompany candidates on a Keyboard,Guitar, etc. for pieces taken from the Ocarina Songbook (LMP) or Play

Your Ocarina (OWP). Chord symbols are shown for this purpose.

A young man selling home-made Ocarinas in a street in Berlin

10

DUET, TRIO AND QUARTETOCARINA PLAYING

Candidates may enter in groups of two, three or four as well as individually.In such cases, groups are required to perform in unison, one of the piecesshown in the lists for the Solo grades, PLUS perform together as a Round,the piece shown in Ocarina Duets & Rounds (LMP) for the Grade. Quartetsmay, if they wish, perform the Round as two groups of two. A disciplined,smart form of presentation and effective teamwork will be rewarded.

No Exercises, Scales, Arpeggios, Questions, Sight Reading or MusicianshipTests will be required.

MarksA maximum of 80 marks will be awarded for the musical performance, and20 for presentation.

FeesThe Fee for each group is double the grade solo fee, regardless of the numberof players taking part.

TeachersTeachers may take part in a group as a non examinee to make up numbers,particularly in the case of the unexpected absence of a candidate.Alternatively they may act as accompanists and/or conductors.

Reports and certificatesA similar report form will be issued for each named candidate, but eachmember of a successful group will receive an individual certificate.

The names of all candidates should be shown the entry form appropriatelybracketed together.

11

An eager group of successful Ocarina Exam candidates for The Wirral.