Ukulele Exams

These officially-accredited and internationally-recognised exams offer a formal recognition of the specific talents of ukulele players.

The exam syllabus provides a solid foundation of musical education for any ukulele student and is designed to be accessible across different teaching and playing approaches. It is acknowledged that some ukulele players focus on the ukulele wholly in terms of its role as a chordal/rhythm playing instrument, while other ukulele players prefer to also explore the melody playing potential of the instrument. Consequently, the syllabus structure has been designed so that it can be utilised with equal success by candidates who are developing both melody and rhythm playing skills, as well as by those candidates who are focusing solely on chordal/rhythm playing techniques.

This syllabus caters for Soprano (a.k.a 'standard'), Concert and Tenor ukulele players that use standard G C E A tuning.

Exam Levels

6 exam grades are currently available, ranging from Initial Stage (for beginners) up to Grade 4 (for intermediate level players).

Download an Exam Information Booklet to see the requirements of each grade.

Ukulele Performance Awards

Candidates who prefer to focus entirely on the performance of prepared pieces can opt for a Ukulele Performance Award. These can be performed at an exam centre, or alternatively candidates can submit a video or audio recording of themselves playing the pieces. Performance Awards range from Initial Stage up to Level 5.

The format and content of these is different from the Grade Exams, please see the Ukulele Performance Award page for more information.

What Happens During An Exam?

The full content of the exam is provided in the Exam Information Booklet, but the following is a brief outline of what you need to play in a ukulele exam:

• Rhythm Study:  this mainly involves applying a pre-set rhythm pattern to a chord progression.
• Performance:  this can be either playing a melody or playing another rhythm study.
• Free choice specialism: you can play a piece of your choice.
• Prepared Accompaniment: you play an accompaniment to a tune.
• Musicianship: (For Grade Exams only) the examiner will test your 'ear for music' by giving you a short selection of aural assessments, and (from Grade One onwards) will ask you a few questions to test your knowledge of the instrument and the music performed.
  

Exam Handbooks

RGT@LCM publishes a handbook with CD for each grade that provides all the information required for the exam. There is no requirement to read traditionally notated music as all music is written in easy-to-read TAB, as well as traditional notation. CD tracks are provided so you can 'listen and learn'. The handbooks provide a structured method of studying the ukulele. They are available from many good music/book stores or online at the LCM music shop.

Benefits of Taking a Ukulele Exam

• Gain a useful and internationally-recognised qualification.
• Find out, via a reliable and independent assessment, what standard your playing is.
• Achieve your playing potential by setting yourself a clear target to aspire to.
• Preparing for the exam will help you develop all aspects of your ukulele playing in a structured way.