Levels & Grades
The Encore programme consists of six levels. These levels correspond to the grading system followed by popular international music exam boards. Encore follows the Trinity College London board when it comes to graded exams, however, the requirements and expectations of most popular boards are similar in nature.
The below section describes the levels, indicative time frame for completing each level and the expected amount of time the student is expected to practise during those levels. Please note that the level completion time frame mentioned is an indicative number and depends largely on the amount of practise time and to some extent, the individual capabilities of each student. For ideal results, students are expected to practise at least 5 days a week as per the practise duration suggested for each level.
For detailed learning outcomes of each level/grade please visit the Learning Outcomes page.
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Foundation & Beginner | Grade 1
- • This level introduces the student to the fundamental concepts of music, right from note reading to playing simple pieces with both hands in a reasonably secure manner.
- • Time frame: 1 - 2 yrs
- • Expected practise time: 20 - 45 mins/day depending on the student’s age
Advanced Beginner | Grades 2-3
- • The student will apply the concepts learnt at the Foundation level to more challenging repertoire delivering a secure performance.
- • Time frame: 1½ - 2 yrs
- • Expected practise time: 45 - 60 mins/day
Early Intermediate | Grades 4-5
- • The student will be introduced to music from three musical periods - Baroque, Classical & Romantic and will learn to perform these with reasonable character of the respective periods.
- • Time frame: 2 yrs
- • Expected practise time: 1 hr/day
Intermediate | Grades 6-7
- • The student will be learning and performing pieces from great composers from the three musical periods which they had been introduced to in the previous level.
- • Time frame: 2 yrs
- • Expected practise time: 1 - 1½ hrs/day
Late Intermediate | Grade 8
- • The student will be introduced to Post Romantic, 20th & 21st Century works of great composers and will be performing pieces from all the musical periods they have learnt so far.
- • Time frame: 1 yr
- • Expected practise time: 1½ - 2 hrs/day
Early Advanced | Grades 9-10
- • While there are no official graded exams for Grades 9 & 10, this level has been developed by Encore for students who wish to pursue their piano education beyond Grade 8. The Early Advanced Level acts as a bridge between Grade 8 and diploma/university level piano programmes and ensures students are equipped for taking on the demands of a full-fledged piano performance degree at a university. At the end level, the student will be expected to prepare a 30-40 min programme consisting of pieces from all the musical periods.
- • Time frame: 1½ - 2 yrs
- • Expected practise time: 2 - 4 hrs/day
