Mad About Music

Exam Format:

RIAM exams consist of 3 pieces from the 3 sections of the syllabus current to your grade level, the required scales, sight reading, and aural tests. The exams are available in a wide range of instruments, theory and ensembles. Here are a breakdown of the marks.

Music Grades and Subjects (except Theory and Harmony)

The maximum marks in each Section are as follows:

Section 1
Piece 1 : 20 marks
Piece 2 : 20 marks
Piece 3 : 20 marks
Total Section 1 = 60 marks (60% of total grade)

Section 2
Scales and Arpeggios : 15 marks
Total section 2 = 15 marks (15% of total grade)

Section 3 (Up to grade 5)
Reading at Sight: 10 marks
Aural Tests : 10 marks
Theory : 5 marks

Section 3 (Grade 6 to 8)
Reading at Sight: 10 marks
Aural Tests : 15 marks

Section 3 (Senior Certificate)
Reading at Sight : 10 marks
Aural Tests: 10 marks
Viva Voce: 5 marks

Total Section 3 = 25%

Overall Total maximum marks: 100%

In Pianoforte Duets, Chamber Music, School Orchestra and Vocal Duets, the performance of the pieces is the only requirement.

Assessment bands are as follows:

90% – 100% – Distinction
80% – 89% – Honours
70% – 79% – Merit
60% – 69% – Pass
0%-59% – Fail

Recital Certificate Programme:

This programme has a pass mark of 70% Divided as follows:
(a) Technical Ability – 30%
(b) Interpretation – 30%
(c) Overall Impression & Choice of Programme – 40%

Total maximum percentage 100%. Candidates are awarded a pass mark in this examination if they attain:

Bronze -70% to 79%
Silver – 80% to 89%
Gold – 90% and over

In choosing pieces, candidates are free to choose from any source including any Local Centre Syllabus

RIAM Exam Fees:

Instruments, Singing, Duets & Speech and Drama Subjects:
Kindergarten, Elementary, Preliminary, Preparatory, & Primary Grades: €30.00
Grade 1: €45.30
Sub-Junior Grade: €45.30
Grade 2: €52.50
Grade 3: €58.00
Junior Grade : €58.00
Grade 4 and Grade 5: €66.00
Middle and Senior Grades: €66.00
Grade 6: €75.75
Grade 7: €78.75
Grade 8: €85.75
Senior Certificate Grade: €119.75

Recital Certificate Programme:
Junior: €49.95
Intermediate: €60.75
Advanced : €75.75

Stage School Performance, Oral Communication and Performance and Interview Techniques:
Junior Grade: €43.25
Intermediate Grade: €53.00
Senior Grade: €53.00
Advanced Grade: €64.95

Creative Performance:
Introductory Grade: €30.00
Preparatory Grade: €34.75
Junior Grade: €43.25
Intermediate Grade: €53.25
Transition Grade: €53.25

Groups & Ensembles:
Ensemble: €70.00
Orchestra: €70.00
Class/Choral Singing: €70.00
Group Drama: €70.00
Choric Verse-Speaking: €70.00
Cór-Reacaireacht : €70.00

RIAM CARA Awards:
Céim 1, Céim 2 & Céim 3: €15.00

Theory & Harmony Examinations:
Preparatory Grade: €19.95
Grades 1 and 2: €24.50
Grades 3,4 and 5: €30.50
Grades 6,7 and 8: €42.50
Senior Certificate Grade: €50.50