Singing for complete beginners – Rockschool Debut grade for kids
Welcome to today’s blog post, where we dive into the Rockschool Syllabus and take a closer look at their debut grade. This grade is specifically tailored to young singers who are just starting their musical journey. Whether you’re a vocal coach, singing teacher, or a parent looking to support your child’s musical development, join us as we explore the significance and benefits of Rockschool’s debut grade.
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The Debut Grade: An Awesome Starting Point
This grade is specifically designed for young singers who are just starting their musical journey. It is generally perfect for kids up to around 13 or 14 years old. If they start a bit older, I still teach them the preparatory grades, but we skip the exam. Instead, I prefer to let them master the material and jump straight into a higher grade when they’re ready.
Back in the day, Rockschool didn’t have a debut grade. We had to dive right into grade one, and honestly, it was a big leap for beginners. That’s why I was thrilled when Rock School introduced the debut grade in 2021. It made the journey much smoother for my students.
Timing and Individual Progress
The duration of the debut grade preparation can vary depending on the learning style and musical exposure of each student. On average, it takes between a few months to a year to complete. However, it’s important to note that progress should not be rushed but rather focused on consistency. Regular lessons and consistent practice, aided by the Rockschool learning platform, can significantly speed up the learning process.
Exam Process and Song Repertoire
When students are ready, they have the option to take the debut grade exam either in-person or online. While in-person exams are the preferred choice, online exams are available for those in areas without examination centers.
The debut grade exam consists of various components that assess students’ vocal abilities and musical understanding. Students begin by learning a simplified five-tone scale, making it more approachable for beginners compared to a full-scale. They also explore arpeggios, rhythmic studies, and sight-reading exercises to gradually build their foundational skills. The exam includes ear tests that assess melodic and rhythmic recall abilities and enhance auditory memory. Additionally, students are tested on music and vocal questions, which cover topics like identifying note values and understanding the importance of warming up the voice before singing.
In addition to the technical exercises and supporting tests, students have to prepare three songs from the Debut repertoire list. The debut grade repertoire includes popular songs such as “Try Everything” by Shakira and “Havana” by Camila Cabello.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of Rockschool’s debut grade. If you’re interested in pursuing a Rockschool exam or bringing your child to study with us, reach out, and let’s chat!
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I help people to develop their voice and singing from a holistic approach. I teach vocal lessons in person in Auckland, NZ, and online. Also stay tuned for my new online singing programs!❤️
My greatest passion has always been the voice, music and energy arts.
My personal and artistic journey has led me to understand that the voice and the body are fully connected, and that includes not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional and spiritual body.
Through holistic vocal training you not only learn to become a great singer while taking care of your voice, but you also improve your mental and physical wellbeing❤️
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