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Besides giving a well polished performance of the examination pieces, memorization of the pieces is of critical importance. (In RCM Grade 1 to 7, memorization of the full repertoire scores 6 marks, RCM Grade 8 to 10 memorization of the entire repertoire scores 8 marks).
Students should not over look the importance of ear tests and sight-reading. Weak sight-reading and aural skills can lead to poor results or even failure in the examination.
To attain a high score, scales and technical tests are of crucial importance. Besides being able to play these with fluency, the scales require a firm and well controlled touch and tone in order to satisfy the specific examination requirements. At higher grades, one should pay attention to aspects like cadences, dominant 7th and diminished chords, as well as 4 note chord patterns.