Drum kit certification
Level 3 — Advanced 1 (Musical Expansion)
To broaden stylistic awareness, improve control of rudiments and apply more complex grooves and fills.
Practical syllabus (drum kit)
Grooves and styles
- More advanced rock grooves with syncopated bass drum
- Introduction to basic funk or shuffle patterns
- Playing consistent hi-hat patterns with dynamics
Rudiments and technical work
- Single paradiddle and paradiddle-diddle at higher tempos
- Flams and drag rudiments in simple applications
Fills and transitions
- Two-bar fills combining snare, toms and bass drum
- Dynamic build-ups and controlled endings
Repertoire
- Two to three pieces in contrasting styles, with clear dynamic shaping
- Short solo or break section incorporating rudiments
Theory syllabus
Rhythmic development
- Triplets and their use in grooves and fills
- 6/8 and compound time subdivisions
Notation and structure
- Reading drum charts with basic repeats
- Understanding form markings (D.C., D.S., codas in simple contexts)
Assessment Focus
- Independence
- Subdivision accuracy
- Musical control
- Consistency
Exam Format (Level 3)
| Component / Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Practical Performance | 70 |
| Theory | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
Note: Formal theory assessment begins at this level (written or oral).