Violin certification
Level 4 — Advanced 2 (Artistic Control Level)
To achieve confident shifting, controlled vibrato, stylistic awareness, advanced bowing techniques and deeper musical expression.
Practical syllabus (violin)
Instrument and technique development
- Secure posture with freedom of movement
- Confident shifting between first and third positions
- Accurate intonation in higher positions
- Controlled vibrato (slow and even)
- Balanced coordination between left hand and bow arm
Notes and playing
- Melodies spanning multiple positions
- Position changes within musical phrases
- Expressive phrasing with dynamic shaping
- Awareness of tone projection and resonance
Scales (two octaves, with shifting)
- B♭ major
- E♭ major
- F major
- A minor (harmonic)
- C minor (natural)
- D major (including position shifts)
Bowing techniques
- Controlled staccato and introduction to spiccato
- Advanced legato phrasing
- Bow articulation for stylistic clarity
Rhythm and timing
- Compound rhythms (6/8, 9/8)
- Syncopated rhythmic patterns
- Tempo control across contrasting sections
Repertoire
- Four pieces including at least two contrasting styles or periods
- One technically demanding work and one expressive piece
- Self-arranged or original composition (24–32 bars)
- Structured improvisation over scale or harmony
Theory syllabus
Harmony, modes and form
- Harmonic and melodic minor scales and introduction to modes (concept and sound)
- Cadence types (perfect, imperfect, plagal)
- Secondary dominants as a conceptual harmonic device
- Binary, ternary and rondo form; phrase development and variation
Notation
- Intermediate–advanced staff notation
- Bowing symbols, dynamics and articulations
- Da capo, dal segno and coda markings