RSL Classical Violin Grade 8 (2021)

Overview

RSL Classical Violin Grade 8 is the highest grade in the RSL Classical Violin 2021 pathway, designed for violinists who have consolidated their playing to a high level and are developing advanced technique, expressive control and individual musical interpretation.

The book combines 10 benchmarked arrangements with technical exercises, supporting tests, downloadable audio, Fact Files and Walkthroughs. Its repertoire spans Classical, Classical Crossover, Jazz and Pop, giving advanced students opportunities to demonstrate stylistic flexibility alongside technical and musical maturity.

Key Features

• 10 benchmarked arrangements across diverse musical styles

• Downloadable audio for listening and practice

• Professionally arranged and recorded backing tracks

• Fact Files with composer and repertoire information

• Walkthroughs providing guidance for each arrangement

• Technical Exercises covering scales, arpeggios and technical studies

• Ear Tests and General Musicianship Questions

• Unseen Tests including Sight Reading and Improvisation & Interpretation

• Ear Tests – Melodic Recall

• Designed for Grade Exam and Performance Certificate preparation

Featured Repertoire

The Grade 8 collection includes:

• Allegro di Molto from Violin Sonata No. 22 in A Major, K. 305 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Allegro from Spring, Concerto No. 1 in E Major, Op. 8, RV 269 – Antonio Vivaldi

• Allegro Vivace from Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30 No. 3 – Ludwig van Beethoven

• Allemanda from Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 – Johann Sebastian Bach

• D’Un Matin de Printemps – Lili Boulanger

• Deep River – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

• Honeysuckle Rose – Fats Waller

• Rather Be – Clean Bandit

• Romance No. 1 – Clara Schumann

• Virtuoso – Black Violin

What Students Will Develop

Grade 8 focuses on the highest level of the 2021 Classical Violin pathway, with emphasis on:

• Advanced technical fluency

• Secure coordination and rhythmic control

• Complex position changes and chromatic passages

• Double-stopping and advanced bowing techniques

• Refined tone production and expressive devices

• Confident use of musical form and structure

• Mature stylistic awareness

• Individual musical interpretation

• Strong communication and expressive performance

• Advanced improvisation skills where selected

RSL describes Grade 8 candidates as having consolidated their playing to a high level, with developed technique, expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, coordination and musical understanding.

Technical Exercises

Grade 8 technical work is divided into:

• Group A – Scales

• Group B – Arpeggios

• Group C – Technical Studies

Examples of the Grade 8 requirements include:

• A♭, D♭ and E♭ major scales – 3 octaves

• G♯, C♯ and E♭ minor scales – 3 octaves

• Chromatic scales starting on A♭ – 3 octaves

• Chromatic scales starting on C, E♭ and E – 2 octaves

• Double-stopped C major scale in thirds – 1 octave

• Double-stopped D natural minor scale in octaves – 1 octave

• Major and minor arpeggios including A♭, D♭ and E♭ – 3 octaves

The stated minimum tempo is 120 bpm for the listed scales and 170 quaver bpm for the arpeggios.

Product Details

• Brand: RSL Awards

• Series: RSL Classical Violin

• Instrument: Violin

• Level: Grade 8

• Syllabus: 2021

• Publisher: RSL Awards

• Repertoire: 10 benchmarked arrangements

• Includes: Repertoire, downloadable audio, Fact Files, Walkthroughs, Technical Exercises and Supporting Tests