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Music for Grade 3
1 **Musical Knowledge and Understanding**
1-1 **Key Signatures**
1-1 1 Recognize and write key signatures for C major, G major, F major, D major, and B flat major
1-1 2 Identify the number of sharps or flats in each key signature
1-1 3 Understand the relationship between key signatures and the Circle of Fifths
1-2 **Time Signatures**
1-2 1 Recognize and write time signatures: 24, 34, 44, 68
1-2 2 Understand the difference between simple and compound time signatures
1-2 3 Count and perform rhythms in different time signatures
1-3 **Intervals**
1-3 1 Identify and name intervals up to an octave
1-3 2 Recognize and write major, minor, perfect, augmented, and diminished intervals
1-3 3 Understand the relationship between intervals and scales
1-4 **Scales**
1-4 1 Play and recognize major scales in C, G, F, D, and B flat
1-4 2 Play and recognize minor scales in A, E, and D
1-4 3 Understand the structure of major and minor scales
1-5 **Chords**
1-5 1 Recognize and play major and minor triads
1-5 2 Understand the structure of major and minor triads
1-5 3 Recognize and play inversions of triads
1-6 **Sight-Reading**
1-6 1 Read and perform simple melodies in different keys
1-6 2 Recognize and perform rhythms in different time signatures
1-6 3 Identify and perform intervals and chords from sight
2 **Performance**
2-1 **Solo Performance**
2-1 1 Perform a memorized solo piece from the Grade 3 syllabus
2-1 2 Demonstrate accurate rhythm, pitch, and dynamics
2-1 3 Show expressive playing with appropriate phrasing and articulation
2-2 **Duet Performance**
2-2 1 Perform a duet with a partner from the Grade 3 syllabus
2-2 2 Demonstrate good ensemble skills, including balance and synchronization
2-2 3 Show sensitivity to dynamics and phrasing in a duet setting
2-3 **Technical Exercises**
2-3 1 Perform technical exercises to develop finger dexterity and accuracy
2-3 2 Demonstrate control over dynamics and articulation in technical exercises
2-3 3 Apply technical skills to solo and duet performances
3 **Listening and Appraisal**
3-1 **Listening Skills**
3-1 1 Identify and describe the main elements of a piece of music (e g , melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics)
3-1 2 Recognize different musical styles and genres
3-1 3 Identify the key and time signature of a piece of music
3-2 **Appraisal Skills**
3-2 1 Evaluate the performance of a solo piece, focusing on accuracy, expression, and technical skill
3-2 2 Provide constructive feedback on a duet performance, considering ensemble skills and musicality
3-2 3 Reflect on personal performance and identify areas for improvement
4 **Composition**
4-1 **Simple Composition**
4-1 1 Compose a short melody in a given key and time signature
4-1 2 Incorporate simple rhythmic patterns and dynamics
4-1 3 Use intervals and chords to create harmonic structure
4-2 **Improvisation**
4-2 1 Improvise a short melody based on a given chord progression
4-2 2 Experiment with different rhythms and dynamics in improvisation
4-2 3 Apply technical skills to improvisation
5 **General Musicianship**
5-1 **Rhythmic Patterns**
5-1 1 Recognize and perform simple and compound rhythmic patterns
5-1 2 Understand the relationship between rhythm and meter
5-1 3 Apply rhythmic patterns to performance and composition
5-2 **Dynamics and Articulation**
5-2 1 Demonstrate a range of dynamics (e g , piano, forte, mezzo-piano, mezzo-forte)
5-2 2 Use different articulations (e g , legato, staccato, tenuto) to convey expression
5-2 3 Apply dynamics and articulation in performance and composition
5-3 **Phrasing and Interpretation**
5-3 1 Understand the concept of phrasing and its importance in musical expression
5-3 2 Apply phrasing to solo and duet performances
5-3 3 Interpret the musical structure of a piece to convey its meaning
Sight-Reading for Grade 3

Sight-Reading for Grade 3

Key Concepts

Sight-reading is the ability to read and play a piece of music at first sight without prior practice. It involves recognizing notes, rhythms, and musical symbols quickly and accurately. Mastering sight-reading is essential for musicians to perform new pieces efficiently.

1. Recognizing Notes

Sight-reading begins with recognizing notes on the staff. Each note has a specific position on the staff, and understanding these positions helps in identifying the pitch quickly. For example, the note on the first line of the treble clef is E, and the note on the first space is F.

2. Identifying Rhythms

Rhythm is the timing and duration of notes. Sight-reading requires the ability to identify different note values (whole, half, quarter, eighth, etc.) and their corresponding rests. Practicing rhythm patterns helps in reading and playing them accurately.

3. Understanding Musical Symbols

Musical symbols include dynamics (loudness and softness), articulations (how notes are played), and other markings that affect the performance. Familiarity with these symbols ensures that the music is played with the intended expression and style.

Examples and Analogies

Think of sight-reading as reading a new book. Just as you recognize words and understand their meaning, you recognize notes and their pitch. The rhythm is like the pace at which you read, and the musical symbols are like the punctuation marks that guide your reading.

Another analogy is to imagine sight-reading as cooking a new recipe. You need to identify the ingredients (notes), follow the instructions (rhythms), and use the right tools (musical symbols) to create a delicious dish (a well-played piece of music).

Practical Application

To practice sight-reading, start with simple pieces that gradually increase in difficulty. Focus on one concept at a time, such as recognizing notes or identifying rhythms. Use flashcards or apps to help memorize note positions and rhythm patterns. Gradually combine these skills to read and play more complex pieces.

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