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Syllabus FAQ

Do I have to play repeats in the exam?
Da capo (DC) and dal segno (DS) indications should be followed but other repeats (including first-time bars) should not be played, unless stipulated in the syllabus. However, very short repeats may be played at the discretion of the teacher or candidate.

I have a copy of a piece in the syllabus, but it’s a different edition from the one listed. Can I use my copy for the exam?
You can use any edition of the music unless the syllabus specifies a particular arrangement or transcription. Always check the syllabus.

The syllabus I’ve been working on has changed. Can I use pieces from last year’s syllabus in my exam this year?
In the UK and Ireland you can play the pieces set for the previous year until the end of May. You cannot mix pieces from the old and new syllabuses during the overlap period. The overlap applies to pieces only: any changes to scales, sight-reading or aural tests come into effect on 1 January of the year the new syllabus begins.

Can I use a photocopy of the music in my exam?
You should not make or use photocopies unless you have written permission from the publisher. You are allowed to photocopy individual pages in order to avoid a tricky page turn, but only if the publisher of the piece is signed up to the Music Publishers’ Association (MPA) Code of Fair Practice. The Code of Fair Practice is available at www.mpaonline.org.uk and participating publishers are listed in Appendix C.

Other queries
Please ensure that you read the exam information and regulations, the syllabus for your exam or assessment, our guide to music exams and our full Syllabus FAQ page as your query may be answered in these resources. 

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Please note that there may be a charge for issuing a duplicate certificate – refer to the dates and fees page for details.

For further information, please refer to regulation 17 of our information and regulations (UK and Ireland edition).

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