- Chis Caton-Greasley
Step 1 Popular Music Vocals. LCM
All the material in these levels can be prepared in advance of the examination.
Songs should be as basic as possible in nature, though it is acknowledged, and acceptable, that many popular songs students may wish to choose can fall outside these parameters.
The musical material selected for these grades should be of an essentially elementary nature.
Only the most basic, and hence most common, time signatures are used. Melodic and rhythmic material is simple. Variation of dynamics, articulation, phrasing and ornamentation will occur only sporadically in the repertoire, and will be limited to the most basic types.
The songs are characterised by melodies moving by step rather than leap, often based on the major scale, and limited in range to approximately one octave, though it is acknowledged, and acceptable, that many popular songs students may wish to choose can fall outside these parameters (e.g. have a range of more than one octave, be in a minor key etc.). Technical accomplishment is a more important element of assessment than musicality, and expectations of communication are limited.
Evidence of understanding of a particular style of delivery or vocal production is not expected. A physical involvement with the songs is expected, for example, natural gestures. Component 1: Technical work 20 marks
There are two elements to prepare for this component of the exam. Both exercises are to be performed in the exam and must be sung from memory. Guidance on tempos and notation can be found in the handbook you teacher will give you.
• Major scale up to a 5th, ascending and descending
• Major broken chord up to a 5th, ascending and descending
These can be sung using any syllable and in any key and the candidate must notify the examiner of the starting note. Students should aim for an accurate and confident performance, with a solid rhythm and relaxed voice. Recorded examples: https://lcmebooks.org/popular-music-vocals/?g=s1
Riffs
Prepare an 8-bar passage containing four short riffs in 4/4 time. The riffs can be found in the handbook, they do not need to be performed from memory.
These tests may be performed in either C or F major and this needs to be communicated to the examiner.
Component 2: Performance 65 marks
Prepare:
• Performance of two contrasting songs not exceeding 7 minutes (total performance time)
• Written programme. The programme must include a list of song titles and artists
• Lyric sheet for each song
The performance should aim to demonstrate basic voice control through a relaxed delivery that shows an awareness of pitch. It is not expected to show a range of vocal colours or techniques, but to produce a relaxed and personal sound. Songs are not expected to be performed from memory.
Repertoire
Song 1
A Thousand Miles Vanessa Carlton
Friday I’m in Love The Cure
Lean on Me Bill Withers
I Have a Dream ABBA
Song 2
A Message To You The Specials
Yellow Submarine The Beatles
Fields Of Gold Sting
Hound Dog Elvis Presley
Make You Feel My Love Adele
Love Me Tender Elvis Presley
You Belong With Me Taylor Swift
Blowing In The Wind Bob Dylan
Pack Up Eliza Doolittle
Time of Your Life Green Day
What Makes You Beautiful One Direction
Holiday Madonna
Love Is Easy McFly
Let It Be The Beatles
Drag Me Down One Direction
Johnny B Goode Chuck Berry
Yours Ella Henderson
SOS ABBA
Stand By Me Ben E. King
No Matter What Boyzone
Playlist
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Component 3: Questions 15 marks
Students should be prepared to answer the following:
• What part of the song did you enjoy the most and why?
• Is the song happy or sad?