Short answer: buy by grade and cover every assessed component.

• Three pieces following list rules (List B, List C, plus one from List A or List D)
• Scales and arpeggios material
• Sight-reading and figured bass realization practice
• Specimen Aural Tests

Start with Syllabus Finder, then buy from your collection page.

Short answer: plan a four-piece programme to meet list structure.

• At least one piece from List B and one from List C
• A third piece from either List A or List D
• A fourth piece from any list or own-choice

Performance route has no separate supporting tests.

Practical: three pieces plus scales/arpeggios, sight-reading + figured bass realization, and aural tests.

Performance: four pieces in one continuous programme, assessed as individual pieces plus performance as a whole.

Practical Harpsichord syllabus: valid from 2009 until further notice.

Harpsichord Performance syllabus: second edition valid for exams from 6 September 2021 (updated 8 March 2023), with repertoire valid until further notice.

Practical: 3 pieces total: one from List B, one from List C, and one from either List A or List D.

Performance: 4 pieces total using the same list structure, plus a fourth piece from any list or own-choice.

Harpsichord Practical tests scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, figured bass realization, and aural tests alongside pieces.

All scales and arpeggios are played from memory.

Most Harpsichord repertoire requires range up to d'''. For practical, very low notes not available on the instrument may be transposed or omitted where permitted.

For performance route, candidates must use an acoustic instrument; digital keyboard harpsichord settings are not allowed.

Minimum own-choice durations (Grades 1-8): 00:25, 00:30, 00:35, 00:45, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 03:00.

Maximum programme times (Grades 1-8): 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 minutes.

At Grades 6-8, own-choice can be played on a related instrument such as spinet or virginal, as appropriate.

Practical: Piece 1 (30) + Piece 2 (30) + Piece 3 (30) + Scales/arpeggios (21) + Sight-reading/Figured bass combined (21) + Aural tests (18) = 150.

Performance: four pieces (120) + performance as a whole (30) = 150.

Result bands: Distinction 130-150, Merit 120-129, Pass 100-119, Below Pass 50-99.

Harpsichord Performance Grades are submitted as digital video exams. Candidates provide programme details online, show the opening of own-choice material, and perform a single continuous programme.

Grades 6-8 require photographic ID on camera.

Yes. Harpsichord performance documentation confirms repertoire is shared with practical lists.

The same grade can still be prepared with different programmes for broader learning.

Quick check path:

• Use Syllabus Finder and choose Harpsichord
• Read Exam Regulations and Performance Grades
• Then buy the required editions from your assigned collection