LEVEL 1 (FOUNDATION)

Pupils should be able to show a working knowledge of the following:

* How the flute works

* Recognition of the main parts of the instrument i.e. Headjoint, Body, Footjoint

* The correct way to assemble the flute

* Care and maintenance of the flute

* Correct posture for playing seated and standing

* Know how to tune the flute to the appropriate notes

* Understand how the sound is produced

* Correct stance and hand positions

* Understand the significance of practicing efficiently

TECHNIQUE

Pupils should be able to demonstrate the following:

* Good embouchure formation

* Basic breath control

* Ability to start and finish notes in the correct manner

* Ability to demonstrate basic articulation i.e. Slurs, staccato, accents etc.

* Have a good warm-up technique based on long notes, designed to develop stamina
range and flexibility

* Hand position must be correct from the outset, fingers should be curved

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS

Pupils should be able to play from music the following:

* Major: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb - one octave

* Minor: A, E, D, G harmonic - one octave

* Arpeggios: of above keys

* Chromatic: on D - one octave

* All scales should be played both tongued and slurred and should demonstrate fluency
and an even sound production

REPERTOIRE

* Suitable repertoire should be drawn from recognised sources including tutor books,
studies and pieces according to the pupil�s stage of development.

* Suitable material maybe drawn from the various examination board syllabi.

* Pupils should be encouraged to perform from an early stage.

* Performances should demonstrate an understanding of style, phrasing, expression and
tempo along with a secure knowledge of notes and rhythm.

THEORY

Pupils should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of music theory relevant
to the chosen repertoire. In addition, pupils must recognise and understand the following:

* Notation: Stave, bar-lines, treble clef, leger lines. All treble clef notes within the
playing range (letter name and fingering) Accidentals - sharp, flat and natural signs

* Rhythm: Crotchet, quaver, minim and semibreve and their equivalent rests,
Dotted and tied notes, Time signatures 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8

* Key signatures: All major and minor keys with up to three sharps or flats -
Be able to construct a major scale and know the significance of wholetones and
semitones.

* Dynamics: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo, diminuendo.

* Tempo: Allegro, Andante, Moderato, Rall., Rit.

* Articulation: Slur, Staccato

* Form: Repeat signs, D.C. al fine

SIGHT READING

Pupils should be prepared to play a short piece at sight:

* in simple time

* in any key, up to and including two sharps or flats

* consisting of semibreves, minims, crotchets, quavers, dotted and tied notes

* including familiar dynamic and articulation marks

Aural

Pupils should be able to:

* Clap from memory the rhythm of a simple melody in duple, triple
or quadruple simple time

* Beat time to a melody in duple, triple or quadruple simple time

* Sing or play back from memory a simple four note phrase

* Recognise a rhythmic or melodic change to a four bar phrase played twice with the
change being made in the second playing

* Complete a simple four bar phrase by adding two further bars to the first two,
creating a cadence in the home key.

RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tutor Books: LAYP Flute, Abracadabra Flute, B&H Flute Method

Study Book: 125 Easy Classical Studies, Practice makes Perfect