Examinations of
Kawai Piano Grade Test
(September, 2022 – August, 2023)

Grade Test for Students: Grade 16 - 7
Grade Test for Teachers: Grade 6 - 2

Kawai Grade Test Recognition CommitteeAbout “Kawai Grade Test”
The Kawai Grade Test is a music proficiency test designed for all students of music, frombeginners to experts.
The Kawai Grade Test is available from Grade 16 to Grade 2. Grades 16 to 7 are for those whoare studying piano performance and music, and Grades 6 to 2 are for those who want to becomemusic professionals such as music educators and performers.
We hope that the Kawai Grade Test will serve as a goal for learning and teaching music, and foryour personal development.
Kawai Grade Test Recognition Committee

Table of Contents
About Grade Test for Students
About Grade Test for Teachers ………………………………………

1

Kawai Grade System …………………………………………………… 2
Eligibility Criteria and Exemption from the Examination…………… 3
The examination of Kawai Grade Test
Grade 16 – 7 …………………………………………………………

6

Grade 6 ………………………………………………………………

8

Grade 5 ………………………………………………………………

10

Grade 4 ………………………………………………………………

12

Grade 3 ………………………………………………………………

14

Grade 2 ………………………………………………………………

16

How to apply …………………………………………………………… 17
Fee for examination …………………………………………………… 17
Kawai Grade Test Application Form ………………………………… 18[Performance Grade] Grade 2

Program Sheet………………………19

About Grade Test for Students: Grade 16 - 7This grade test is for students who are learning to play the piano and study music with SOUND TREE, a teachingtool based on the Kawai Music Educational System.
The Kawai Music Educational System is a system divided into levels from basic to specialized music courses, andstrives to assess the level of proficiency of students at each level. The grade test was established as a target point
for learners at each level.
We hope that this Grade Test will become a goal close to the student's heart for a long period of time, and that it
will help them develop a habit of being more self-motivated in their practice, and deepen their joy and confidence
in music.

Testing Method

・As a general rule, you are required to take the examinations in order startingwith Grade 16 (starting with Grade 15 for users of SOUND TREE J).
・Successful completion of one Grade leads to the next Grade.
Skipping grades is not permitted.

About Grade Test for Teachers: Grade 6 - 2
The Grade Test is for those who wish to become music instructors or performers, and is designed to test theskills and knowledge that are considered necessary to achieve this.

Kawai Piano Grade Test
There are five levels, from Grade 6 to Grade 2, and each level is divided into Performance Grades andInstruction Grades.
In the [Performance Grade], students are graded mainly on their ability to play their instruments.
In the [Instruction Grade], students are graded mainly on their ability in music theory and solfege.
Test Eligibility

・Age is not a factor.
・All nationalities are welcome.

Testing Method

・As a general rule, first time examinees begin from Grade 6.
・Successful completion of one Grade leads to the next Grade.
Skipping grades is not permitted.
・When you would like to take an [Instruction Grade], you must take the same level of[Performance Grade] at the same time or have already passed it.
・If you take the [Performance Grade] and [Instruction Grade] at the same time and pass
only the [Instruction Grade], you are exempted from taking the [Instruction Grade] for
one year thereafter. However, if you do not pass the [Performance Grade] within one year,
you must take the [Instruction Grade] again.
1

Kawai Grade Test System
Kawai Piano Grade Test
[Performance Grade][Instruction Grade]

Grade 2
Grade Test

Grade 3

Grade 3forGrade 4

Grade 4Teachers

Grade 5

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 6

Grade 7
Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10
Grade Testfor
Students

Grade 11
Grade 12
Grade 13
Grade 14
Grade 15
Grade 162

Eligibility Criteria and Exemption from the Examination
Eligibility Criteria[Performance Grade][Instruction Grade]

Grade 2

Evaluation by Japanese Jury.

Grade 3At least 70 points per subject.

At least 70 points per subject.

Grade 4At least 70 points per subject.

At least 70 points per subject.

Grade 5At least 70 points per subject.

Grade 6

Exemption fromthe Examination―

At least 60 points per subject
and a total of 210 points.

At least 60 points per subject

At least 50 points per subject

and a total of 210 points.

and a total of 210 points.

3

Exemption from taking
examinations for one year
for subject in which 70 points
or higher is obtained.
―

―

4

KAWAI Piano Grade Test

Examination Subject

5[Performance Grade]
Grade

16

SOUND TREE 1A

For users of
Grade

SOUND TREE 1B

15
For users of

SOUND TREE J

For users of
Grade

SOUND TREE 2

14
For users of

SOUND TREE J

SOUND TREE 3A

SOUND TREE 3B

SOUND TREE 4A

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)
28. Mallards Moving (M. Motohashi) p.38
30. On the Bridge (French Folk Song) p.41

*Observe D.C.

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)
28. Silent the Night (Traditional) p.48
30. I am a Mountain Musician (German Folk Song) p.52

*Omit a repeat mark.

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)
51. Barcarolle from “Tales of Hoffmann” (J. Offenbach) p.68

*Observe D.C.

53. When the Saints Go Marching In (American Folk Song) p.72

29. Dance (C. Orff) p.54

*Observe a repeat mark and D.C.

30. Minuet (L. Mozart) p.58

*Omit all repeat marks.
*Omit a repeat mark.

34. Pianoletta (G. Meunier) p.70

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

SOUND TREE 4B

32. The Jolly Miller (Mother Goose Song) p.70
36. Sonatine No.1 (L. Köhler) p.76

*Omit all repeat marks.

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

SOUND TREE 5A

16. Sonatina (1st movement) (A. Diabelli) p.30

*Omit a repeat mark.

25. Study for the Left Hand (B. Bartók) p.48
Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

SOUND TREE 5B

21. Clockwork Doll (D. Shostakovich) p.42
23. 1st movement of Sonatina (F. Kuhlau) p.46

*Omit a repeat mark.

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

Grade

7

27. Mallards Moving (M. Motohashi) p.50

36. Danse Slave (E. J. Pendleton) p.76

Grade

8

25. Cuckoo (German Folk Song) p.47

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

Grade

9

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

35. The Mermaid Song (C. M. v. Weber) p.68

Grade

10

37. Buzz Buzz Buzz (Bohemian Folk Song) p.54

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

Grade

11

Perform the following piece. (Read or from memory)

36. Lullaby of the Moon (French Folk Song) p.68

Grade

12

for students using SOUND TREE series

Perform the following two pieces. (Read or from memory)

Grade

13

Grade 16 - 7

SOUND TREE 6

13. Fugue (G. P. Telemann) p.38
17. The Little Shepherd (C. Debussy) p.48

6

*Omit a repeat mark.

[Performance Grade]for students using SOUND FANS series

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (Read or from memory)

Grade

15

Grade 16 - 7

SOUND FANS 1A

14. Yankee Doodle (Traditional) p.44
15. Radetzky March (J. Strauss I) p.46

*Observe a repeat mark.

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (Read or from memory)
Grade

14

SOUND FANS 1B

10. Grandfather’s Clock (H. C. Work) p.32
11. A Whistle You Work (F. Curchill) p.36
14. La Campanella (F. Liszt) p.44
Perform one of the pieces listed below. (Read or from memory)

Grade

13

SOUND FANS 2

11. Las Chiapanecas (Mexican Folk Song) p.30

*Observe a repeat mark.

12. Around the World (V. Young) p.32
15. Etude Op.10-3 (F. Chopin) p.38

7

*Observe a repeat mark.

Kawai Piano Grade Test
PIECE 1

[Performance Grade]

Grade 6

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (From memory)
Composed by J. S. Bach
1) Invention No.3 in D major, BWV774 from “Invention and Sinfonia”
2) Invention No.8 in F major, BWV779 from “Invention and Sinfonia”
3) Invention No.15 in B minor, BWV786 from “Invention and Sinfonia”

PIECE 2

Select and perform a piece/pieces of your choice. (From memory)
Do not choose any pieces by J. S. Bach.
* Performing time : within 5 minutes
Ex)

J. Haydn: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata in G major, Hob.XVI/27
W. A. Mozart: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata No.2 in F major, K.280
L. v. Beethoven: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata No.19 in G minor, Op.49-1
F. Schubert: No.4 in C-sharp minor of “Six Moments Musicals” D780
F. Mendelssohn: No.1 & No.2 of “Songs without Words” Op.19

ADDING

1. Melody & Bass

ACCOMPANIMENTPlay melody and bass line based on the melody, chord and beginning pattern.
* Number of measures:

8 to 12 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor* Extent of chords:

I, II, IV, V(7), VI, I2* Pre-reading time

30 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Play the melody with the right hand and bass line with the left hand based on the melody, chord notations
and beginning pattern.

2. Chord & Bass
Play chord and bass line based on the chord symbols and beginning pattern.
* Number of measures:

8 to 12 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor* Extent of chords:

major, minor, minor-5 (minor’s II), dominant7
Only root position (Include I2)
Include borrowed chord of related key.

* Pre-reading time

30 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Play chords with the right hand and bass line with the left hand based on the chord symbols and beginning
pattern.

8

Kawai Piano Grade Test
WRITTEN TEST[Instruction Grade]

Grade 6

Answer the questions about music presented in the test.
(music terminology, interval, chord notation, chord names, scales)

HARMONY

Complete a 4-part harmony based on chord notation using the outer voices and bass
voice. (Including the positions for second inversion.)* Number of measures:

8 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major / D major / B♭major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor / B minor / G minor* Test time

60 minutes (includes WRITTEN TEST and HARMONY)

Ex) Complete a 4-part harmony using the outer voices and bass voice.

MUSIC DICTATION

Single melody listening: Listen to the 2-part piano piece and write only the melody.
* Number of measures:

8 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor

Ex)〈Test Flow〉
Keys, time, and tonic chord will be presented before ①① Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
② First 4 measures playing: 3 times③ Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
④ Last 4 measures playing: 3 times

15 seconds intervals will be given between
each playing.
⑤ Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
60 seconds will be given after ⑤.

9Kawai Piano Grade Test
PIECE 1

[Performance Grade]

Grade 5

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (From memory)
Composed by J. S. Bach
1) Sinfonia No.8 in F major, BWV794 from “Invention and Sinfonia”
2) Sinfonia No.12 in A major, BWV798 from “Invention and Sinfonia”
3) Sinfonia No.13 in A minor, BWV799 from “Invention and Sinfonia”

PIECE 2

Select and perform a piece/pieces of your choice. (From memory)
Do not choose any pieces by J. S. Bach.
* Performing time : within 5 minutes
Ex)

W. A. Mozart: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata No.12 in F major, K.332
L. v. Beethoven: 1st Movement of Piano Sonata No.1 in F minor, Op.2-1
F. Schubert: No.4 ‘Allegretto’ of 4 Impromptus D899/Op.90
F. Chopin: Waltz No.9 “Farewell Waltz” in A-flat major, Op.69-1
R. Schumann: Arabesque in C major, Op.18
F. Liszt: No.3 ‘O lieb so lang du lieben kannst’ from “Liebeträume” S541
C. Debussy: No.1 Prelude from Suite Bergamasque

ADDING

1. Melody & Bass

ACCOMPANIMENTPlay melody and bass line based on the melody, chord and beginning pattern.
* Number of measures:

12 to 16 measures* Extent of Keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major / D major / B♭major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor / B minor / G minor
1

2

3* Extent of Chords:

I, II, IV, V(7), VI, I1, I2, II1, II7, III, IV1, IV2, V1, V2, V7, V7, V7* Pre-reading time

30 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Play the melody with the right hand and bass line with the left hand based on the melody, chord notation
and beginning pattern.

2. Chord & Bass
Play chord and bass line based on the chord symbols and beginning pattern.
* Number of measures:

12 to 16 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major / D major / B♭major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor / B minor / G minor* Extent of chords:

major, minor, minor7 (major's II7), diminished7, minor7-5 (minor's II7),
dominant7. Include inverted position, borrowed chord of related key.

* Pre-reading time

30 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Play chords with the right hand and bass line with the left hand based on the chord symbols and beginning
pattern.

10Kawai Piano Grade Test
WRITTEN TEST[Instruction Grade]

Grade 5

Answer the questions about music presented in the test.
(music terminology, music knowledge, chord symbol, key determination,
key transposition, music analysis)

HARMONY

Complete a 4-part harmony based on chord notation using the outer voices and bass
voice.
* Number of measures:

8 to 12 measures* Extent of keys:

Major:C major / G major / F major / D major / B♭major /A major / E♭major / E major / A♭major

Minor:A minor / E minor / D minor / B minor / G minor
F♯minor / C minor / C♯minor / F minor* Test time

60 minutes (includes WRITTIN TEST and HARMONY)

Ex) Complete a 4-part harmony using the outer voices and bass voice.

MUSIC DICTATION

Double melody listening: Listen to the 2-part piano piece and write both parts.
* Number of measures:

8 measures* Extent of keys:

Major: C major / G major / F major / D major / B ♭major
Minor: A minor / E minor / D minor / B minor / G minor

Ex)〈Test Flow〉
Keys, time, and tonic chord will be presented before ①① Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
② First 4 measures playing: 3 times③ Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
④ Last 4 measures playing: 3 times

15 seconds intervals will be given between
each playing.
⑤ Entire 8 measures playing: 1 time
60 seconds will be given after ⑤.

11

Kawai Piano Grade Test
PIECE 1

[Performance Grade]

Grade 4

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (From memory)
Play only the Prelude.
Composed by J. S. Bach
1) Prelude and Fugue No.19 in A major, BWV864 from “Well-Tempered Clavier 1”
2) Prelude and Fugue No.24 in B minor, BWV869 from “Well-Tempered Clavier 1”*Omit all repeats.
3) Prelude and Fugue No.9 in E major, BWV878 from “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”*Omit all repeats.

PIECE 2

Select and perform a piece/pieces of your choice. (From memory)
Do not choose any pieces by J. S. Bach.
* Performing time : Between 5 to 10 minutes☆

ADDINGPlay melody adding the accompaniment.

ACCOMPANIMENTNo chord indication, but chord notation is given to the borrowed chord only.
* Number of measures:

12 to 16 measures* Extent of keys:

E minor / D major / A major / D minor / G minor / E♭major* Pre-reading time

60 seconds (practice play is allowed)

Ex) Play the melody adding the accompaniment.

12

Kawai Piano Grade Test [Instruction Grade]
WRITTEN TEST

Grade 4

1. Score Reading
Answer questions about orchestra or chamber orchestra scores related to classical music.
2. Piano Score Writing
Write the inner voices part and the accompaniment part presented in the test based on
melody, chord notations, chord symbols and pattern. Using keyboard is not allowed.
* Number of measures:

8 measures* Extent of chords:

As same as Grade 4 HARMONY (Including diminished 7th & augmented 6th)Ex) Write the inner voices part in ★[] and the accompaniment part in [] based on melody, chord

notations, chord symbols and patterns.

HARMONY

Complete a 4-part harmony using the outer voices and bass voice. (Including borrowed
chord.)* Number of measures:

8 to 12 measures* Extent of keys:

All keys* Test time

90 minutes (includes WRITTIN TEST and HARMONY)

Ex) Complete a 4-part harmony using the outer voices and bass voice.

SIGHT READING

Perform the musical piece presented in the test.
* Number of measures:

12 to 16 measures* Extent of keys:

Major:C major / G major / F major /D major / B♭major / A major / E♭major

Minor:A minor / E minor / D minor /B minor / G minor / F♯minor / C minor* Test time

60 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Perform the piece below.

13Kawai Piano Grade Test
PIECE 1

[Performance Grade]

Grade 3

Perform one of the pieces listed below. (From memory)
Play both the Prelude and Fugue.
Composed by J. S. Bach
1) Prelude and Fugue No.5 in D major, BWV850 “Well-Tempered Clavier 1”
2) Prelude and Fugue No.2 in C minor, BWV871 “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”*Omit all repeats.
3) Prelude and Fugue No.15 in G major, BWV884 “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”*Omit all repeats.

PIECE 2

Select and perform a piece/pieces of your choice. (From memory)
Do not choose any pieces by J. S. Bach.
* Performing time: Between 5 to 10 minutes☆

ADDINGPlay melody adding accompaniment.

ACCOMPANIMENT* Number of measures:

16 to 20 measures* Extent of keys:

E minor / B minor / A major / B♭major / E♭major / F minor* Pre-reading time:

60 seconds (practice play is allowed)

Ex) Play the melody adding accompaniment.

14

Kawai Piano Grade Test

[Instruction Grade]

Grade 3

MUSIC ANALYSIS

Answer the questions presented in the test.

PIANO

Write the inner voices part and the accompaniment part presented in the test based on

SCORE WRITING

melody, chord notation, and pattern. Using keyboard is not allowed.
* Number of measures:

16 to 32 measures* Test time:

90 minutes(includes MUSDIC ANALYSIS and PIANO SCORE WRITTING)

Ex) Write the inner voices part and the accompaniment part based on melody, chord notations, and patterns.

SIGHT READING

Perform the musical piece presented in the test.
* Number of measures:

16 to 20 measures* Pre-reading time:

60 seconds (practice play is not allowed)

Ex) Perform the piece below.

15

Kawai Piano Grade Test

[Performance Grade]

Grade 2

ORIGINAL

Compose an original program of not less than 30 minutes in length but not more than

PROGRAM

40 minutes, and play in a recital form. (From memory)* You may select as many pieces as you wish.
* You must include at least one piece by J. S. Bach in your program.
This piece must be a Bach original and not an arrangement.
* You must perform the program you have prepared.
* Changing the piece and/or order of pieces after application is prohibited.
* You must use the original version of the music sheets if possible.
Ex)

Program A

Select the pieces based on region (German, Austrian type).
1. J. S. Bach: Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor, BWV903
2. L. v. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.26 in E-flat major “Les Adieux” Op.81a
3. R. Schumann: Abegg-Variation, Op.1

Program B

Select the pieces based on region (French type).
1. J. S. Bach: French Suite No.5 in G major, BWV816
2. F. Chopin: Scherzo No.1 in H minor, Op.20
3. M. Ravel: À la manière de "Borodine" in D-flat major
4. M. Ravel: Jeux d'eau

Program C

Select the pieces based on period (Except for Bach’s piece).
1. J. S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.17 in A-flat major, BWV886 “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”
2. A. Berg: Piano Sonata Op.1
3. B. Bartók: Out of Doors

Program D

Select the pieces based on period (Except for Bach’s piece).
1. J. S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.17 in A-flat major, BWV886 “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”
2. F. Schubert: No.2 in E-flat major from Impromptus D899 Op.90
3. F. Liszt: Two Legends S.175

Program D

Select a piece (Except for Bach’s piece).
1. J. S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.2 in C minor, BWV871 from “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”
2. M. Mussorgsky: Suite “Pictures at an Exhibition”

Program E

Select a piece (Except for Bach’s piece).
1. J. S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.2 in C minor, BWV871 from “Well-Tempered Clavier 2”
2. F. Schubert: Fantasy in C major “Wandererfantasie” D760 Op.15

Program E

Select the piece based on kind of music.
1. J. S. Bach: Fantasy in C minor, BWV919
2. M. A. Mozart: Fantasy in C minor, K.475
3. F. Chopin: Fantasy in F minor, Op.49
4. M. de. Falla: Fantasía Bética

16

How to apply
Please fill in the required information in the attached “Application Form” and submit it along with theappropriate fee listed below to your nearest KAWAI MUSIC SCHOOL.
A Grade Admission Card will be sent to you after your application processed.

Fee for examination
Kawai Grade Test
[Performance Grade][Instruction Grade]

Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10
Grade 11
Kawai Grade Test for Adult (SOUND FANS)

Grade 12
Grade 13

Grade 13

Grade 14

Grade 14

Grade 15

Grade 15

Grade 1617

Kawai Grade Test Application Form
Please fill in the space within the thick lines.
Grade for which you are applying
Grade
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6

Fee

✓

Grade

[Performance Grade]

Grade 7

[Performance Grade]

Grade 8[Instruction Grade]

Grade 9[Performance Grade]

Grade 10[Instruction Grade]

Grade 11

[Performance Grade]

Grade 12[Instruction Grade]

Grade13[Performance Grade]

Grade14[Instruction Grade]

Grade 15

Fee✓

Grade 16

Examinee’s Information
Name

Date of birth

M / F

/

Permanent address/

years old

Phone number

Music School’s name

ProgramAge

Teacher’s name

(Only the examinee applies Grade 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Piece 1

Piece 2Composer
Title
Publisher
Applying dateExamination date//Examinee’s number

Result//Pass / Fail

Authorization Number

-

-

-

-

☆

Kawai Grade Test Admission Card
Name

Grade you apply

Examinee’s Number☆

The Grade Test you applied will be held on the date below.
Date

Time

/

/

Test site:18

[Performance Grade] Grade 2 Program Sheet
Examinees for [Performance Grade] Grade 2 must submit the "Application Form" (p.18) and this sheet together.
It is prohibited to change the performance program after submitting this sheet.
・Please enter the composer's name, title of the piece, and work number accurately.
・Please fill in the form with a ballpoint pen.
Examinee’s Name

No.

Performance Program
Composer

Performance

Arranger,Time

Publisher, etc.

About

１
Title
Composer

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

min.

sec.

About

２
Title
Composer

About

３
Title
Composer

About

４
Title
Composer

About

５
Title
Composer

About

６
Title
Composer

About

７
Title

About

Total
19