Can I play a piece from another syllabus in my exam?

Graded Music Exams > Preparing for the exam

In most cases, yes. (However, see below).

If the piece is from a previous (expired) RSL syllabus for your instrument, it will be classed as an Accredited Free Choice piece, which means you can play up to two such pieces (or three in a performance certificate) without penalty.

If the piece is from a current RSL syllabus for another instrument, it will be classed as Adapted Repertoire. You can play as many such pieces in your exam as you want, although you should bear in mind the extent to which you are able to evidence the intended outcomes on your instrument, as inability to do so may impact the marks awarded. That said, the following are permitted without penalty:

• acoustic guitar in an electric guitar exam up to Grade 3
• electric guitar in an acoustic guitar exam up to Grade 3

It is not permitted to play a piece from a different syllabus on that instrument in your exam, with the following exceptions:

• acoustic guitar in an electric guitar exam up to Grade 3
• electric guitar in an acoustic guitar exam up to Grade 3
• keys in a piano exam up to Grade 3
• piano in a keys exam up to Grade 3

All other instances of this will receive a mark of zero.