Assessment
Harmonica examinations
A graded practical examination for harmonica players of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Overview
Graded exam system
HAS runs practical harmonica examinations across 5 grade levels. There is no prerequisite, so candidates can enter at any grade. Each exam has 4 components totalling 100 marks.
No piano accompaniment is needed. Candidates must bring the official HAS Harmonica Examination Book, available for purchase from HAS.
- Grade levels
- 5
- Grade levels
- Marks in total
- 100
- Marks in total
- Prerequisite
- None
- Prerequisite
Format
Exam components
- Piece 130 marks
- Piece 230 marks
- Scales & Arpeggios15 marks
- Sight-reading15 marks
- Aural Tests10 marks
Total: 100 marks
Result categories
- Distinction85 to 100
- Merit75 to 84
- Pass60 to 74
- FailBelow 60
You do not need to pass each component individually. Your result is based on the total score across all components.
Syllabus
Grade repertoire
Candidates play one piece from List A and one from List B. All scales and arpeggios must be played from memory.
Grade 1
List A
- Rigaudon (Henry Purcell)
- Cradle Song (Johannes Brahms)
List B
- Scarborough Fair (Trad English)
- Jasmine Flower (Chinese Folk)
Grade 2
List A
- The Trout (Franz Schubert)
- The Elephant (Saint-Saëns)
List B
- Munnaeru Valibaa (Singapore Folk)
- Las Chiapanecas (Mexican Folk)
Grade 3
List A
- La Donna è Mobile (Giuseppe Verdi)
- Can Can (Jacques Offenbach)
List B
- The Miller of Dee (English Folk)
- Loch Lomond (Scottish Folk)
Grade 4
List A
- La Cumparsita (Gerardo M Rodríguez)
- Minuet in G Major (L van Beethoven)
List B
- The Lark in the Clear Air (Irish Folk)
- Violet Bamboo Tune (Chinese Folk)
Grade 5
List A
- La Cinquantaine (Jean Gabriel-Marie)
- Sicilienne (Gabriel Fauré)
List B
- Way Home (Tang Yuen Wai)
- Air Bandit (Benny Hong)
Repertoire from the HAS Harmonica Examination Book (2027 to 2029). Books available for purchase from HAS.
The team
Examination team
Examiner
Tang Yuen Wai (Tango Tang)
Veteran harmonica performer, composer and educator.
Coordinator
Benny Hong Kian Hock
Contact Mr Hong at +65 9658 1495 for all exam enquiries.