Sheet Music Grading

Identifying the level of difficulty of a particular piece of sheet music is bound to be subjective. Although the difficulty of finger technique can be evaluated, musicianship and endurance are less objective factors that also need to be considered. The evaluation of chamber music becomes even more difficult since one instrument may have more problems than the others.

While acknowledging the above problems, we have tried to provide some guidance for your selection of music listed on our web site. The levels we have used are from 1-10 using the following guides:

1-2	Preparatory: simple rhythms, short phrases, non-technical
3-4	Elementary: both simple and compound meters, limited technique
5-6	Intermediate/moderately difficult: some technical and range demands, moderate musical concepts
7-8	Difficult: technically and/or rhythmically difficult, mature musical concepts
9-10	Advanced/professional: demanding technique and complex rhythm, may include extreme range and/or avant-garde performance techniques