Keys 2

Keys Grade 2
Performance pieces, technical exercises, supporting tests and in-depth

guidance for Rockschool examinations
RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]
All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads
Input the following code when prompted: G8WHCVRXYD
For more information, turn to page 5
www.rslawards.com
Acknowledgements
Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2019

Catalogue Number: RSK200100
ISBN: 978-1-78936-074-5
Initial Release | Errata details can be found at www.rslawards.com/errata
SYLLABUS MUSICIANS
Syllabus designed and written by Jono Harrison Piano and Keyboards: Jono Harrison, Gary Sanctuary,
Syllabus Director: Tim Bennett-Hart Ross Stanley & Tania Ilyashova
Syllabus consultants: Gary Sanctuary, Chris Stanbury, Drums & Percussion: Pete Riley and Richard Brook
Simon Troup and Jennie Troup Bass & Synth Bass: Andy Robertson
Hit Tune arrangements by Jono Harrison and Gary Sanctuary Guitars: Rory Harvey, Nat Martin and Jono Harrison
Supporting Tests written by Jono Harrison, Chris Stanbury, Saxophone: Jonathan Griffiths
Nik Preston and Ash Preston Trombone: Tom George White and Norton York
Syllabus advisors: Tim Bennett-Hart, Brian Ashworth, Trumpet: Nick Mead and John Simpson
Stuart Slater, Peter Huntington, Bruce Darlington, Lead and Backing Vocals: Glen Harvey & Katie Hector
Simon Troup and Jennie Troup Additional Programming: Jono Harrison
PUBLISHING DISTRIBUTION
Proof reading of arrangements by Sharon Kelly, Simon Troup, Exclusive Distributors: Hal Leonard
Jennie Troup and Jono Harrison
Music engraving and book layout by Simon and Jennie Troup of CONTACTING ROCKSCHOOL
Digital Music Art www.rslawards.com
Fact files written and edited by Abbie Thomas Telephone: +44 (0)345 460 4747
Notes written by Roland Perrin Email: [email protected]

Proof reading and copy editing by Gemma Bull, Jono Harrison
and Jennie Troup EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Cover design by Philip Millard of Rather Nice Design John Simpson, Norton York
Cover photograph: Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder
© Kevin Mazur / Getty images
AUDIO
Produced by Jono Harrison
Engineered by Jono Harrison, Gary Sanctuary, Tim Bennett-Hart,
Pete Riley, Richard Brook, Rory Harvey and Andy Robertson
Assisted by Paul Pritchard at Abbey Road
Recorded at Dock Street Studios, The Dairy and Abbey Road
Mixed by Patrick Phillips
Mastered by Francis Gorini
Supporting Tests recorded by Chris Stanbury and Jono Harrison

Keys Grade 2
2
Table of Contents
Introductions & Information
1 Title Page
2 Acknowledgements
3 Table of Contents
4 Welcome to Rockschool Keys Grade 2
6 Performance and Technical Guidance
Hit Tunes | Keys Arrangements
7 ‘Happy’................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pharrell Williams

11 ‘Running Up That Hill’................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate Bush
15 ‘Radioactive’....................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Imagine Dragons
Hit Tunes | Piano Arrangements
19 ‘This Is Me’......................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)

23 ‘Roar’.. . ................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy Perry
27 ‘Feeling Good’................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nina Simone
Technical Exercises
32 Scales, Arpeggios & Chord Voicings

Supporting Tests
37 Sight Reading
38 Improvisation & Interpretation
39 Ear Tests
40 General Musicianship Questions
Additional Information
41 Entering Rockschool Exams

42 Marking Schemes
43 Copyright Information
44 Keys Notation Explained
Keys Grade 2
3
Welcome to Rockschool Keys Grade 2
Welcome to Rockschool’s keyboard syllabus 2019. This syllabus is designed to support keyboard players in their
progression from Debut to Grade 8, through an engaging and rigorous pathway covering all the genres, stylistic elements,
techniques and musical skills required for success as a contemporary pianist.
Keyboard Exams
At each grade you have the option of taking one of two different types of examination:
rade Exam
G
A Grade Exam is a mixture of music performances, technical work and tests. You are required to prepare three pieces, at
least one of which must be a keyboard specialist piece (see table of contents) and two of which may be free choice pieces, and
the contents of the Technical Exercise section. This accounts for 75% of the exam marks. The other 25% consists of: either
a Sight Reading or an Improvisation & Interpretation test (10%), two Ear Tests (10%), and finally you will be asked five
General Musicianship Questions (5%). The pass mark is 60%.
■■Performance Certificate
A Performance Certificate is equivalent to a Grade Exam, but in a Performance Certificate you are required to perform five
pieces. A maximum of three of these can be Free Choice Pieces. Each song is marked out of 20 and the pass mark is 60%.
All elements required to participate in a Rockschool exam can be found in the grade book. These are as follows:
■■Hit Tune Arrangements

The 2019 syllabus comprises six hit tune arrangements, meticulously researched and benchmarked to meet grade standards.
The arrangements are devised so as to equip contemporary keyboard players with industry-relevant skills in any performance
environment. These include:

Three keyboard arrangements – focusing on keyboard playing styles and graded levels of sound manipulation as follows:
Debut (Entry Level 3) & Grades 1–3 (Level 1)

Single patch settings, including layers. Basic use of effects/sound manipulation (e.g. Pitch bend)
Grades 4–5 (level 2)

Patch switching, solos, layers and splits, specialist styles
Grades 6–8 (level 3)

Multiple patch switching, solos, layers and multiple splits, advanced specialist styles and techniques
Three piano arrangements – based on traditional pianistic techniques, falling into three categories:
Melody & Accompaniment

The arrangement is performed to backing track, with the piano performing both melodies and backing/
accompaniment parts in a tailor-made arrangement.
Solo Piano Arrangement

These arrangements are repertoire pieces which are performed without backing tracks.
Vocal Accompaniment
These arrangements cover the skills required of contemporary pianists in ensemble environments, be they on the
stage or in the studio. The backing tracks feature vocalists, and the piano parts are reflective of what session
pianists would perform live or on mainstream commercial recordings.
Keys Grade 2
Each Hit Tune arrangement is preceded by a Fact File, giving surrounding context to the piece and the original
performers/recording artists.
4
■■Technical Exercises
There are either three or four groups of technical exercise, depending on the grade:
Debut–Grade 8:
Group A: Scales
Group B: Arpeggios/Broken Chords
Group C: Chord Voicings
Grades 4–8 only:

Group D: Technical Study
■■Supporting Tests
There are three types of unprepared supporting tests in the exam:
1. The first type can be one of two options (this is the candidate’s choice):
Either:
Sight Reading tests, developing the musician’s ability to read and perform previously unseen material;
or:
Improvisation & Interpretation tests, developing the musician’s ability to develop previously unseen
material in a stylistic way and perform improvised passages of melody. The book contains examples of
both types of test – equivalent ‘unseen’ examples will be provided for the examination
2. Ear Tests
Debut–Grade 3: feature Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition

Grades 4–8: feature Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall
3. General Musicianship Questions (GMQs), which you will be asked by the examiner at the end of each exam
General Information
You will find information on exam procedures, including online examination entry, marking schemes, information on
Free Choice Pieces and improvisation requirements for each grade.
Audio
In addition to the grade book, we have also provided audio in the form of backing tracks (minus piano) and full tracks
(including piano) for all ‘hit tune’ arrangements, technical exercises and supporting tests (where applicable). We have
provided professional performance recordings of all solo piano pieces in the syllabus. This audio can be downloaded from
RSL directly at www.rslawards.com/downloads
You will need to input this code when prompted: G8WHCVRXYD
The audio files are supplied in MP3 format. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any compatible device.
Further Information
Keys Grade 2
You can find further details about Rockschool’s Contemporary Piano syllabus by downloading the syllabus guide from our
website: www.rslawards.com
All candidates should download and read the accompanying syllabus guide when using this grade book.
5
Performance and Technical Guidance
Patch/registration settings and sounds (keyboard arrangements only)

Candidates may program their instruments how they wish, but must:
1. Show that they can perform any of the following where indicated on the score:
■ Layer/dual voice or splits
■ Change patches (e.g. from a main part to a solo part)
2. Select close alternative sounds where those suggested are not available – (for instance, a synth lead may be replaced by
an alternative lead sound).
Notation for keyboard arrangements:

Treble and Bass staff: Generally, for keyboard splits (i.e. upper and lower voice patches) the treble clef is assigned the upper,
the bass clef the lower.
Fingering
Any fingering annotation is given as a guide only.
Interpretation
Notation should be performed exactly as written, except where there are performance indications to ad. lib. / improvise
/ develop, etc. In these instances, the candidate will be marked on their ability to interpret the music in a stylistically
appropriate way, commensurate with the grade level.
Adaptation
A small degree of adaptation is allowed where, for example, hand stretches do not facilitate the required notated parts.
Marks may be deducted if adaptation results in over-simplification of the notation. If in doubt you can submit any
adaptation enquiries to [email protected]

Articulation & Dynamics
Where articulation and dynamics are marked on the notation, they should be followed. Where it is open to interpretation,
the candidate is free to take their own approach.
Pedalling
The candidate may use the pedal freely at any grade, but it should be applied judiciously as marks may be deducted for
any over usage resulting in an unclear tone. In addition, where pedalling is written into (or out of) the notation, this
should be observed.
Please note, pedalling is not obligatory at Premier (Entry Level 2), Debut (Entry Level 3) or Grades 1–3 (Level 1).
Chord Symbols
Most Hit Tune arrangements have chord symbols written above the notation. This is purely for guidance, and to assist the
candidate and teacher.
Keys Grade 2
6
Happy
SONG TITLE: HAPPY

ALBUM: GIRL
LABEL: BACK LOT MUSIC / Electric Piano
I AM OTHER / COLUMBIA
A
q = 160 Pop
GENRE: SOUL / NEO SOUL
44
F7
b œœœ
WRITTEN BY: PHARRELL WILLIAMS
& b œœœ
PRODUCER: PHARRELL WILLIAMS
UK CHART PEAK: 1
F
œœ
? b 44 œœ
Ó
Written, produced, and performed by American Pharrell Williams is an American singer-
& b .. b œœœ Œ
singer-songwriter and record producer Pharrell songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Williams and

Williams, ‘Happy’ was the lead single from Williams’ his friend Chad Hugo met in high school and went
second studio album Girl, released in 2014. on to form the record production duo The Neptunes.
They have since gone on to produce contemporary
‘Happy’ is a mid-tempo neo soul track on which hits that span the soul, hip hop and R&B genres.
? b .. œœ
Williams uses his distinct falsetto, which is often Williams is also the lead vocalist and drummer of the
Œ Ó
compared to the sound of Curtis Mayfield by a variety rock-funk hip hop band N*E*R*D, formed with Hugo
of music critics. The song’s success was astronomical, and other childhood friend, Shay Haley. N*E*R*D
reaching number 1 status in the US, UK, Canada, had commercial success in the UK in 2004 with their
Ireland, New Zealand, and 19 other countries single ‘She Wants to Move’, peaking at number 5.
worldwide. It reached number 1 in the UK on three Since then, Williams has featured on 4 number 1 UK
[2]
separate occasions, which had never previously been singles. These include a lead performance on ‘Happy’
achieved, and it soon became the most downloaded and collaborations with Daft Punk, Robin Thicke and
song of all time. several others.
Williams originally wrote the song for the singer

CeeLo Green and felt Green’s recording of the song
Œ Ó
F7
& b b œœœ
was the better version. However, Green’s record
label (Elektra) decided against it as he was on the
verge of releasing his Christmas album, CeeLo’s
Magic Moment.
? b œœ Œ Ó
Keys Grade 2
[6]
7
Happy Keys Arrangement
Pharrell Williams
Electric Piano
A q = 160 Pop
& b 44 b œœœ
F7
œœœ œœœ œœœ

F
? b 44 œœ œœ œœ œœ
Ab Bb Bb
j j
& b .. b œœœ
C7
Œ Ó
F
œ b œœœ œœ .. œ
nœ œœ .. œœ ˙˙
? b .. œœ bœ œ. œ œ. œ ˙
Œ Ó œ J J
[2]
Ab Bb Bb
j j
F7 C7
& b b œœœ Œ Ó
F
œ b œœ œœ .. œ œœ .. œœ ˙˙

nœ
? b œœ bœ œ. œ œ. œ ˙
Œ Ó œ J J
[6]
Ab Bb Bb
j j
F7 C7
& b b œœœ Œ Ó
F
nœ œœ .. œœ ˙˙
Œ Ó œ J J
[10]
Ab Bb Bb
j j
& b b œœœ Œ Ó
F7 C7
œœ ..
F
nœ œœ ˙˙
Œ Ó œ J J
Keys Grade 2
[14]
Words & Music by Pharrell Williams
8 © Copyright 2013 EMI April Music Inc/More Water From Nazareth Publishing Inc/Universal Pictures Global Music.
EMI Music Publishing Limited/Universal/MCA Music Limited.
All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.
D b maj 7
j j
B
C m7 F7
& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

b œœ www
b ˙˙ œœ .. b œœ ww b ˙˙ œœ .. œœ ww
?b J
J
[18]
D b maj 7
j j
C m7 F7
& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

b œœ www
?b J
J
[22]
D b maj 7
j j
C m7 F7
& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

b œœ www
b ˙˙ œœ .. œœ ..

b œœ ww b ˙˙ œœ ww
?b J
J
[26]
1.
D b maj 7
j j
C m7 F7
& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

b œœ www ..
?b J ..
J
[30]
2.
D b maj 7
j
C m7 F7
& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ww b œœœ b œœœ Œ Ó

œœœ œœœ œœœ
b ˙˙ œœ .. F
Keys Grade 2
b œœ ww b ww
?b J œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ Œ Ó
[34]
9
Notes
Students should play the opening five chords with a good amount of attack. These chords are not to be played staccato but
nonetheless should be performed separate.
Students must count silently through the long rests in the first part of the song. A light tapping of the foot during rehearsal
can be helpful.
Note that the rhythm pattern in bars in bars 4 and 5 are syncopated. This two-bar pattern is repeated three further times in
section A. Students may find it helpful to practise tapping a quarter-note pulse and playing this pattern as a loop at a slower
tempo. Another approach is to rehearse the pattern without the ties while counting out loud. Once this has been mastered,
put the ties back in while continuing to count each beat. A similar approach can be used for the syncopated rhythms in
section B.
Be aware of the jump in register between bars 17 and 18. If students find this difficult to play fluently, isolate the second
chord in bar 17 and the first chord in bar 18 and slowly play them in succession back and forth. The second chord needs to
be prepared by placing the hands in position over the notes before playing it – the chord should not be approached from a
side angle.

Keys Grade 2
10
Running Up That Hill
SONG TITLE: ‘RUNNING UP THAT HILL’

ALBUM: HOUNDS OF LOVE
RELEASED: 1985 Synth Pad
LABEL: EMI
## 4
q = 100 Synth Pop
Ó
GENRE: NEW WAVE
& 4
WRITTEN BY: KATE BUSH
PRODUCED BY: KATE BUSH
UK CHART PEAK: 3
[Drum Intro]
? # # 44
‘Running Up That Hill’ was the lead single for

## Originally
‰ j Ó
B m named ‘A Deal with God’, Bush wasG
Œ œ
&
œ œ œ
Kate Bush’s fifth studio album release Hounds of convinced by her management to change the title

˙
Love (1985). The song was Bush’s most successful of the track to ‘Running Up That Hill’ before its
chart hit of the 80’s, peaking at number 3 in the UK release. Among her management team many feared
Singles Chart and reaching the top 30 in the US, that referring to God would lead to certain countries
giving the singer her first Billboard hit since 1978. (such as Italy and Ireland) refusing to play the track.
? # # www www
‘Running Up That Hill’ was met with critical acclaim, A compromise was met in that the album track is
with Allmusic’s Amy Hanson reviewing Bush’s work officially titles ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal with
as “Always adept at emotion and beautifully able God). The song reached number 4 in the Irish chart,
to manipulate even the most bitter of hearts, rarely a position which may not have been reached had the
has Bush penned such a brutally truthful, painfully name remained.
sensual song”. [5]
Kate Bush has influenced the UK music industry
‘Running Up That Hill’ was written and produced a great deal and her accomplishments have certainly
by Kate Bush. British superstar born Catherine Bush been acknowledged. In 2002 she was awarded an
in 1958. Bush first took the music industry by storm Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Contribution to
F # m/A
##
in 1978, when at the age of just 19 her debut single B British Music and in 2013 she was appointed a CBE
‘Wuthering Heights’ had topped the UK Singles A 2017 she wasBatmlast
for services to music. In October
˙˙
G
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

Chart. This success made Bush the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.
˙˙˙ ˙
to achieve a UK number 1 with a self-written song.
Not only did she top the chart with the now iconic hit,
but she stayed at number 1 for four impressive weeks.
Since her incredible launch, Bush has gone on achieve
? ##
twenty-five UK top 40 singles as well releasing ten
˙ ˙ ˙
studio albums, all of which have reached the top 10 in
˙
the UK Album Chart. She will forever hold the record
as the first British solo female artist to top the UK
Keys Grade 2
album charts.
[10]
11
Running Up That Hill Keys Arrangement
Kate Bush
Synth Pad
A
## 4
q = 100 Synth Pop
Ó œ œ œ
G A
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ
˙ ˙ œ
? # # 44
[Drum Intro]
www www
## ‰ j j
Ó Œ œ Ó Œ œ Ó Œ œ jÓ
Bm G A Bm
& œ œ œ
˙ œ œ œ œ œ
? # # ww www www www www
w
[5]
F # m/A F # m/A
##
B
G A Bm G A Bm G A
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙

˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙
? ##
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
[10]
F # m/A
## Bm G A G D Em G D Em
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙ œw œ ˙

˙ ˙ w ˙ w
? ##
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ œ ˙
[15] ˙ ˙. ˙ w
##
C
G maj 7
œ œ
G A Bm G A Bm
& www www www www www www www ˙˙˙ œ

? ##
Keys Grade 2
w w w w w w w w
[21]
Words & Music by Kate Bush
12 © Copyright 1984 Noble and Brite Ltd.

EMI Music Publishing Limited.
##
D
œ œ ‰ j Ó Œ œ
G A Bm G
& œ œ
˙ œ ˙ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ
? ## w www www www
ww
[29]
## Ó Œ œ Ó Œ Ó
A Bm
& œ œ œ
œ œ
? ## w www www
ww
[33]
##
E
œw œ œ œ œ œw œ œ œ œ
G D Em G D Em G D Em
& ˙˙ ˙˙ œw œ ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
˙ ˙ w ˙ ˙ w ˙ ˙ w
? ##
˙ ˙ ˙. œ ˙ ˙ w ˙ ˙ w
[36]

##
F
G A Bm G
& ww ww www www ww

w w w
? ## w ww ww ww ww
w
[42]
##
œ œ œ
A Bm G A
& www www ˙˙˙ œ œ œ

œ ˙ œ ˙ œ
? ## w ww ww ww ww
w
[47]
## ‰ j Ó Œ œ Ó Œ œ Ó Œ œ œ œ œ Ó
Bm G A Bm
& œ
˙ œ œ œ œ
Keys Grade 2
? ## w ww ww ww ww
w
[52]
13
Notes
The subtle irregularity of this song’s construction needs to be analysed so that students do not get lost in the variations of the
chord sequence. At letter B, for example, in bars 10 to 16, the two-bar sequence is played four times – but the fourth time cut
short by a bar. A different two-bar chord sequence then follows, which is played twice.
At letter C, the sequence is played twice – students should be aware that it is now a four-bar phrase.
Letter D is the same as letter A, but with a melodic variation in the final bar.
Having analysed the piece, students could reflect on where the challenges lie, for example, bar 16 could be seen as difficult as
there is an unexpected one-bar phrase.
It is important that students understand that this song requires them to play pads. These must be played suitably quietly and
have smooth, legato articulation with careful attention to fingering.
The melodic lines at letters A, D and F are played louder and must sing out.
This is also true of the right-hand part in bars 20, 37, 39 and 41.

Keys Grade 2
14
Radioactive
SONG TITLE: RADIOACTIVE

ALBUM: NIGHT VISIONS
RELEASED: 2013 Saw Synth Bass
LABEL: INTEWRSCOPE
q = 68 Electronic Rock
## 4
GENRE: ROCK A
∑
Bm D
PERSONNEL: DAN REYNOLDS (VOX)

WAYNE SERMON (GUITAR) & 4
BEN MCKEE (BASS)
? # # 44
DANIEL PLATZMAN (DRUMS)
œ œ œ œ.
UK CHART PEAK: 13
US CHART PEAK: 3
##
A
∑
‘Radioactive’ was the second single released from with who we were as a band. I feel like this
D is a good
B m
&
Imagine Dragon’s debut album, Night Visions (2012). starting off point for us officially.” Night Visions

The song actually featured on an EP that the band climbed to Number 2 in the British and American
released earlier in the same year, but found chart album charts and gave the band their biggest hit to
success when it reappeared as the opener to their date in ‘Radioactive’. The single spent 87 weeks on the
debut studio album. Billboard Hot 100, was dubbed the “biggest rock hit
? ##
of 2013” by Rolling Stone, and was the most streamed
œ
Imagine Dragons formed in 2008 in Las Vegas, 3 on Spotify in 3America.
song of that year
œ œ œ œ
where they built a local following while gigging to
œ œ œ œ œ œ
pay their rent. One memorable booking had them ‘Radioactive’ was co-written by Imagine Dragons,
performing at one of the city’s many casinos, as Josh Mosser and the band’s producer, Alex Da Kid.
frontman Dan Reynolds recalled to Rolling Stone: [3] Dan Reynolds told Rolling Stone, “That’s basically a
“They told us we had to learn 50 songs and perform song about my struggle with anxiety and depression.
six-hour shows without any bathroom breaks. We It’s about becoming self-empowered and rising above
were so desperate that we agreed. They let us pick the that. I wanted to write a masculine and primal song
songs, so we went with songs by the Cars, the Cure, about conjuring and rising above human weakness.
Arcade Fire and U2… bands that influenced us.” Alex really helped us with that one. It has a dubstep
##
vibe to it. We’d try something like that and it wouldn’t B
∑
After releasing three EPs, Imagine Dragons signed A
be heavy enough.
E
Alex can come in and say, ‘Let’s add
&
a record deal with Interscope. Their first release on this distortion,’ and then suddenly it clicks.”
the major label was another EP, Continued Silence
(2012), which yielded their first hit, the single ‘It’s ‘Radioactive’ saw Imagine Dragons receive their
Time’. Night Visions, the band’s debut full-length first Grammy nomination in 2013. Nominated for
release, came in the same year and also included ‘It’s both ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Best Rock Performance’,
? ##
Time’ due to its success as a single. the track won the latter. The band went on to receive
œœœœœ œ œ œ
two further nominations in 2017, for single ‘Thunder’
The album took three years to make. Guitarist and album Evolve.
Keys Grade 2
Wayne Sermon explained to Billboard: “We waited

to make an actual album till we were comfortable
[6]
15
Radioactive Keys Arrangement
Imagine Dragons
Saw Synth Bass
q = 68 Electronic Rock
## 4
A
∑ ∑
Bm D A E
& 4
? # # 44 ⇥ œj . Œ
œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ
## ∑ ∑ ∑
Bm D A E Bm D
&
? ##
œ œ œ Œ Ó
3 3 3 3 3
[3] œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
## A
∑
E Bm
∑
D A
∑
E
&

? ##
œ œ œ œ Ó
3 3
œœœœœ œ œ œ
[6] œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
B
E/G #
## Bm
∑
D A
∑
E Bm
∑
D A
∑
&
? ##
j j j j
[9] œ. œ œ. œ ˙ œ œ œ œ. œ œ. œ ˙ #˙
w/pitch wheel
w/pitch wheel
##
C
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
Bm D A E Bm D
&
? ## j ∑
Keys Grade 2
j j j j j
œ œ. œ œ. œ œ.
[13] œ. œ œ. œ œ. œ
Words & Music by Alexander Grant, Benjamin McKee, Daniel Sermon, Daniel Reynolds & Joshua Mosser
16 © Copyright 2012 Songs Of Universal Inc/Imagine Dragons Publishing/JMosser Music/Songs For Kidinakorner.
Universal/MCA Music Limited/Blue Water Music UK.
##
D
∑ ∑ ∑
Bm D A E Bm D
&
? ## j ⇥ œj .
œ œ ⇥œ.
3 3
œ œ ˙ œœ œœ œœ
[17] œœ œœ œ œœœœœ œ
## ∑ ∑ ∑
A E Bm D A E
&
? ##
3 3
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
3 3
œœœœœ œ œ œ
[20]
##
∑ ∑
Bm D A
&

? ## Ó
3 3
œ œ œ œ œ œ
[23]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
E/G #
## Bm
∑
D A E
∑
Bm
∑
D A
∑
&
? ##
j j j j
[25] œ. œ œ. œ ˙ œ œ œ œ. œ œ. œ ˙ #˙
w/pitch wheel
w/pitch wheel
## ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
Bm D A E Bm D A
&
Keys Grade 2
? ## j j Ó
j j j j
œ œ. œ œ.
[29] œ. œ œ. œ œ. œ œ. œ ˙
w/pitch wheel 17
Notes
This powerful electronic rock song has a feeling of trapped desperation about it, which is strongly reflected in the synth bass
part that students have to play.
A four-bar chord sequence makes up the whole song, which is played over a constantly changing bass line.
Bars 9 to 15 are played exactly the same at bars 25 to 31.
Students must closely attend to the bass line’s subtle changes whilst maintaining intensity with a strong quarter-note inner
pulse.
The synth bass part takes the place, in a more conventional song, of a bass guitar. The bass is the foundation of pop and rock
music. Students must be rhythmically solid, never slowing down or speeding up.
It is important for students to note that, on a bass guitar, the notes are naturally slightly separated. Students should attempt
to copy this without ever playing staccato.
The pitch wheel can be used to imitate vocal slides. In bars 12 and 28, students should release the pitch wheel on the third
beat when they play the ‘G#’.

Keys Grade 2
18
This Is Me
SONG TITLE: ‘THIS IS ME’

ALBUM: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN:
ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE q = 96 Soundtrack
A/C #
SOUNDTRACK
## 4
A
RELEASED: 2017 D
ww
Bm
& 4 ˙. œ
LABEL: ATLANTIC
˙.
GENRE: POP
p
WRITTEN BY: BENJ PASEK/JUSTIN PAUL
œ ww
? # # 44 ˙˙ ..
PRODUCED BY: GREG WELLS/JUSTIN PAUL/
œ
ADAM GUBMAN/
ALEX LACAMOIRE
UK CHART PEAK: 3
A/C #
##
D
ww
Bm
‘This Is Me’ is a pop song with an anthemic

& ˙˙ .. œ
‘The Greatest Showman’ was met with mixed
œ ww
feel, written for the 2017 musical film release ‘The reviews, with many praising the performances, music

? # # ˙˙ .. œ
Greatest Showman’. The song was originally released and production values, while others criticised the
as a promotional tool for the film on October 26th plot and described it as shallow and artificial. Despite
2017 and was later released as the official lead single the mixed reviews the blockbuster did well in the
for the soundtrack on December 8th of the same Box Office, with a gross income of over $430 million
year. Following the film’s official release ‘This Is Me’ worldwide, making it the 16th highest grossing film of
achieved worldwide success, peaking at number 3 [5] 2017. The film received several award nominations,
on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the top 10 in including the Golden Globe nominations for ‘Best
##
Australia, Malaysia and South Korea as well as the top Motion Picture’ & ‘Best Actor’ (Hugh Jackman), but it A
G ma j 7 that achieved theA Bm
œ
20 in Ireland, Belgium and New Zealand. was ‘This Is Me’ most award success.
& œœ ˙˙ ..
Winning the Golden Globe for ‘Best Original Song’,
˙˙ ..
The lead vocal for ‘This Is Me’ was performed by the track was also nominated for the same award at
P
American Broadway star Keala Settle. The actress and the 2017 Oscars and has been nominated for ‘Best
singer made her Broadway debut in 2011 as Shirley Song Written for Visual Media’ at the up and coming
in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. She later went on 2019 Grammys.
? ## ˙.
to originate the role of Norma Valverde in ‘Hands on
˙. œ
a Hardbody’ in 2013, for which she received several
nominations including the Tony Award nomination
for ‘Best Featured Actress in a Musical’. The role
also saw her receive the Theatre World Award for
‘Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance’. Settle [9]
also performed as part of the cast for the 2014
##
Broadway revival of Les Misérables, playing the B
part of Madame Thenardier. Shortly before going
D
& ww
on to achieve Box Office success with The Greatest
ww
Showman, Settle also originated the role of Becky for
Keys Grade 2
w w
the 2016 Broadway debut of the musical ‘Waitress’.
? ## w w 19
This Is Me Piano Arrangement
Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble

From ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)
q = 96 Soundtrack
A/C #
## 4 Bm
A
D G Bm A sus 4 A
& 4 ˙. œ ww ˙˙ ˙˙˙ œ
p
˙. ˙ œœ œ ˙
? # # 44 ˙ .. œ ww
˙ œ ˙ ˙ w
A/C #
## Bm D G Bm A
& ˙˙ .. œ ww ˙˙ ˙˙˙ www

˙
? # # ˙ .. œ ww
˙ œ ˙ ˙ w
[5]
A/C #
# # G maj
7 A Bm D A
& ˙˙ .. œ ww ww ww
˙. œœ œ
P ˙.
? ## œ w
˙. œ ˙. w w

[9]
##
B
D B m7
& ww ww
w w www ww
w
? ## w w w w
[14]
# # G maj
7 A D
& w www œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ w
ww
? ## œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
w w œ
[18]
## Bm
Œ Œ
7 G sus 2 A
& œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ ˙.
www ˙˙˙ ...
? ## œ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ Œ
Keys Grade 2
œ œ w ˙.
[22]
Words & Music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
20 © Copyright 2017 TCF Music Publishing Incorporated/Pick In A Pinch Music/Breathelike Music.

EMI Music Publishing Limited (Twentieth Century Fox).
A/C #
##
C
Bm D G Bm A sus 4 A
& œ ww ˙˙ ˙˙˙
F
˙˙ .. ˙ œœœ œ ˙
? # # ˙ .. œ ww
˙ œ ˙ ˙ w
[26]
A/C #
##
˙
Bm D G Bm A
& ˙˙ .. œ ww ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

œ w ˙ ˙
? # # ˙ .. œ w
˙ ˙ ˙ w
[30]
A/C #
# # G maj
D
7 A Bm D A add 4
& ˙˙ .. œœ ww www
˙˙ .. œœ
? ## œ w
˙. œ ˙. w
[34]

##
E
D B m7
& œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
f œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
? ## w ˙. œ ww ww
[38]
##
G maj 7 A D
& œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ

œ œ œ œ œ œœœ œœœ œœœ œ œ œ
? ## w ww œ
w ˙. œ
w w ˙.
[42]
##
B m7 G sus 2 A
& œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœœ œœ Œ
œ
Keys Grade 2
? ## w ww ww ˙˙ . Œ
w w .
[46]
21
Notes
‘This Is Me’ features distinct lifts in dynamic and groove from one section to the next, enforcing the theme of positivity
and strength running through the lyrics. The first part of this song (bars 1 to 13) have a quiet and direct simplicity, and
this hymn-like section will be most effective when played with clear and precise articulation. Students should avoid the
temptation to over-use the pedal, which could adversely affect the clarity between the chords. As both the treble and bass
clef often follow the same rhythmic pattern, students should listen carefully to their timing to ensure that the left and right
hands sound precisely together at these points, paying careful attention to the balance of every note in each chord. At bar 9,
there is a slight lift to mezzo piano dynamic, as we anticipate the first chorus at bar 14 (section B).
Care is needed to avoid inadvertently increasing the volume when the left hand moves to a quarter-note pattern in bars 20 to
23. Furthermore, some students might find the right hand syncopations
in bars 20 and 22 are challenging. If so, bar 20 can be practised by playing it as a ‘loop’ with the ties omitted – the notes ‘E’
and ‘G’ being repeated. Once this has been mastered at the correct tempo, the ties can be included.
Sections C and D build on the previous two sections and should be performed moderately loudly. Be careful not to raise the
volume too much at this point in the piece to allow room for a good contrast with the following louder section. While this
should feel like a sense of progression and development, it is important to maintain the original dignified and calm character
of the previous sections.
The second part of the song, at bar 38, breaks out into a defiant marching groove. This needs to be played forte. Students
should ensure that this change provides a real sense of contrast – there should be no hint of a crescendo in the
bars leading up to it.
One of the principal challenges of this piece is to keep a sense of forward motion and development while avoiding a gradual
drift of tempo. Students could benefit from playing alongside a metronome click at a slower tempo at first, to help prepare
for playing to the backing track.

Finally the piano part finished on an unresolved ‘A’ chord – this is because the piece is actually finished by the singer, with
the rest of the ensemble leaving a rest at the end of the bar for full impact.
Keys Grade 2
22
Roar
SONG TITLE: ‘ROAR’

ALBUM: PRISM
RELEASED: 2013
LABEL: CAPITOL q = 90 Pop t
Bb
b4 ‰ j
GENRE: POP
b
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ
WRITTEN BY: KATY PERRY/LUKASZ
GOTTWALD/MAX MARTIN/
F
BONNIE MCKEE/HENRY
WALTER
? bb 44 ww
PRODUCED BY: DR LUKE/MAX MARTIN/
CIRKUT
UK CHART PEAK: 1
b b ‰
G m7
& j œ œ œ œ
‘Roar’ was a smash hit for American multimillion
selling artist Katy Perry. Released as the lead single
œ œ
as Katy Perry with the release of her second studio
album One of the Boys, which included the hits ‘I

? bb w
from her fourth studio album Prism (2013), the Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Hot ‘n’ Cold’. The album was
single was a global success and topped the charts in quite a change from her Christian based music roots.
w
Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, To date, Perry has four top 40 UK albums and five
New Zealand, Slovenia, South Korea, the UK and the number 1 UK Singles, not to mention nine chart
US. By the end of its release year the song totalled topping singles in the US.
sales of over 8 million copies worldwide and is now [3]
certified Diamond in the US with over 6 million sales Although Perry is yet to win a Grammy Award,
there alone. her single ‘Roar’ did receive two nominations at the
b
b .. ‰ j
2013 ceremony for ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Pop
b
‘Roar’ was met with mixed reviews with many B
Solo Performance’ . Throughout her career she has
& œ œ œ œ œ œ
feeling the lyrics were laden with clichés and delivered won an impressive number of awards, including five
little new to the listener. However, many praised American Music Awards, fourteen People’s Choice
Perry for her ‘easy pop feel’ and viewed the track as Awards, a Brit award and amazingly four Guinness
a “…change of pace” for the artist. In the past it has World Records. The music video for her single ‘Roar’
been likened to Sarah Bareilles’ song ‘Brave’, with has over two billion views on YouTube and the track
? bb .. ww
many reviewers and fans feeling a co-writing credit itself has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.
should have been given. However, one of the song’s
producer’s (Dr Luke) confirmed that it was in fact
written and recorded before Bareilles’ release. Sarah
Bareilles herself claimed that the pair are good friends
and that there were never any concerns between them [5]
about the similarities.
b b ‰
G m7
& j œ œ œ œ
Katy Perry was born Katheryn Hudson in 1984,
œ
she released her first album (Katy Hudson) in 2001
œ
Keys Grade 2
under her birth name but failed to find success with

the Christian Rock record. In 2008 she rose to fame
? b w
23
Roar Piano Arrangement
Katy Perry
q = 90 Pop t
Bb
b
& b 44 ‰ œj œ j
C m7
‰ œ œ ‰
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
F
? b b 44 w ˙˙ ˙˙
w
Eb
b
&b ‰ ‰
G m7
j j
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙
w
[3]
Bb
b j j
& b .. ‰ ‰
C m7
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
? b b .. w ˙˙ ˙˙
w

[5]
Eb
bb G‰m ‰ ≈ r
7
& j œ œ œ œ œ œ j œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙
w
[7]
Bb
bb ‰ j C m7
& œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙˙
w
[9]
Eb
b j
G m7
&b œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
? bb w Ó Œ
Keys Grade 2
w œœ
[11]
Words & Music by Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry & Henry Russell Walter
24 © Copyright 2013 Kasz Money Publishing/When I’m Rich You’ll Be My Bitch/Where Da Kasz At/Bonnie McKee Music/Prescription Songs/MXM Music AB/Songs Of Pulse Recording/Cirkut Breaker LLC.
Kobalt Music Publishing Limited/Imagem Music /Warner/Chappell North America Limited.
Bb
b j
C m7
&b œ œ œ œ
œ
œ
œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
f
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙˙
w
[13]
Eb
b
G m7
j œ œ œ œ
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ
? bb w ˙˙
˙˙
w
[15]
Bb
b j j
& b œj
C m7
œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙˙
w
[17]

Eb
b j
G m7
j œ œ œ œ
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œœ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙
w
[19]
Bb
b
C m7
& b œœ œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ. œ œ œ
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙˙
w
[21]
Eb Bb
b
G m7
& b ‰ œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. ..
œ ˙.
Keys Grade 2
? bb w ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ Ó ..
w
[23]
25
Notes
Teachers will need to make sure that students understand how the swing notation affects the interpretation of the 16th
notes. This lilting pattern helps provide a bouncy and laid back feel to the melody in both the first eight bars of the piece and
then later in bars 22 and 23 .
It is important to make sure that all the rests are correctly observed, as this will enhance the singing quality of the melody
and help with shaping each musical phrase effectively.
Students should pay attention to the dynamics within this piece. Although the range is quite narrowly focussed from F f
to ,
the crescendo in bar 12 leading into the chorus needs to provide enough contrast between sections to help provide a sense of
direction and structure to the whole arrangement.
In bars 21, 22 and 23, the staccato phrases need to have a spring to them. Maintaining a loose wrist action is key to good
staccato technique. Make sure that these notes are not inadvertently accented and aim for a consistent volume across both
the legato and staccato notes within these bars.

Keys Grade 2
26
Feeling Good
SONG TITLE: ‘FEELING GOOD’

ALBUM: I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
RELEASED: 1965 q. = 75 Blues/Jazz
.
LABEL: PHILIPS/MERCURY
˙
G m/F
b 12 Œ . œ
Gm
b œ œ
GENRE: JAZZ/BLUES
& 8
WRITTEN BY: LESLIE BRICUSSE/
ANTHONY NEWLEY
p
PRODUCED BY: HAL MOONEY
˙. ˙.
UK CHART PEAK: 40
? bb 128
The song ‘Feeling Good’ was originally written for the lead single for his album It’s Time. With a big band
the musical ‘The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell feel it’s certainly closer to Simone’s 1965 recording

of the Crowd’, by British composers Anthony Newley than that of Muse’s rock anthem. In 2015 American
and Leslie Bricusse. It was first performed on stage in singer, songwriter and rapper Lauryn Hill released an
b
bb Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ .
1964 by Cy Grant on the shows first UK tour, before entire album dedicated to Nina Simone, 7 entitled Nina G
Gilbert Price went on to perform it in 1965 with E ma
Revisited: j7
A Tribute to Nina Simone. DOn the album
& J
the original Broadway cast. ‘Feeling Good’ has been she featured her adaption of ‘Feeling Good’, paying
covered by a huge number of inspiring artists from homage to the artist that so heavily influenced her
many different genres, but Nina Simone was the first style and love for music.
artist to cover and release the hit as a single in 1965.
Nina Simone is cited by countless seminal artists as
? bb ˙ . œ. œ œ œ
Nina Simone recorded her adaption of the an inspiration, including Elton John, Aretha Franklin,
song for her 1965 album I Put A Spell On You David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Cat Stevens, Adele, John
- a beautiful and complex jazz rendition – putting Legend and so many more. A prominent figure in the
her own stamp on the otherwise underwhelming Civil Rights Movement, she inspired thousands with
showtune. Although the song wasn’t originally not only her music but also her passion for freedom
released as a single, it was later released in 1994 after [4]and equality. In 2000 she received a Grammy Hall
becoming hugely popular for having featured in a of Fame award and in 2018 she was (at last) rightly
British TV advert for Volkswagen. The song made it inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
to number 40 in the UK Singles chart and became a
prominent inspiration with many artists going on to
cover the song in the coming decades.
British Rock band Muse released their version of

‘Feeling Good’ in 2001 on their album second studio
album Origin of Symmetry. They were praised for
their guitar driven rock version of the classic, with
Keys Grade 2
œ œ
‘Total Guitar’ ranking it the 5th best cover song ever.
bb œ œ n œ œ
G m/C
œ œ œ
Michael Bublé’s 2005 rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ was G m/D
& œ J J 27
Feeling Good Piano Arrangement
Nina Simone
q. = 75 Blues/Jazz
E b maj 7
b ˙. œ.
D7
& b 12 ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ˙.
Gm G m/F Gm G m/F
8 Œ. œ œ œ Œ. œœœœœœ
p
? b b 12 ˙. ˙. ˙. œ. œ œ œ ˙. ˙.
8
œ.
b
E b maj 7 Eb
b Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ
‰ œ œ œ bœ œ œ.
D7 E m7 5
Œ. œ œ
Gm G m/F
& b J ‰ œ œ
J
? bb ˙ . œ. œ œ œ ˙. ˙. n˙. bœ. Œ œ
J
[4]

b b
Bb
b œ œ.
& b œ œJ œ œ œ œ n Jœ œ œ œ œ œ
J œ œ œ .
˙ ‰ œœœœœ
A m7 9 5 D7
Œ
G m/D G m/C Cm
J
f
? bb ˙ . j
˙. ˙. ˙. œ œ œ œ œ bœ nœ ‰ ‰ Œ ‰
[7]
bb N.C. Œ. Œ. Œ.
& œ.
? bb j ‰ ‰ Œ j
œ œj ‰ ‰ Œ j j ‰ ‰ Œ
Keys Grade 2
œ j j
[10]
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Words & Music by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley
28 © Copyright 1964 Musical Comedy Productions Inc.

Concord Music Limited.
b
Trumpet Solo
œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ.
Gm G m/F E maj 7 D 7 Gm G m/F
b
&b
F
? bb j ‰ ‰ Œ j j ‰ ‰ Œ j j‰ ‰ Œ j j‰ ‰ j j‰ ‰ Œ j ‰ ‰ Œ
œ œj
j
œ œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
[12]
b
E b maj 7 b
œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ.
D 7 Gm G m/F E m7 5 E
b
&b
? bb j ‰ ‰ Œ j ‰ ‰ j j‰ ‰ Œ j ‰ ‰ Œ
œ œj
j j‰ ‰ Œ j ‰‰Œ
[15]
œ œ œj œ œ œ œ bœ œ œj œ
j
b 7 b 9 b5
œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. œœ. .
G m/D G m/C B Am Cm D 7
b œ œ œ œ œ # œ œ
& b J ‰ ‰ Œ.
f

j j
? bb Œ œ œ. Œ œ œ . Œ œj œ . œ ‰ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ bœ nœ ‰ ‰ Œ.
[18]
œ. J J
b
&b ∑ ∑
p
? bb j j j
œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ
[21]
b
&b ∑ ∑ ∑
⇥
Keys Grade 2
? bb j j j Œ. Œ.
œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ ˙.
[23]
29
Notes
In this blues/jazz song, it is essential to keep a strict feeling for the twelve eighth-note beats in each bar.
The melody in bars 1 to 10 should be articulated as much like a singer as possible, maintaining right hand legato whilst
bringing out the melody above the left hand. Make sure the left hand part is a little quieter than the right, allowing the
melody to project clearly.
Note how the music starts in a quiet, brooding way. The short crescendo into forte in bar 9 then leads into a confident and
bluesy two-bar bridge which, in turn, leads into the trumpet solo at bar 12. While the trumpet solo accompaniment should
be performed a little quieter than the previous two bars, this section should maintain the established confident and relaxed
character of the piece. Note that while the right hand part plays continuous staccato eighth-notes throughout the trumpet
solo, the left-hand eighth notes should feel a little heavier, while still accurately observing the rests.Another short crescendo
to forte in bar 20 brings this section to a dramatic end.
The sudden drop back down to piano in bar 21 should provide enough of a dramatic contrast of volume to the previous bar
while reserving some room to be able to execute a controlled diminuendo through bars 23 to 25 to a whisper of pianissimo in
the final bar.
All these contrasts need to be carefully performed, strictly following the dynamic markings in the notation.

Keys Grade 2
30
31
Keys Grade 2 RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]
Technical Exercises
In this section you will be required to play a selection of exercises drawn from each of the groups below. The examiner will
be looking for the speed of your response and will also give credit for the level of your musicality. Please see the syllabus
guide for details on the marking criteria.
Major scales, minor scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight feel, ascending and descending,
in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates can choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor scales in
the exam. Pentatonic scales are right hand only, and the C blues scale needs to be performed hands separately. You may
use your book for Group A and Group B. Group C exercises must be played from memory.
Note that Groups A, B and C need to be played to a click and any fingerings shown are suggestions only.
Group A: Scales
The tempo for this group is q = 66 bpm.
1. B b major scale
b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ
4
&b œ œ œ
1 2 3 4 2 3
1
œ œ œ œ œ œ
3
œ
3 1 2 3 1 2
œ œ œ
? bb œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? œ œ œ œ
œ &
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 4 3 2 1 3
2 1

œ œ œ œ œ œ
2. D major scale
## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
œ
4
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
2 3
œ œ œ œ œ
1 3 1
1 2 3 2
2 3 4 1
œ
? ## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? œ œ œ œ
œ
1 3 2 1
& œ œ œ œ
3 2 1
œ œ œ œ
2 4
5 4 3 3 2 1
3. G natural minor scale
bb œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
& œ œ œ
2 3 4 1 3 4
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
œ
? bb
œ œ œ œ œ œ& ? œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ
5 4 3 2
1 3 2 1
3 2 1 3 2 œ œ œ œ
1
4
4. B natural minor scale
# œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
& # œ œ œ œ œ
5
œ œ
2 3 4 1 3 4
œ
2
œ œ œ œ œ œ
Keys Grade 2
œ
1 2 3 1 2 3
œ œ œ
? ## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? œ œ œ œ
œ &
œ œ œ œ œ
32 4 3 2
œ 1 4 3 2 1
œ œ œ œ
2 1 4 3 2 1
3
5. G harmonic minor scale
bb œ œ œ #œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
& #œ œ
2 3 4 1 3 4
œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ
? bb œ œ œ #œ œ ? œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ &
œ œ œ #œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5 4 3 2
1 3 2 1 œ œ 2 1 3 2œ œ œ œ1
4 3
6. B harmonic minor scale

#œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
#
& # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
5
œ œ #œ œ
2 3 4 1 3 4
2
œ œ œ œ
1
œ
1 2 3 1 2 3
œ œ œ œ
? ## œ œ œ œ œ # œ œ #œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ
& œ
4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1
2 1 4 3 2
œ œ œ œ1
3
7. B b major pentatonic scale | right hand
bb œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
3
œ œ œ œ œ œ
1
&
4
2 1 2 4 1 3 1 2
œ œ œ œ œ

œ
8. D major pentatonic scale | right hand
œ œ œ œ œ
## œ œ œ œ œ œ
4
& œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2
œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 1 3
2 1 2
9. G minor pentatonic scale | right hand
bb œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 3 1
œ
4 5
& œ œ œ œ œ œ
4
1 3 1 2 2
œ œ œ œ œ
œ
10. B minor pentatonic scale | right hand
## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
2
œ œ œ œ œ œ
1
&
3
œ
2
œ
2 1 2 3 1 2 1
œ œ œ œ
Keys Grade 2
33
Technical Exercises
11. C blues scale | right hand
b œ œ bœ nœ bœ œ œ œ bœ œ bœ
3
& œ bœ œ bœ nœ bœ œ œ œ œ bœ œ
2
4 3 4 1
1 2 3 2
œ œ
1 2 1
12. C blues scale | left hand
? œ b œ n œ bœ œ œ œ bœ œ bœ
bœ œ b œ œ œ œ bœ œ
b œ œ b œ n œ œ œ
œ 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1
5
Group B: Arpeggios
The tempo for this group is q = 63 bpm.
1. B b major arpeggio
b œ œ œ
& b 43 œ œ
4
œ œ
2 4
2
œ œ
2 1 1
œ œ œ ˙.
œ œ œ

? b b 43 œ œ œ ? œ œ
œ &
œ œ œ ˙.
3 2 1 3 1 2
2
œ
2. D major arpeggio
# œ œ œ œ
5
& # 43 œ œ œ
3
œ œ
2
œ œ
1 2 3 1
˙.
œ œ
? ## 3 œ œ œ ?œ œ ˙.
4 &œ œ œ œ
2 1 3 2
œ
5 3 1
3. G minor arpeggio
b œ
& b 43 œ œ œ œ
5
œ œ
3 1
1 2 2 3
œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ ˙.
? b b 43 œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
œ ˙.
Keys Grade 2
5 3 3 2 1
2 1
34
Technical Exercises
4. B minor arpeggio
# œ œ œ
& # 43 œ œ
5
œ œ
3 1
3
œ œ
1 2 2
œ œ œ ˙.
œ œ œ
? ## 3 œ œ œ ? œ œ
4 œ &
œ œ œ ˙.
5 3 2 1 2 1
3
5. C major seventh (Cmaj7) arpeggio
& 44 œ œ
5
œ œ
1 2 3 4
œ œ œ œ w
? 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ w
1
5 4 3 2
6. C minor seventh (Cm7) arpeggio
& 44 œ œ
5
bœ œ
1 2 3 4
bœ œ œ œ w

? 44 œ œ bœ œ œ œ
bœ œ w
1
5 4 3 2
Keys Grade 2
35
Technical Exercises
Group C: Chord Voicings

7th Chords
In the exam you will be asked to play one of the 7th chord exercises below, from memory. This test is performed in free time
(without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Ex 1: Major 7th Chords
& 44 www
w ww w
? 44 w ww www
Ex 2: Minor 7th Chords
& 44 b b www w
w b b www b ww
? 44 w w bw

Ex 3: Dominant 7th Chords
& 44 b ww
ww w w
w
? 44 w b www b ww
Keys Grade 2
36
Sight Reading
In the exam, you have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask
you which one you wish to choose before commencing. Once you have decided you cannot change your mind.
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give you a 4–6 bar melody in the key of either D major or B b major. You will
first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for you to
practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track
will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is q = 60–95.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in of the second playing will
start immediately.
Sight Reading | Example 1
b
& b 44 œ œ
˙ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙
? b b 44 w w ˙. œ œ œ ˙

Please note: The test shown is an example. The examiner will give you a different version in the exam.
Sight Reading | Example 2
## 4
& 4 Ó œœ œœ Ó œœ œœ œ œ œ œ ˙˙ œœ Œ
? # # 44 Ó Ó ˙ ˙ œ Œ
˙ ˙ ˙
Keys Grade 2
37
Improvisation & Interpretation
In the exam, you have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask
you which one you wish to choose before commencing. Once you have decided you cannot change your mind.
In the Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give you a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either
D major or B b major. You will first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track
twice. The first time is for you to practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each
playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is q = 60–95.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will
start immediately.
You are only required to improvise single note melodies, with either right or left hand. It is permissible to play chord
voicings, but please note you will only be marked on melodic content.
Improvisation & Interpretation | Example 1
q = 80
# # 4 D maj
7 E m7 D maj 7 E m7
& 4 ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

Improvisation & Interpretation | Example 2
q = 80
b B b maj 7
bb 4B maj
7 C m7 C m7
& 4 ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Keys Grade 2
38
Ear Tests
In this section, there are two ear tests:

■■Melodic Recall
■■Chord Recognition
You will find one example of each type of test printed below and you will need to perform both of them in the exam.
Test 1: Melodic Recall

The examiner will play you a two bar diatonic melody in the key of C major with a range up to a fourth. The first note will
be the root note. You will hear the test twice, each time with a one bar count-in, then you will hear a further one bar count-
in after which you will need to play the melody to the click. The tempo is q = 95 bpm.
It is acceptable to play over the track as it is being played as well as practising after the second playthrough. The length of
time available after the second playthrough is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in may begin while you are
still practising.
˙
& 44 ˙ ˙ ˙
Test 2: Chord Recognition

The examiner will play you a sequence of chords, each with a C root note. You will hear the chord sequence twice, each time

with a one bar count-in. You will then be asked to identify the chord quality of each chord, from a choice of major, minor,
diminished, augmented and dominant 7th. The tempo is q = 95 bpm.
& 44 www b www n b wwww www

? 44 w w w w
Keys Grade 2
39
General Musicianship Questions
The final part of your exam is the General Musicianship Questions section, which features five questions relating to one of
your choice of the performance pieces.
1. You will be asked a question relating to the harmony from a section of one of your pieces.
2. You will be asked a question relating to the melody in a section of one of your pieces.
3. You will be asked a question relating to the rhythms used in a section of one of your pieces.
4. You will be asked a question relating to the technical requirements of one of your pieces.
5. You will be asked a question relating to the genre of one of your pieces.
Further guidance on the types of questions asked at this grade can be found at the RSL website www.rslawards.co.uk

Keys Grade 2
40
Entering Rockschool Exams
Entering a Rockschool exam is easy, just go online and follow our simple six step process. All details for entering online,
dates, fees, regulations and Free Choice pieces can be found at www.rslawards.com
■■All candidates should ensure they bring their own Grade syllabus book to the exam or have proof of digital purchase
ready to show the examiner.
■■All Grade 6–8 candidates must ensure that they bring valid photo ID to their exam.

Keys Grade 2
41
Marking Schemes
Grade Exams | Debut to Grade 8
ELEMENT PASS MERIT DISTINCTION
Performance Piece 1 12–14 out of 20 15–17 out of 20 18+ out of 20
Technical Exercises 9–10 out of 15 11–12 out of 15 13 + out of 15
Sight Reading
or 6 out of 10 7–8 out of 10 9 + out of 10
Improvisation & Interpretation
Ear Tests 6 out of 10 7–8 out of 10 9 + out of 10
General Musicianship Questions 3 out of 5 4 out of 5 5 out of 5
TOTAL MARKS 60%+ 74%+ 90%+
Performance Certificates | Debut to Grade 8
ELEMENT PASS MERIT DISTINCTION

TOTAL MARKS 60%+ 75%+ 90%+

Keys Grade 2
42
Copyright Information
Happy
(Williams)
EMI Music Publishing Limited/Universal/MCA Music Limited
Running Up That Hill

(Bush)
EMI Music Publishing Limited
Radioactive
(Grant/McKee/Sermon/Reynolds/Mosser)
Universal/MCA Music Limited/Blue Water Music UK
This Is Me (From “The Greatest Showman”)

(Pasek/Paul)
EMI Music Publishing Limited (Twentieth Century Fox)/Kobalt Music Publishing
Roar
(Martin/Gottwald/McKee/Perry/Walter)
Kobalt Music Publishing Limited/Imagem Music /Warner/Chappell North America Limited
Feeling Good
(Bricusse/Newley)
Concord Music Limited

Keys Grade 2
43
Keys Notation Explained
œ œ œ œ œ
4 œ œ œ œ œ
&4 œ œ œ œ œ
THE MUSICAL STAVE shows pitches and
œ œ œ œ
rhythms and is divided by lines into bars.
?4 œ
C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C
œ œ œ
Pitches are named after the first seven letters
4 œ œ œ
of the alphabet.
œ œ œ œ
Grace Note: Play the grace note on Pedal Marking: Depress and then release the
or before the beat depending on the sustain pedal. Multiple pedal operations in a
style of music, then move quickly to short space of time may be simplified as shown
the note it leads onto. in the last two beats of the bar below.
3 4 œ
&4 œ
j ˙˙ .. &4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
° °
Spread Chord: Play the chord from the bottom note up Glissando: Play the notes between the notated
(top down only if there is a downward arrow head). pitches by sliding over the keyboard with the
The final note should sound by the appropriate fingers or fingernails.
# 4 g ˙˙ ggg ˙˙˙˙
notated bar position.
& 4 ggg n ˙˙ g & h h

gliss.
Tremolando: Oscillate at speed Finger Markings: These numbers represent

between marked notes. your fingers. 1 is the thumb, 2 the index
finger and so on.
bw w
& & œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 4 5
>œ
D.%. al Coda
fi
(accent) • Accentuate note (play it louder). • Go back to the sign (%), then play until
fi
the bar marked To Coda then skip to
œ^
the section marked Coda.
D.C. al Fine • Go back to the beginning of the song and

play until the bar marked Fine (end).
(accent) • Accentuate note with great intensity.
Una Corda • Use soft pedal
œ. .. .. • Repeat the bars between the repeat signs.

(staccato) • Shorten time value of note.
œ-
• When a repeated section has different
.. ..
1. 2.
endings, play the first ending only the first
Keys Grade 2
time and the second ending only the

second time.
(accent) • Accentuate note with more arm weight.
44

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Keys Grade 2

Performance pieces, technical exercises, supporting tests and in-depth

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads

Input the following code when prompted: G8WHCVRXYD

For more information, turn to page 5

Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2019

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Supporting Tests recorded by Chris Stanbury and Jono Harrison

Introductions & Information

Hit Tunes | Keys Arrangements

7 ‘Happy’................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pharrell Williams

Hit Tunes | Piano Arrangements

19 ‘This Is Me’......................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)

32 Scales, Arpeggios & Chord Voicings

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

41 Entering Rockschool Exams

■■Hit Tune Arrangements

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Debut (Entry Level 3) & Grades 1–3 (Level 1)

Grades 4–5 (level 2)

Grades 6–8 (level 3)

Melody & Accompaniment

Solo Piano Arrangement

Grades 4–8 only:

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

You will need to input this code when prompted: G8WHCVRXYD

Patch/registration settings and sounds (keyboard arrangements only)

Notation for keyboard arrangements:

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: HAPPY

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Williams originally wrote the song for the singer

œœœ œœœ œœœ

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Words & Music by Pharrell Williams

& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ˙˙ œœ .. œ

& b b ˙˙˙ œœœ ... œœ ww ww b œœœ b œœœ Œ Ó

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: ‘RUNNING UP THAT HILL’

‘Running Up That Hill’ was the lead single for

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

& ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙

& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ww ˙˙˙ ˙˙ œw œ ˙

& www www www www www www www ˙˙˙ œ

Words & Music by Kate Bush

12 © Copyright 1984 Noble and Brite Ltd.

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

& ww ww www www ww

& www www ˙˙˙ œ œ œ

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

SONG TITLE: RADIOACTIVE

PERSONNEL: DAN REYNOLDS (VOX)

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Wayne Sermon explained to Billboard: “We waited

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

RSL-914991043744 / 1 / GMartell Mexico / [email protected]

Bars 9 to 15 are played exactly the same at bars 25 to 31.

■■Hit Tune Arrangements