Strings

Trinity’s refreshed Strings syllabus offers an inspiring and flexible selection of music for Violin, Scottish Traditional Fiddle, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Harp. With brand-new pieces at every grade across a wide variety of styles – from classical favourites to jazz, folk, Latin, film and popular music – the syllabus supports musical growth at every stage.

New Violin Exam Pieces from 2025 books

Each new graded Violin book includes 12 pieces, Performance Notes written by experts, and access to broadcast-quality downloadable demo and backing tracks. The repertoire spans a wide range of styles and genres: alongside classical, jazz, world and folk, learners will find well-known pieces such as. Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (Frozen), Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas), Levitating (Dua Lipa), and Rather Be (Clean Bandit). Books are available in both print and digital formats and support preparation for face-to-face and digital exams.

More choice. No expiry dates.

A growing choice of repertoire that stays valid and keeps inspiring learners at every stage.

• The Violin Exam Pieces from 2025 books have no expiry date.
• All pieces from the Violin Exam Pieces from 2020 books remain valid for use in exams and will continue to remain valid indefinitely.*
• For all instruments, pieces from the 2020 syllabus continue to be available, with repertoire lists regularly reviewed and refreshed.

(*Copyright and territory dependent.)

Music that engages learners and supports progress

The syllabus includes pieces that many learners will recognise and enjoy, helping to build confidence and motivation. Every piece is carefully selected for the instrument and grade, encouraging musically and technically rewarding performances.

Expanding the musical landscape

New commissions from composers such as Cuban-born jazz violinist Omar Puente, jazz violinists Julian Ferraretto and Chris Garrick, and Scottish folk composer Stephen J Wood bring fresh stylistic variety and a wide range of musical influences to the syllabus.

Exams designed for flexibility

• Exams can be taken face-to-face or digitally.
• Digital candidates can choose to follow the Technical Work pathway (three pieces plus technical work) or the Repertoire-only pathway (four pieces).
• Original compositions are welcome at all grades.
• Duets can be included up to Grade 3.
• Digital exams can now be performed with either live or recorded accompaniments across all grades.
• Backing tracks can be used for face-to-face exams up to Grade 3.

Free resources to support success

A range of free online support materials is available to help develop musical skills and understanding at every level. These have been created in collaboration with experienced educators and musicians to support effective teaching and learning.

Face-to-face and digital options

Candidates can play to their strengths and choose the exam type that works best for them. Find out more about our face-to-face and digital grade exam options.

Find out more about our exam formats

Further information

Full details (including our procedures, syllabus requirements, what to expect, and what to bring with you) can be found in our Information & Regulations.

Related products

NoteLab Music is a powerful resource available to teachers, parents and students to support lessons, personalise music choices, build technique, maintain engagement and track progress.

Our Theory of Music syllabus responds to modern teaching and learning styles and can be taken as a paper-based exam or as on on-demand digital exam.