Fundamental Skills Survey PRIMARY
A Musical Milestone
After completing the foundation stage of their Yamaha music learning (2 years of Yamaha Primary Course), students take part in the Fundamental Skills Survey (FSS). This is not a traditional examination, but an opportunity to celebrate the musical skills children have developed. Through activities such as singing, listening, playing, reading, and creating, the FSS reflects Yamaha’s belief in nurturing well-rounded musical abilities, not only instrumental technique. For many children, it becomes their first milestone in music learning. Success in the FSS boosts confidence and serves as a stepping stone for further study.
Examination Procedure
Duration
10 minutes
Subject Details
I. Singing
Students are required to sing one of the songs included in New Primary 1-1 to 3-2 or Pre-Junior 1 and 2 each course’s textbook, chosen from either Lyric Singing or the Repertoire pieces, using either the lyrics or the note names “Do–Re–Mi.”
Procedure
- The student sings the chosen piece with the class teacher’s accompaniment.
- Note:
- Only the first verse is acceptable in the case of Lyric Singing song.
II. Listening
Students are required to sing or play the notes that examiner (class teacher) plays on the piano, to confirm the student’s listening ability.
PRIMARY / PRIMARY Personal :
One melody from the 'Memory Singing by Solfege' of New Primary 3-1 and 3-2 curriculum learnt during regular lessons
Note: "Supplementary Material" may be included in the exam too if learnt during regular lessons.
Pre-Junior / Pre-Junior Personal :
One melody from the 'Repertoire' of Pre-Junior 1 and 2 curriculum learnt during regular lessons
Procedure
- The examiner plays the phrase and after the examiner’s cue, the student sings the melody by ear, while the examiner plays the accompaniment.
B) Harmony By ear Playing or By ear Singing
Listen to three chords in a progression played on the piano, then respond by playing on Piano / Electone, or singing using solfege.
The chords are learnt during regular lessons (C major, G major, F major and D minor).
Procedure
- The examiner confirms in advance whether the student wishes to sing or play.
- The examiner plays three chords.
- Then the student plays or sings the chords by ear after the examiner’s cue.
- Note:
- The student can play either with the left hand or the right hand.
III. Playing
The student is required to play two Repertoire pieces. The student may choose the Piano or Electone to play them.
PRIMARY / PRIMARY Personal : Select and perform two pieces from the Repertoire or Let's Play More Repertoire of New Primary 3-1 and 3-2.
Pre-Junior / Pre-Junior Personal : Select and perform two pieces from the Repertoire or Let's Play More Repertoire of Pre-Junior 1 and 2 featuring both-hands playing.
IV. Reading
Students are required to sing at sight with the pitch or read at sight a few bars from the score of the Repertoire pieces performed on the day. This is to assess the student's Reading ability.
Procedure
- The examiner shows the passages of about 2 bars from the score of the pieces.
- The students sing at sight or read the notes without a pitch.
V. Creating
Students are required to play the left-hand accompaniment to the melody.
PRIMARY / PRIMARY Personal : Either “Let’s Explore” in New Primary 3-1 or “The Forest Carpenter” in New Primary 3-2.
Pre-Junior / Pre-Junior Personal : “Honeybee March” in Pre-Junior 2.
*A simple melodic variation is also acceptable.
