Music Factsheet 5: Free music in vocational examinations

Introduction
In the context of an RAD examination, ‘free music’ means anything you play from your own repertoire, or improvise. The term is contrasted to 'set music' or 'syllabus music' which is what is published by the Royal Academy of Dance as the official accompaniment to the exercises, studies and dances.

The only section of an exam where you will be asked to play 'free music' is during the ‘free enchaînement’ section, where the examiner makes up a sequence of steps on the spot for the candidates to perform, to an accompaniment provided by you from your own resources. In Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation level  there will be one such enchaînement made up of allegro steps, and in Advanced 1 & 2, there will be 3 (2 in the allegro section, and one on pointe).

How does it work?
The examiner will indicate to the pianist the rhythm and tempo of the coming exercise, and may suggest a particular dance rhythm such as a polonaise or polka. If you don't feel confident improvising, bring in a selection of suitable pieces for these enchaînements.

Examples in Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Music Books

In the music books for Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate, we have included a selection of pieces in Appendix A which would be suitable for the kinds of enchaînement likely to occur in those exams.  You can use these actual pieces if you wish, or just use them as models on which to find further repertoire of your own. Although you don't have to play them, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them as they have been chosen precisely because they are good examples of the kind of music required. With each piece we have also indicated what dance style they represent, to help you find more music using the dance styles as keywords in your search.

Dance styles for enchaînements

The list below covers probably every eventuality that you will encounter in an exam. Used these as search terms in online databases of free sheet music (see our Factsheet on Online Sheet Music for guides to some great resources)  

• Czardas/galop/can-can/coda/Schnellpolka  types
• Jig, quadrille, contredanse types
• Lyrical adagios in any time signature (e.g. arias, nocturnes or barcarolles)
• March
• Mazurka
• Polka mazurka or minuet
• Polonaise/triple jig
• Rag/hornpipe/reel/polka types
• Tango
• Tarantella
• Waltzes at various speeds and rhythmic patterns
• ‘Spanish’ dances in the balletic tradition (i.e. those from The Nutcracker, Coppélia or Don Quixote). 
• Polka-style dances in 2/4 with continuous semiquaver movement in the melody
• Polka-style dances in 2/4 at moderate or very moderate tempo and careful articulation of the melody line
• Balletic variations in waltz time at various speeds
• Polonaises suitable for jumping (e.g. Peasant Pas de Deux entrée)

There are several articles, books and websites that can help you build such a collection. A Dance Class Anthology is particularly helpful as a guide to playing for free enchaînements.