What is The Maestro Online Debut Pop Piano Exam?
Qualification: TLM Entry Level 3 Award in Musical Performance — Debut (610/1051/0)
RQF level: RQF Entry Level 3
UCAS points: None
Pieces required: 3 pieces (2 from TMO repertoire list + 1 own choice)
Duration per piece: 45 seconds – 2 minutes per piece
Total exam time: Up to 6 minutes total
Price: £29
Results turnaround: Results in 1–5 working days (often 24 hours)
Eligible instruments: Acoustic piano, digital piano, electronic keyboard (full-size keys, 5+ octaves)
What’s in the Debut Pop Piano Exam?
The TMO Pop Piano Debut Exam is the starting point of the only Ofqual-accredited popular piano qualification pathway that welcomes notation readers, by-ear players, and neurodivergent candidates equally. You perform three pieces drawn from rock classics, chart hits from 2000 onwards, and a piece entirely of your own choosing — including film themes, TV themes, and video game music. Songs can be transposed at purchase to suit your comfortable key. You record at home, upload your video, and a specialist piano examiner marks your performance against four criteria: timing and rhythm, technical control, musicality, and performance communication. There are no scales, no sight-reading, and no fixed exam date. You choose when you are ready.
At Debut level the examiner listens for a reliable sense of pulse, simple hand coordination, and a performance delivered with confidence and engagement. You are actively encouraged to add your own introduction, ending, or embellishments — demonstrating musical initiative is part of what this exam rewards from the very first grade. Pieces last 45 seconds to 2 minutes, keeping the focus on quality of expression rather than endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to read sheet music to sit the Debut exam?
A: No. TMO exams are equally open to notation readers and by-ear players. Sheet music links on the syllabus page indicate the level of difficulty but are not required for the exam itself.
Q2: What is the difference between the Debut and Grade 1?
A: The Debut sits at RQF Entry Level 3 with shorter, simpler pieces (45 seconds to 2 minutes). Grade 1 moves to RQF Level 1, introduces the full Traditional Pop/Rock and 2000 Onwards list structure, and expects a slightly wider harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary.
Q3: Can I use an electronic keyboard for this exam?
A: Yes, provided it has full-size keys covering at least five octaves. A sustain pedal is recommended from Grade 2 onwards but is not a requirement at Debut.
Pop Piano Song Lists, Related Grades and Supporting Practice Toolkits & Resources
→ Full syllabus & song list: https://www.the-maestro-online.com/pop-piano-grades/debut
→ Practice toolkit for this grade: https://www.the-maestro-online.com/music-courses/piano-exam-practice-toolkits/
→ Next grade: https://www.the-maestro-online.com/music-masterclass/pop-piano-exam-grade-1
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