Woodwind Syllabus
EXAMINATION MUSIC
Own choice of one piece chosen from any current examination syllabus – to be accompanied unless specifically written as an unaccompanied piece. This is an excellent opportunity for players about to take an examination.
Ww1 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww2 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (A)
Ww3 Grades 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww4 Grades 5-6 Time limit 6 mins (B)
Ww5 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww6 Post-grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT
Performers may be accompanied on the piano or another woodwind instrument played by a teacher/adult (pupil teacher duet).
Ww7 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww8 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (A)
Ww9 Grades 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww10 Grades 5-6 Time limit 6 mins (B)
Ww11 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)
WW12 Post-grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
JAZZ, SWING & RAGTIME
Own choice of one piece. Can be accompanied on the piano or use backing tracks
Ww13 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww14 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (B)
Ww15 Grade 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww16 Grades 5-6 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww17 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww18 Post-grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
UNACCOMPANIED SOLO
Own choice of one or two movements of a piece specifically written for solo instrument.
Ww19 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww20 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (A)
Ww21 Grades 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww22 Grades 5-6 Time limit 6 mins (B)
Ww23 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww24 Post-grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
SONATA
Own choice of part or all of a sonata.
Ww25 Open Time limit 15 mins (D)
CONCERTO / CONCERTINO
One or two movements, or a piece originally written for performance with orchestra.
Ww26 Grades 6-7 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww27 Grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
Ww28 Post-grade 8 Time limit 12 mins (C)
RECITAL CLASS
Own choice of a group of two or more contrasting pieces. The programme can include a mixture of accompanied pieces (piano or another Woodwind instrument) and unaccompanied pieces. Please aim for a balanced programme of music of different styles. Performers will be adjudicated on their programme choice and presentation, as well as their performance. This is an excellent opportunity to perform your pieces in preparation for an upcoming exam.
Ww29 Pre-grade 1 – Grade 1 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww30 Grades 2-3 Time limit 10 mins (C)
Ww31 Grades 4-5 Time limit 15 mins (D)
Ww32 Grades 6-7 Time limit 20 mins (E)
Ww33 Grades 8-8+ Time limit 25 mins (E)
PUPIL-TEACHER
Own choice of one piece. Duets can be accompanied or unaccompanied. Pupil only will be adjudicated.
Ww34 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww35 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (A)
Ww36 Grades 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww37 Grades 5-6 Time limit 6 mins (B)
Ww38 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)
Ww39 Post grades 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
DUETS, TRIOS AND QUARTETS
Own choice of one or two pieces. Duets can be accompanied or unaccompanied. At least one performer must be a Woodwind or Recorder player. All performers will be adjudicated.
Ww40 Pre-grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
Ww41 Grades 1-2 Time limit 3 mins (A)
Ww42 Grades 3-4 Time limit 4 mins (B)
Ww43 Grades 5-6 Time limit 6 mins (B)
Ww44 Grades 7-8 Time limit 8 mins (B)Ww45 Post grades 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
ENSEMBLES OF 5 OR MORE PERFORMERS
Ensemble should include at least two woodwind performers. Own choice of two or three pieces or movements. Please state exact time on the entry form.
Ww46 Under 11 years (F)
Ww47 11 -18 years (F)
Adjudicator: Rachel Gregory FTCL, LTCL
Venue: Church of the Resurrection, 2 Brecon Ave, Portsmouth, PO6 2AP
Dates: 27thFebruary 2026
Closing date for entries: 16th November 2026
Online entries: pfpa.org.uk
or if wishing to submit a paper form, please email woodwind@pfpa.org.uk
Joint Heads of Section - Gemma Billington and Jen Flatman
Rachel Gregory
Rachel studied recorder and viol with Carl Dolmetsch and harpsichord with Ruth Dyson. She is on the visiting panel of conductors of the Society of Recorder Players and performs regularly, as soloist and with The Classical Music Company and the Dolmetsch Concertante. As well as making recordings, she has broadcast on radio and television. In addition to teaching in schools, privately, at summer schools, both in the UK and Europe, weekend courses and one day workshops, she is increasingly in demand as an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. Rachel lives in Hampshire and has two adult sons.
Joint Heads of Section – Gemma Billington & Jen Flatman
Prizes
The Sturge Trophy
Awarded for the best solo performance (14 years & under)
The Zurich Insurance Woodwind Cup
Awarded for the best performance (15-18 years)
The Karen Cup for musicianship and versatility
Awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator for a performer demonstrating the ability to communicate music in different genres
The Hunt Baroque Cup
Awarded to the best performance of a piece written between 1600 and 1750
The Beginners Cup
Awarded to the most promising beginner.
The Christopher Cup
Awarded to the best recorder performer Grades 1-4
The Norman Strugnell Memorial Cup
Awarded to the best recorder performer Grades 5-8+
