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ABRSM EXAMS

Looking for more Structured Music Lessons?

Ambitious parents who want their kids to achieve measurable goals and competitive results are often looking for a more structured course of study that is based on short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. To meet these expectations, we are very pleased to introduce the globally recognized system of ABRSM curricula and examinations. 

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a prominent UK-based music examination board that offers structured assessments and certifications for students around the world. Founded in 1889 by four leading music conservatories—the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland—ABRSM has established itself as a benchmark of musical excellence, promoting rigorous standards in music education. ABRSM exams are widely recognized and respected internationally, providing students with qualifications that are accepted by music institutions, conservatories, and universities worldwide​

Structure of ABRSM Exams

ABRSM exams are available for various instruments, music theory, and practical musicianship, with a structured grading system from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Each grade serves as a stepping stone, building on the previous one to ensure steady development of musical skills. Grades 1 to 5 provide foundational skills, preparing students in areas such as technique, sight-reading, and aural skills. Grades 6 to 8 represent an advanced level, guiding students to professional readiness. Beyond Grade 8, ABRSM offers three levels of diplomas—DipABRSM, LRSM, and FRSM—each with specialized tracks in performance, teaching, or directing​

Each grade exam consists of four components:

  1. Performance Pieces: Students prepare several set pieces, often chosen from a list that includes a variety of styles and composers, which broadens their exposure to different musical periods and genres.
  2. Technical Exercises: This component requires students to demonstrate mastery of scales, arpeggios, and other exercises tailored to their instrument and grade level, which enhances their technique and finger dexterity.
  3. Sight-Reading: Students are tested on their ability to interpret and perform new music at first sight. Sight-reading enhances fluency and adaptability in reading music, skills essential for performing with ensembles or learning new repertoire quickly.
  4. Aural Tests: ABRSM exams place a strong emphasis on developing aural skills. Students practice listening for and recognizing various elements of music, including rhythm, pitch, harmony, and dynamics, which are foundational to a good ear for music​

 

Benefits for Students

1. Comprehensive Skill Development

ABRSM’s multifaceted curriculum supports a well-rounded approach to music education, focusing on technical, theoretical, and practical skills. By working on performance, sight-reading, aural tests, and technical exercises, students become versatile musicians who can both interpret and create music independently. This approach encourages students to think beyond rote memorization and to understand the musical context of their pieces. As students advance, they develop the tools needed to analyze, perform, and appreciate music on a deeper level. This comprehensive training is beneficial for students who wish to become well-rounded musicians, whether they pursue music professionally or recreationally​.

2. Structured Progression and Goal Achievement

The ABRSM’s graded structure provides students with clear benchmarks, which are helpful in setting goals and tracking their progress. Each grade functions as a milestone, giving students concrete objectives to work toward. The progression from one grade to the next helps students remain motivated, as they can see the results of their hard work in a tangible way. Achieving each certification serves as a rewarding accomplishment that boosts confidence and provides a sense of progress. Additionally, for students who aspire to study music further, ABRSM qualifications are often valued by conservatories and universities as evidence of a student's skill level and dedication to their craft​.

3. Global Recognition and Academic Value

ABRSM qualifications are recognized and respected internationally, making them highly valuable for students applying to music schools, conservatories, or even universities. Many institutions view ABRSM certification as a mark of musical dedication and expertise, often granting academic credit or waiving introductory requirements for students with ABRSM credentials. This recognition extends beyond the UK, making ABRSM exams a globally accessible pathway for students interested in furthering their music education, whether in their home country or abroad​.

4. Cultivation of Discipline and Resilience

The commitment required to prepare for ABRSM exams instills valuable qualities like discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Preparing for an exam involves focused practice and consistent effort over weeks or months, which teaches students how to structure their practice time effectively. By preparing pieces, scales, and other components, students learn the importance of setting a routine and applying steady effort to improve. These skills go beyond music; they are life skills that benefit students in many other areas, including academics and personal development. The process of tackling challenging pieces or technical exercises also builds resilience, as students learn to push through difficulties and overcome obstacles to reach their goals​.

5. Confidence Building and Performance Experience

ABRSM exams provide students with valuable performance experience, as they must present their work to an examiner. This experience helps students develop confidence in performing under pressure, an important skill for any musician. Performing in a structured, formal setting also gives students the opportunity to manage performance anxiety, preparing them for future auditions, recitals, or public performances. As they progress through the grades, students become more comfortable with the demands of performance and build the self-assurance needed to share their music with others​.

6. Lifelong Engagement with Music

ABRSM’s approach encourages a lifelong relationship with music. For many, the skills and knowledge gained through ABRSM exams continue to enrich their lives, even if they do not pursue a professional music career. Students often continue playing and exploring music recreationally, equipped with the ability to read, interpret, and appreciate music independently. For those interested in teaching, ABRSM diplomas provide pathways to develop pedagogical skills, allowing them to share their passion with future students and foster a new generation of musicians​.

ABRSM’s Resources and Support for Learning

ABRSM also offers numerous resources to aid students and teachers. From practice books and exam syllabi to online learning tools and training workshops, these materials help students and teachers stay informed about exam requirements and best practices in music education. The resources make it easier for students to develop effective practice routines and refine their skills, enhancing the overall learning experience.

In a nutshell . . .

ABRSM’s globally recognized exams provide a structured, high-quality framework for music education, enabling students to develop not only technical proficiency but also valuable life skills. With its balanced focus on performance, theory, and aural development, ABRSM fosters confidence, discipline, and a deep understanding of music. This comprehensive approach benefits students of all ages and skill levels, helping them pursue their passion for music and preparing them for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can participate?
  • All levels - beginner to advanced
  • Instrumentalists and singers
  • You can be a self entry as an adult student
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Types of Assessment
  • Practical Grades - 8 levels
    • Face to face exams in a dedicated local exam center.
    • Initial Grade to Grade 8. All in-person.
    • If you're taking Practical Grade 6, 7 or 8 you must pass Grade 5 (or above) in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a Jazz Practical Grade before you book your exam.
    • Includes Scales, Aural, and sight-reading as appropriate to level
    • Repertoires - 3 songs from the practical grade syllabus list that you must prepare.  One song from each list: A, B, and C.
    • 2-3 times a year
    • Practical Grade Guidance
  • Performance Grades -
    • Grade 1-8
    • All Levels Online - Remote Assessment: Video Submission of required pieces
    • On Demand Scheduling - schedule at your own time
    • Repertoires only - 4-piece program from the performance grade syllabus
    • No scales/arpeggios, aural or sight reading.
    • Distinctions
      • Focused on the performer and his or her performance ability with the understanding that the student already has sight-reading and aural skills. The 4-piece program demonstrates the ability to play the instrument. Even the programming (flow of the program) is taken into account.
      • This is to help those who want to pursue ABRSM for recreational purposes, and not necessarily prepare for a career in music.
    • Performance Grade Guidance
  • Practical Musicianship Grades -
    • In the exam - approximately one minute of preparation time is allowed for the following tests:
      • singing/playing at sight
      • improvising (from Grade 4)
      • transposing at sight
      • realizing a figured bass
  • Music Theory - general music theory, not instrument-specific
    • Grades 1-5 (online exams)
    • Grades 6-8 (paper based exams at a local exam center)
  • Jazz - 5 levels/grades [currently not available in the U.S.]
  • Diplomas in Music Performance
    • Higher level or professional level exams
      • ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) – Level 4
      • LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) – Level 6
      • FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music) – Level 7
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How to register for exams?
  • Where and when are exams offered?
    • Globally in 92+ countries
    • In-Person Exams are offered two to three times a year: 
      • April to June Session 1: April 2025 - June 2025
      • October to December Session 2: October 2025 - December 2025
      • Booking Period: 2 months before the exam
    • Online Exams can be scheduled anytime:There are no booking periods and exam sessions. Instead, you can book, pay and submit the exam video when you are ready. You can submit the video when you book or at any time during the following 28 days.
    • Links available for the local venues and info and the global dates and fees
    • Please note: At this time, we ask our students/parents to self-register for exams. Please discuss with your instructor before proceeding.
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Why choose exams?
  • Systematic and more comprehensive approach to learning a musical instrument
  • More engaging for students 
  • Students engaged in short-term and long-term goal setting
  • Achievable goals are rewarding experiences for students
  • Globally recognized standards of musical excellence:
    • Get an objective evaluation of your musical skills
  • Exams are very valuable whether you are a hobbyist or gearing up for a professional career in music
  • Accreditation Equivalency Information of ABRSM grades. Also see National and International Recognition.
    • Helpful for students who want to do this and put it toward college applications 
    • For more information on how the UCAS point system please see the following two documents:
    • US: the following universities seem to accept ABRSM credits in college applications:
      • University of Michigan
      • University of Indiana, Bloomington
      • James Madison University
      • The University of Kansas
      • The New School, New York
      • The University of Alabama at Birmingham
      • Berklee Online

PLEASE NOTE: However, the credits are handled differently, depending on the college applicant’s situation. For example, ABRSM credits as an extracurricular supplement to a college application would be treated differently from ABRSM credits used in an application for a music conservatory. If you wish to use your ABRSM credits for a college application, we strongly recommend discussing your plan with the admissions office before applying.

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How to Prepare for Exams?
  • ARBSM Syllabi are available through retail stores, including Amazon.com 
  • Exam type, guidelines, resources, and booking
    • Visit the ABRSM Website and choose the syllabus for your instrument. You want to find out what level you are at first (discuss with your teacher). Go the syllabus, then the instrument, and you’ll see what skills apply to what grade level.
    • Check out teacher resources at Teacher Hub & Classroom 200 – for Courses, discussions, and more!
    • Offers support to teachers for the curriculum. Also helpful advice on how to troubleshoot certain difficulties for students.
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Selective ABRSM LINKS

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Sign up for Music Lessons with our ABRSM Program!