Preparing for Grade Exams with Us
For students who wish to follow the British grade exam system, we are happy to offer support. We have experience preparing students for exams through ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), which conducts instrumental assessments around the world.
Several of our students are currently preparing for these exams. The structure provides a great way for ambitious students to gain motivation and structure in their learning, while also building a solid foundation in general musicianship.
What is ABRSM?
ABRSM is a well established British music education organisation offering practical and theory exams from Grade 1 to Grade 8. An external examiner evaluates performance and provides a written report with a grade in one of three levels. Students also receive a formal certificate/diploma.
Since 2021, ABRSM has expanded to offer digital exams, allowing students to take both theory and practical tests remotely.
They now offer two parallel exam tracks:
- Practical Grades (Grade 1–8)
- Performance Grades (Grade 1–8)
Students may switch between these two options during their journey through the grade system.
Note: Previously, examiners visited Stockholm once a year, but in person exams are no longer available.
Practical Grade Exams include:
- Scales and chords
- Three prepared pieces : from different musical eras
- Sight-reading : playing a short piece at first sight
- Aural tests : repeating melodic patterns and identifying musical features such as time signature, key (major/minor), articulation (legato/staccato), and dynamics (loud/soft)
In parallel with practical exams, we also work with music theory from Grade 1 to 8, which supports and enriches a student’s overall musical understanding.
Performance Grade Exams include:
- Four pieces from different musical periods
- Three chosen from ABRSM’s syllabus
- One free choice piece at a matching level
- Each piece is graded individually
- The performance is also assessed as a whole
Feel free to ask us more about how grade exams work and whether they might suit your child or your musical goals.