About the ABRSM

History of ABRSM—Associated Board of Royal School of Music

The Associated Board is the world’s leading examining body of music, conducting more than 650,000 exams in over 90 countries each year. Established in 1889, the board has well over 100 years of experience and expertise in music education and benefits from following four Royal Schools of music in the UK:

Royal Academy of Music

Royal College of Music

Royal Northern College of Music

Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

The Associated Board’s main activity is the operation of an authoritative and internationally recognized system of exams and assessments to encourage and motivate players and singers at all levels.

Associated Board offers a diverse range of exams and assessments to meet the changing needs of different learners in today’s world. These range from the Prep Test and Music Medals for the beginners through to professional diplomas at the high levels of musical achievement. The Board also provides exams for ensembles and choirs, as well as Jazz exams.

Grades 1-8 candidates can choose any grade to enter, but if taking Grades 6, 7, or 8 of the practical exams, a candidate must have either the G5 music theory certificate or practical musicianship certificate.

Graded exams are available for:

The Exams

Baritone, Jazz Trombone, Bassoon, Jazz Trumpet, Bass Trombone, Oboe, Cello, Organ, Clarinet, Percussion, Cornet (Bb and Eb), Piano, Double Bass, Practical Musicianship, Euphonium, Recorder (Descant and Treble), Flugelhorn Saxophone (Alto/Baritone and, Flute Soprano/Tenor), Guitar, Singing, Harp, Theory of Music, Harpsichord, Trombone, Horn, Trumpet, Eb Horn, Tuba (Eb, F, Bb and C), Jazz Flute, Viola, Jazz Piano, Violin, Jazz Saxophone (Alto and Tenor)

Practical exams have four sections:

a) Set pieces or songs

b) scales and arpeggios /broken chords or, for singers, an unaccompanied folk song

c) sight reading or quick study

d) aural tests

The Associated Board‘s diplomas provide an authoritative assessment framework for a wide range of musicians. There are three diploma subject-lines:

a) Music Directing

b) Music Performance

c) Instrumental /Vocal Teaching

Each subject- line has three levels of award:

DipABRSM: Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music

LRSM: Licentiate of the Royal School of Music

FRSM: Fellowship of the Royal School of Music

The diplomas are designed to encourage diverse approaches to the directing, performing and teaching of music and to stimulate enjoyment and achievement through the acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding. The highly respected qualifications provide valuable opportunities for musicians to gain recognition for their abilities and achievements.

Benefits of Taking the ABRSM Music Exam:

It provides candidate with a certificate that can be used anywhere to provide verification of musicianship.

Motivation and inspiration, working from a holistically structured syllabus towards a definite goal.

A measure of personal progress against internationally recognized standards.

An objective guide to improve your music skills.

Assessment by a respected, highly trained independent examiner.

Performance opportunities.