Exam boards
ABRSM Music Exams
ABRSM is a music education charity. It runs graded music exams for students and teachers around the world.
Who takes these exams
Students of an instrument or of singing take ABRSM practical grades to measure their progress. Many also take the theory grades. Teachers use the grades to set a clear standard for each stage.
What the grades cover
- Music Theory Grades 1 to 8. Grades 1 to 5 cover rhythm, pitch, keys, intervals and chords. Grades 6 to 8 add harmony, counterpoint, composition and wide knowledge of Western music.
- Practical grades. Piano and bowed strings run from Initial, the grade before Grade 1, to Grade 8. Other instruments and singing run from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Performance Grades are a performance-only alternative.
What the grades lead to
- Practical Grades 6, 7 and 8 have an entry requirement. A student must first pass Grade 5 or above in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a Jazz Practical Grade. Some qualifications from other boards also count.
- Grades 6 to 8 carry UCAS points. Some UK universities and colleges use these points to compare entry qualifications.
- Above Grade 8, ABRSM diplomas in performance, teaching and directing run at ARSM, LRSM and FRSM levels.
How it compares with other boards
Trinity College London asks for no theory before its higher practical grades. The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada pairs a theory exam with each practical level from Level 5. ABRSM sits between them. Its one theory requirement comes at Grade 5.
Practice on The Music Stem
- ABRSM theory practice runs from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Grade 5 meets the requirement for practical Grades 6 to 8.
The Music Stem is independent of ABRSM. Our practice papers are our own. Check exam rules on the ABRSM site before you book.