Royal Irish Academy of Music Exams

Who takes these exams

Irish students of instruments and singing take the RIAM practical and performance grades. Many also take the theory grades, which run online.

What the grades cover

• Theory runs from a Preparatory grade through Grades I to VIII to a Senior Certificate. The early grades cover note values, time signatures, the staff, scales and keys. By Grade V they add intervals, clefs and transposition.
• Practical Grades and Performance Grades cover instruments and voice.
• RIAM also offers diplomas and drama exams.

What the grades lead to

Each grade leads to the next. The Senior Certificate completes the theory series. RIAM diplomas sit above the graded exams.

How it compares with other boards

RIAM theory has a Preparatory grade, eight numbered grades and a Senior Certificate. ABRSM and Trinity theory each have eight grades. RIAM examiners visit all thirty-two counties of Ireland, so students can take exams near where they live.

Practice on The Music Stem

• RIAM theory practice runs from the Preparatory grade to Grade V.
• ABRSM theory and Trinity theory add practice in the same skills.