Comprehensive Online ABRSM Exam Preparation
All my online and face-to-face students (both adults and children) have the opportunity to take official exams with the ABRSM.
I provide online ABRSM exam preparation in my Zoom and asynchronous piano lessons for students taking Performance Grades, Practical Grades and Music Theory exams (mainly grade 5 music theory).
With over 17 years of experience in face-to-face and online ABRSM exam preparation, I help ensure my students achieve outstanding results. Please visit here to see some of my students in the preparation process.
Endorsed Online ABRSM Exam Teacher
Having taken ABRSM exams myself, I know the benefit of working towards a clear goal. In the online ABRSM exam preparation process, I aim for very high standards whilst still understanding that everyone learns at their own pace. I treat each student as an individual and aim to motivate them to achieve their best.
As you will see from the testimonials parents left and the 5-star reviews received on Google, I help build a valuable and long-lasting rapport with each student.
Most of my students have stayed with me throughout their entire piano journey, starting as beginners and later achieving grade 8, often by the time they reach GCSE level.
With the new performance grade option, my students can take exams whenever they want and only when they know they have achieved their best.
As part of the preparation process, I can evaluate and provide helpful feedback to students to help them obtain the highest result.
Experience and Qualifications
The qualifications that enable me to prepare students for ABRSM exams include an M.Mus in Performance, a B.A. in Music Studies and ABRSM grade 8 piano (distinction). Please view the ‘Qualifications and Piano Teaching Experience’ section for a complete list of my experience, background, and qualifications.
Alternatively, you can also visit my ‘Performances’ page to see videos from rehearsals and concerts I have given.
Exam Requirements
Although many of my students take the ABRSM Performance Grades, some opt for the traditional Practical Grades. Below, you will find the elements examined in these grades and some helpful information regarding their equivalent levels.
The elements of the exam include:
– Pieces
– Scales and arpeggios (from memory)
– Sight-reading
– Aural tests
For more information about the exam requirements, click here.
Who is the ABRSM?
ABRSM: Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is the largest music education body in the United Kingdom, one of the largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams. In addition to this, they carry out more than 650,000 assessments in more than 90 countries each year.
In collaboration with four royal music schools, they support music creation and learning around the world. They offer avenues and resources for students and teachers that help develop musical skills and encourage progress.
Their main activity is to provide qualified music exams, evaluations and diplomas. An ABRSM qualification has worldwide acceptance, and its exams are designed to motivate students at all levels and ages, providing realistic goals and tangible rewards for their achievements.
Exam regulation and approximate equivalence
ABRSM qualifications are evaluated to the same standards worldwide. Their work is monitored and reviewed by various regulatory authorities to ensure the quality of education and the qualifications offered.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ABRSM graded exams and diplomas are within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
In the rest of Europe, as with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) of the United Kingdom, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has eight levels at which qualifications can be mapped. The levels do not correspond directly to the RQF, although they are similar.
Below is a list of practical piano grades along with their approximate grades.
In addition to practical exams, you can also take theory exams. To take the practical grade 6 exam, you must have passed grade 5 theory.
Note that it is not essential to take these exams in order, for example, if you already have an intermediate level of piano playing, you can start at grades 3, 4 or 5.
Grades 1-3
- RQF / EQF – ABRSM Level 1 Award in Music Performance (Grade 1)
- GCSE (grades D – G and 3 – 1)
- Functional Skills Level 1
- BTEC Firsts
- Elementary Level (1-4 Elementary Conservatory courses)
Grades 4-5
- RQF / EQF – ABRSM Level 2 Certificate in Music Performance (Grade 4)
- GCSE (grade A * – C and 9 – 4)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- BTEC Firsts
- Intermediate Level (1-3 Professional Conservatory courses)
Grades 6-8
- RQF / EQF – ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance (Grade 6)
- AS and A Level
- BTEC Nationals
- Advanced Level (4-6 Professional Conservatory courses)
ARSM / DipABRSM
- RQF / EQF- ABRSM Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance
- Higher National Certificates
- Higher Education Certificates
LRSM
- RQF / EQF – ABRSM Level 6 Diploma in Music Performance
- Bachelor’s degree
- ‘Grado superior’
FRSM
- RQF / EQF – ABRSM Level 7 Diploma in Music Performance
- Master’s degree
- Postgraduate diplomas
- PGCE
