The Truth About Music Exams

By Anita Hale


Learning grades in music gives students the chance to understand the subtleties of their instrument. This is why so many people that have music lessons also take music exams. These exams provide a framework for learning a particular instrument and also teach the music theory associated with it.

There are three separate examination bodies that are responsible for awarding music grades and qualifications. The two lesser used ones are Trinity College London and London College of music. Most people like to use ABRSM - the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This is because ABRSM publishes a huge amount of sheet music in conjunction with its exam syllabuses. This provides a highly structured and detailed way of learning and reinforces high standards of musicianship.

Practical exams offered by ABRSM are by far the most taken of all music exams. These are the ones that range from grade one to eight. You can sit these exams in any of a range of 35 different musical instruments. However, ABRSM also offer jazz exams, practical musicianship exams and music theory exams.

Now let's examine what actually takes place during a practical exam. The first thing you should know is that every practical exam, regardless of grade, is divided into four components. The first component carries the highest value of marks. This is the set pieces component. ABRSM brings out a course syllabus for every grade of every instrument they offer exams in. From this syllabus the student will be guided by their teacher to select three pieces of music to play during their exam. They practice these pieces thoroughly for the exam and can take the sheet music in with them. Each piece is worth 30 marks, with twenty needed for each to pass the component.

After set pieces comes the scales and arpeggios component. This requires the student to play a variety of scales and arpeggios that the examiner will request on the day. They must play these from memory. The maximum number of marks offered on this component is 21. A minimum score of 14 is required to pass.

The third component is the aural. As the name would suggest, it involves listening comprehension. In this part, the examiner will play a short melody on the instrument and then question the candidate over it. The aural carries 18 marks with a minimum of 12 required to pass.

Finally, we come to the sight-reading section. Many fear this part because it requires playing a piece of music "blind". This means that the student will get given some sheet music that they have never seen before and must play. There is a thirty second rehearsal period before the student must perform the piece to the best of their ability. The pass mark is set at 14 out of 21 for sight-reading.

If you're good at maths you will already know that the maximum number of marks for the exam is 150. The pass mark is therefore set at 100. However, a special "Pass with merit" is awarded to those who manage to get 120 marks. And for those who manage to score 130, a "Pass with distinction" will be awarded.




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