ARSM video library
ARSM is a post-Grade 8 diploma that’s all about performance.
To help give you an idea of what this new exam is all about we’ve produced a series of useful guidance videos and resources featuring John Holmes, ABRSM's Chief Examiner.
Quick links
What is ARSM?
A set of videos in which John introduces the ARSM diploma, explaining the benefits of the assessment and how it relates to our Grade 8 and DipABRSM exams.
Videos in this playlist
- Why ARSM?
- What is the relationship between Grade 8 and ARSM?
- How will the ARSM help me prepare for DipABRSM (Music Performance)?
- Who will be in the exam room with me?
A showcase of ABRSM performances
These videos feature candidates performing each piece in turn, followed by commentary from John, who discusses the ARSM marking criteria and provides an insight into what our examiners are looking for.
The films are condensed versions of an ARSM exam and are representative of the whole performance. We have focused on areas of the performance which led to the overall result.
In our final video in this playlist, we take a look a behind the scenes as members of the Junior Department at the Royal Academy of Music test their performance skills and share what they thought of their ARSM exam.
Videos in this playlist
- ARSM Clarinet performance
- ARSM Piano performance
- Preparing for an ARSM diploma: behind the scenes
The marking criteria
In this series of films John provides an insight into how the assessment of an ARSM exam works, focusing on the marking scheme and the qualities of communication, interpretation and delivery.
Videos in this playlist
- How do you assess the performance as a whole using new criteria?
- Introduction to Communication
- Introduction to Interpretation
- Introduction to Delivery
- Why is ARSM marked out of 50?
View the marking criteria
Criteria for the pieces/songs presented
Mark | Pitch | Time | Tone | Shape | Performance |
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Distinction |
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Merit |
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Pass |
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Below Pass |
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13-16 |
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10-12 |
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Criteria for the performance as a whole
Mark | Communication | Interpretation | Delivery |
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Distinction |
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Merit |
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Pass |
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Below Pass |
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7-9 |
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Testimonials
“It gives you somewhere to aim for. If you've done Grade 8, it's a nice bridge to DipABRSM. ” Member of the Junior Department
Royal Academy of Music
“The stamina involved in sitting down and playing in front of someone for 30 minutes is quite a big challenge, but it's fun. ” Member of the Junior Department
Royal Academy of Music
“It really helps you deal with pressure and helps you get used to being in a performance environment. ” Member of the Junior Department
Royal Academy of Music