Latest exam updates
COVID update
In response to the current restrictions in the UK and Ireland we are deferring Session 1 face-to-face practical exams at Public Venues and paper-based Grade 6 to 8 Music Theory exams at Public Venues and Private Visits. Where we can we will still offer practical exams at Private Visits. Our remotely-assessed Performance Grade and ARSM exams and our Grade 1 to 5 online Music Theory exams are unaffected and all dates remain unchanged. To read more, please visit our latest updates page.
We will be offering Performance Grade exams every month for the remainder of 2021. Exact dates will be announced soon. Please check here for more information.
Music Theory exam dates
We can now confirm Grade 6 to 8 paper Music Theory exams will go ahead on Wednesday 28 April at 5pm. The booking period will be open from 8 to 15 March.
Candidates for Grade 6, 7 or 8 exams must already have passed ABRSM Grade 5 (or above) in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz instrument. For full details including a list of accepted alternatives, see Regulation 1d.
Practical Timpani Grade 8 exams consist of three pieces, studies, sight-reading and aural tests.
Total marks in all individual Practical exams are 150. 100 marks are required to achieve a Pass, 120 to pass with Merit and 130 marks to pass with Distinction.
Find out about our Performance Grades and alternative route to a graded music exam.
Books for Grades 1 to 5 including exam pieces and studies.
Book for Grades 6–8 for Timpani and Snare Drum.
Book for Grades 6–8 including exam pieces across all Percussion subjects.
Books for Grades 1–5 and 6–8 for Tuned Percussion.
Books for Grades 1–5 and 6–8 across all Percussion subjects.
