B.Mus (Hons), L.G.S.M., Q.T.S.
Trombonist, conductor, teacher and arranger.
Site updated 20/4/2025
ABRSM Instrumental Exams
Music exams are an excellent way of setting goals and provide motivation which improves standards. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music sets Grade exams for all instruments plus Theory of Music exams.
Grade exams are set for Grades 1 to 8 with Grade 8 being the standard required for applying to music colleges and conservatoires. Grade examinations take place either in exam centers or at school on specific days in front of an examiner. In the exam, children have to play three pieces (accompanied by the piano), play a set of scales and arpeggios by memory, play a short piece of sight reading (with 30 seconds to work it out) and do some aural tests. If the child gets 100 or more marks out of 150 then they receive a certificate showing their achievement. 120 marks will give them them a "pass with merit" and 130 marks will give them a "pass with distinction". They also get comments made by the examiner about their performance in the exam.
Costs:
Music Books
You will need to purchase books for the 3 pieces. Some books might have two of the pieces in them or contain music for the next grade. Each book could cost about £10-£15. Photocopies are not permitted except to solve problematic page turns. Scale books help you learn the scales but are not taken into the exam.
Accompanist
You will need to pay for an accompanist for your child's exam. I can help organise this for you but the payment is your responsibility. The cost of this varies according to the grade but would usually include a rehearsal before the exam day as well as a quick run through just before the exam. I do not accompany exams!
Exam Fees
In 2025 the grade exam fees are as follows:
Grade 1: £ 59.00 Grade 5: £92.00
Grade 2: £ 67.00 Grade 6: £107.00
Grade 3: £ 78.00 Grade 7: £116.00
Grade 4: £ 85.00 Grade 8: £137.00
Other Costs
If you choose to take the exam at an exam center rather than at school then you will need to transport your child to and from the exam and there might be car parking charges (depending on where the exam is). As the exams are usually during the working day, this might result in having to take some time off work.