[1] OUTLINE PLAN
Diplomas
Each level of diploma or its substitution must be passed before proceeding to the next level.
Grade 8 Practical (and, for Teaching,Grade 6 Theory) or substitutions must be passed before taking DipABRSM.
DipABRSM ---> LRSM ---> FRSM
Graded exams
Grade 1 to Grade 5: Candidates may be entered in any grade without previously having taken any other Practical grade.
Grade 5 or above in Theory, Practical Musicianship or solo jazz subject must be passed
before taking Practical Grades 6 or above.
Grade 1 to Grade 5 ---> Grade 6 ---> Grade 7 ---> Grade 8
[2] PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
Practical exams for Grade 1 takes place within 12 minutes, each grade taking a little longer up to the 30 minutes allowed for Grade 8. Candidates can choose to do the exams in any order, and should inform examiner of their preference.
You should get yourself comfortable and settled before you begin. If the stool or music stand is the wrong height, don't be scared to adjust it or ask for help. Pianist may ask to try out the piano first by trying a scale to get a feel of the instrument.
Pieces (90 marks)
Most exams consist of 3 pieces. Each piece is marked out of 30.
Distinction ... 27 - 30
Merit ........... 24 - 26
Pass ........... 20 - 23
Keep going even when you stumble. Do not replay the wrong repertoire again from the start. Learn to pick up and continue.
Scales and Arpeggios (21 marks)
Distinction ... 19 - 21
Merit ........... 17 - 18
Pass ........... 14 - 16
Usually the examiner will only ask for 2 major scales, 2 minor scales and one from each other sections.
Sight-reading (21 marks)
Distinction ... 19 - 21
Merit ........... 17 - 18
Pass ........... 14 - 16
Candidates are always given 30 seconds' preparation time to look through and try out the test. Check the time signature, key signature, set up regular basic pulse, play or sing the opening and final bar and check any awkward-looking corners on the way.
Aural Tests (18 marks)
Distinction ... 18
Merit ........... 15 - 17
Pass ........... 12 - 14
Marks are awarded based on candidate's overall response.
Total marks in all individual Practical exams are 150.
Distinction ... 130
Merit ............120
Pass ............100
[3] MUSIC THEORY EXAMINATION
Each theory paper is marked out of a total of 100.
Distinction ... 90
Merit ............80
Pass ............66
Practice questions within the time limit of an exams to get used to the type of questions asked and the speed needed to complete the paper.
[4] RESULTS
Results are posted to applicants after the end of each exam tour once all the double-checking has been completed. Applicants will receive in post a large envelope containing:
1. the mark form, written at the time of the exam
2. an impressive certificate, with the candidate's name on it
3. an entry form for the eventual next grade
All the above information is extracted from the ABRSM website. I have only extracted the information which I want to take note to have an overview and understanding of the exam structure. And of coz for all the details, please refer to the original information from the website.
http://www.abrsm.org/resources/theseMusicExams0607.pdf
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3 comments:
Regarding scales and arpeggios, don't forget that besides both hands, the examiner can ask for separate hands. So do practice your left hand only too. I was shocked when the examiner asked for LH arpeggio during Grade 5. I thought separate hands were only for lower grades.
Oh! Thanks for sharing!
I wondering if anyone could help - If you want to take the dipABRSM, and have grade 8 Practical, but need grade 6 theory - are there any equivalent qualifications you can have instead of the theory? My friend said you can do the practical musicianship instead, but I'm not sure that's right. Does A level music count?
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