ABRSM Classical Music Examination Preparation

Royal Schools Syllabus

Instruments Covered Under ABRSM

Founded in 1889 by the UK's Royal Academy and Royal College of Music, ABRSM represents the world benchmark for classical instrumental discipline.

Grades 1 to 8

ABRSM Classical Piano Examination Syllabus

Mastering foundational classical technique, touch sensitivity, stylistic awareness, and advanced polyphony on acoustic pianos.

🎹 Repertoire Lists (A, B, C)

Candidates select 3 pieces: List A (Baroque / Classical), List B (Romantic / Expressive), List C (20th Century / Contemporary), plus a 4th piece for Performance Grades.

⚡ Rigorous Scales & Arpeggios

Hands together, contrary motion, legato/staccato touch, chromatic contrary scales, dominant and diminished sevenths with precise articulation.

🎼 Sight-Reading & Aural Tests

Immediate sight-reading from notation with musicality, plus ABRSM aural tests: pitch singing, pulse recognition, cadence recognition, and style analysis.

Grades 1 to 8

ABRSM Classical Guitar Examination Syllabus

Nurturing classical guitar tone production, nail shaping, rest/free strokes, and Spanish, Latin, and European classical guitar literature.

🎸 Classical Repertoire

Works by Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani, Matteo Carcassi, Francisco Tárrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and modern classical guitar sonatas.

🖐️ Right-Hand Mechanics

Tone coloration (sul tasto, sul ponticello), apoyando/tirando independence, tremolo technique, rasgueado patterns, and natural/artificial harmonics.

📐 Technical Studies

2 and 3 octave scales in all positions, shifting fluency, melodic minor fingerings, and arpeggios covering the complete guitar fretboard.

Mandatory Prerequisite

ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory

Important Rule: Candidates must pass ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory (or higher) before they can register for Grades 6, 7, or 8 Practical exams.

📝 Pitch, Clefs & Rhythm

Irregular time signatures (5/8, 7/8), Alto/Tenor C-clefs, transposition for orchestral instruments, and compound meter transcription.

📐 Harmony & Chords

Primary triads (I, IV, V), dominant 7ths, inversion identification, cadential formulas, and basic composition of 8-bar melodies.

🎯 100% Digital Exam Prep

ABRSM Music Theory is now conducted online. We drill official ABRSM practice software and past question papers for top marks.

Examination Paths

Performance Grades vs Practical Grades

ABRSM offers two distinct pathways holding the same standard, value, and UCAS tariff points for higher education.

Performance Grades (Digital Video)

Recorded Recital Assessment

Candidates record 4 pieces performed as a continuous, unedited concert recital from home in Delhi NCR. Assessed by senior UK examiners.

✓ Repertoire: 3 syllabus pieces (Lists A, B, C) + 1 own-choice piece.
✓ Format: 100% recorded video submitted online during published booking windows.
✓ Evaluation: Assessed on musical communication, pacing, and holistic performance.
✓ No Supporting Tests: No scales, sight reading, or aural tests in this format.

Practical Grades (Face-to-Face)

Traditional In-Person Assessment

The traditional conservatory exam conducted live before an examiner at official ABRSM centres in Delhi NCR.

✓ Repertoire: 3 syllabus pieces (one each from Lists A, B, and C).
✓ Scales & Arpeggios: Tested from memory under strict examiner request.
✓ Sight-Reading: Unseen piece given to candidate with 30 seconds preparation.
✓ Aural Tests: Interactive listening, clapping, and singing exercises.

Mandatory Official Examination Board Disclaimer:

"Examination dates, fees, registration procedures, eligibility and syllabus requirements are subject to the latest official guidelines of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Candidates should verify all details directly via the official ABRSM portal."

Visit Official ABRSM Portal ↗