Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - Definition and Overview

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or ABRSM is an educational body that provides examinations in music. They are based in London, United Kingdom but run examination centres all over the world. In addition, the ABRSM is a publishing house for music, that produces syllabuses, music pieces and exam papers which assist students in preparing for their exams.

There are theory as well as practical exams. The practical exams are held for almost all instruments are represented, but all of them test the same core elements of musicianship:

• Set pieces. The student is required to play three pieces prepared beforehand.
• Scales. Various scales and arpeggios are played according to the grade of difficulty. Either the right hand, left hand or both hands may be required.
• Sight reading. The student is presented with an unseen piece, has thirty seconds to prepare, and then must play to the best of his or her ability.
• Aural. Various exercises are played by the examiner and the student is required to demonstrate skills in listening to music.

Exams are sat three times a year in March, June and September. They are graded in difficulty from 1 to 8. It is common for people to attempt them in order from grade 1, but this is not a requirement. Any grade can be taken by any pupil of any age, with the exception that grade 5 theory must be obtained before grades 6 to 8 practical be sat.