Learning grades in music gives students the chance to understand the subtleties of their instrument. This is why so many people that have music lessons also take music exams. These exams provide a framework for learning a particular instrument and also teach the music theory associated with it.
So who is responsible for awarding these music grades? The three main examination boards are London College of Music, Trinity College London and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The ABRSM is by far the largest and most utilised of all these examination boards. The board was set up in 1889 and is accredited by Ofqual. This means it can award grades and diploma qualifications through the UK's National Qualifications framework.
The most popular exams offered by ABRSM are definitely the practical exams. These can currently be taken for any of a range of thirty-five different instruments. All practical exams start at grade 1 for beginners and go up to grade 8 for experts. However, ABRSM also offer exams in practical musicianship, music theory and jazz.
Now let's examine what actually takes place during a practical exam. The first thing you should know is that every practical exam, regardless of grade, is divided into four components. The first component carries the highest value of marks. This is the set pieces component. ABRSM brings out a course syllabus for every grade of every instrument they offer exams in. From this syllabus the student will be guided by their teacher to select three pieces of music to play during their exam. They practice these pieces thoroughly for the exam and can take the sheet music in with them. Each piece is worth 30 marks, with twenty needed for each to pass the component.
The second section of the exam is known as scales and arpeggios. This is simply where the student plays whatever scales are requested by the examiner. It is a fairly brief section in the exam and requires pass mark of fourteen out of twenty-one.
The third component is the aural. As the name would suggest, it involves listening comprehension. In this part, the examiner will play a short melody on the instrument and then question the candidate over it. The aural carries 18 marks with a minimum of 12 required to pass.
Finally, we come to the sight-reading section. Many fear this part because it requires playing a piece of music "blind". This means that the student will get given some sheet music that they have never seen before and must play. There is a thirty second rehearsal period before the student must perform the piece to the best of their ability. The pass mark is set at 14 out of 21 for sight-reading.
If you're good at maths you will already know that the maximum number of marks for the exam is 150. The pass mark is therefore set at 100. However, a special "Pass with merit" is awarded to those who manage to get 120 marks. And for those who manage to score 130, a "Pass with distinction" will be awarded.
So who is responsible for awarding these music grades? The three main examination boards are London College of Music, Trinity College London and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The ABRSM is by far the largest and most utilised of all these examination boards. The board was set up in 1889 and is accredited by Ofqual. This means it can award grades and diploma qualifications through the UK's National Qualifications framework.
The most popular exams offered by ABRSM are definitely the practical exams. These can currently be taken for any of a range of thirty-five different instruments. All practical exams start at grade 1 for beginners and go up to grade 8 for experts. However, ABRSM also offer exams in practical musicianship, music theory and jazz.
Now let's examine what actually takes place during a practical exam. The first thing you should know is that every practical exam, regardless of grade, is divided into four components. The first component carries the highest value of marks. This is the set pieces component. ABRSM brings out a course syllabus for every grade of every instrument they offer exams in. From this syllabus the student will be guided by their teacher to select three pieces of music to play during their exam. They practice these pieces thoroughly for the exam and can take the sheet music in with them. Each piece is worth 30 marks, with twenty needed for each to pass the component.
The second section of the exam is known as scales and arpeggios. This is simply where the student plays whatever scales are requested by the examiner. It is a fairly brief section in the exam and requires pass mark of fourteen out of twenty-one.
The third component is the aural. As the name would suggest, it involves listening comprehension. In this part, the examiner will play a short melody on the instrument and then question the candidate over it. The aural carries 18 marks with a minimum of 12 required to pass.
Finally, we come to the sight-reading section. Many fear this part because it requires playing a piece of music "blind". This means that the student will get given some sheet music that they have never seen before and must play. There is a thirty second rehearsal period before the student must perform the piece to the best of their ability. The pass mark is set at 14 out of 21 for sight-reading.
If you're good at maths you will already know that the maximum number of marks for the exam is 150. The pass mark is therefore set at 100. However, a special "Pass with merit" is awarded to those who manage to get 120 marks. And for those who manage to score 130, a "Pass with distinction" will be awarded.
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You can find the entire abrsm sheet music syllabus at this sheet music uk retailer.
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