September 22, 2025
About the Author: Reuben
A brief guide to the practical grade exams
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is the primary practical music examination board in the UK.
For decades it has provided examinations and qualifications for aspiring musicians on a huge range of instruments.
Taking an ABRSM exam presents a helpful challenge for students, necessitating the development of skills in prepared performance, sight reading, and music theory.
It also provides a clear and obvious milestone for a student’s improvement.
These exams can however prove daunting for the uninitiated, as performing in general can be a lot of pressure for a musician, and the idea of playing to one stone-faced examiner in a room can put even the best student off their game.
This article will outline the strategies you can use to make the experience easier, and help you enjoy the process to the full!
Thorough Preparation
Preparing for an ABRSM exam takes months of dedicated training.
Learning your pieces is just one part of the overall project; The other three elements of the exam require a varied approach to achieve readiness.
I recommend you get yourself a Specimen Sight Reading Tests book as soon as you get your exam pieces.
Sight Reading is a skill not improved by learning long-term pieces like your exam pieces. You only improve it by reading and playing pieces completely new to you, and preferably under time pressure.
For the first test examples, take all the time you need, but as you approach the exam, you should build yourself towards playing each new test after only 30 seconds of preparation, which will match the exam conditions.
For the Aural Tests, there are numerous videos on YouTube which simulate the exam (and give you the answers afterwards).
These are vital in your preparation, as the tests can go quickly during the exam, so you want to be very familiar with this.
Finally, learn your scales at the same time that you learn your pieces.
The scales will always match the keys used in your pieces, and so they work well in tandem.
Your scales must be performed from memory in the exam, so be sure to memorise them as early as you can, so you can focus on your fingers and not dots on a page!
For Pianists
Pianists (and organists/harpsichordists) have a uniquely difficult task when preparing for ABRSM exams; they are required to play an instrument they may have never played before.
When performing concerts, it is usually possible to warm up on the instrument you will be playing, but for the exams that is usually not possible.
For students who only practice on an electric keyboard, this can be a nasty shock.
You are given a minute when you first enter the exam room to get yourself comfortable and warm up, and you should use this time wisely.
Playing the first few bars of all of your chosen pieces is a good idea, but most important is to play them at a good enough volume to fill the room with sound.
This is because the pianos used in these exams are always high quality, and need a strong confident touch to be played effectively.
The last thing you want to do is risk missing notes by playing too softly.
For Other Instruments
Most other instruments require accompaniment in the exams.
Your teacher will often be able to accompany you for early grades, however if not they will usually know of a good accompanist who can help you.
It is always a good idea to rehearse with your accompanist before the exam, so that you establish a good rapport and trust for the performance.
While in the exam, use your accompanist as a mental support as well; they are always experienced performers, and will not feel the pressure you are feeling.
A good accompanist will make you feel at ease when performing, and make it a team effort!
Concerning Examiners
Examiners have a very repetitive job to do, and do many exams every day during the exam period.
Because of this, they do not often show emotion, and the silences while they write their comments between tests may be ominous!
Do not be put off by this however, as this does not mean they are not impressed by your playing; instead, focus on the next test, and keep your mind on the task at hand.
During the Aural Tests, examiners tend to move through them very quickly, not stopping to reflect at all or respond to any of your answers.
Because of this, be prepared for these tests to come quickly, especially any that involve clapping!
In general, remember that an examiner is not an enemy, and especially during early grades they would much rather see you succeed than fail!
Final Touches
Mock tests are incredibly useful in exam preparation.
Your teacher is best placed to carry these out, and it is best to start these in your last two or three lessons.
If performing is particularly daunting for you, then it is better to start these even earlier.
Take any chance you can to perform your pieces for friends and family, and get yourself into the habit of being confident before and after performing.
No good performance has ever started with excuses and ended with an apology!
If you know other students, ask them if they can spare a minute to hear your pieces.
They will always make a good supportive audience, and might also be able to provide good exam tips.
The ABRSM exams are some of the most satisfying benchmarks for music students, giving you invaluable performance experience, as well as helpful feedback.
See it for the constructive experience it is, and remember that no bad performance ever needs to be defining for a musician, so long as you always aim to improve.
Good luck in all of your future exams, and I hope this short guide makes it an easier experience.
