Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM)
Exam Information for Teachers
Below you will find the necessary information regarding the available ABRSM exams and Opus 1 registration deadlines. Please keep these in mind as you communicate with your students and stay organized with your own registrations.
1.Remotely-Assessed Performance Grade
This exam includes performing 3 pieces from the ABRSM syllabus (please make sure to use the current issue) and an additional choice piece (click here for information about choice pieces), which can be from the syllabus as well, or any piece within the same skill level of your and your student’s choosing. Also take a moment to CLICK HERE to see the webpage shared with students, which includes important steps and resources they will need to prepare. Each piece is graded out of 30 points respectively with a final “overall performance” of 30 points, for a total of 150 maximum points. Students record their pieces and submit the recording online through their ABRSM account.
Due Dates for Opus 1 Teacher Sign-Ups
March - due January 19, 2022
April - due February 16, 2022
2. Practical
The Practical Exam includes 3 pieces from the ABRSM syllabus (please make sure to use the current issue), scales/broken chords/arpeggios or unaccompanied song for singers, sight-reading, and aural training. The exam takes considerable preparation in many areas and is done exclusively in-person. It is offered twice a year in spring and fall.
Due Dates for Opus 1 Teacher Sign-Ups
Spring - due date EXTENDED to January 13, 2022
3. Theory
There are two types of theory exams depending on grade level: the Online Theory for grades 1-5 and the Paper-based Theory for grades 6-8. Both exams cover general music theory spanning rhythms, notations, instruments, performance directions, intervals, and more. Passing Grade 5 is required in order to take any Grade 6 and above exams.
Due Dates for Opus 1 Teacher Sign-Ups
February Online Theory (grades 1-5) - due January 26, 2022
Spring Paper-based Music Theory (grades 6-8) - due date EXTENDED to January 13, 2022
March Online Theory (grades 1-5) - due February 23, 2022