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ABRSM Practical Exams 2025&2026

Welcome to our comprehensive resource on ABRSM practical! Here, you'll find all the essential details, including the syllabus, helpful tips, and guidance support you in your exam preparation. Whether you're a student or a, our aim is to provide you with the knowledge you need to. Explore our content and get ready to excel in your ABRSM practical!

Why take a Practical Grade?

Practical Grades are for learners of any age. We've designed them to inspire and challenge and to recognise and celebrate progress.  

Working towards a Practical Grade encourages learners to develop their musical skills, knowledge and understanding and get the most from their music making.  You can start with any grade and skip grades if you want to. 

For detailed information about preparing for and taking a Practical Grade, including repertoire lists and marking criteria. 

Child Playing the Piano
Entry requirements

Practical Grades are open to candidates of any age.  

There are no entry requirements for Initial Grade and Grades 1 to 5. 

If you are taking a Practical Grade 6, 7 or 8 you must have passed Grade 5 (or above) in one of the following subjects before you book your exam: 

  • Music Theory 

  • Practical Musicianship 

  • Jazz Practical Grade (Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Trumpet/Cornet/Flugelhorn or Trombone)  

This is to ensure you have the all-round musical knowledge and understanding needed to successfully interpret and perform music at the higher grades.   

What’s in the exam?
Pieces or songs 

Three pieces or songs chosen from the repertoire lists for your grade and subject. 

You must have live accompaniment for pieces or songs that are published with an accompaniment or duet part, unless the syllabus says otherwise. For Jazz Practical Grades only, you can choose from live accompaniment or a backing track. 

Scales and arpeggios - for instrumentalists

Instrumentalists prepare scales, arpeggios and other patterns listed in the syllabus. The examiner will ask you to play a selection in the exam. 

Unaccompanied song - for singers

Singers perform an unaccompanied song instead of scales and arpeggios.  

Sight-reading 

Playing or singing a short piece that you haven’t seen before. Horn, Trumpet and Organ players at Grades 6 to 8 also take a transposition test. Jazz candidates take a quick study test instead of sight-reading. 

Aural tests 

Tests to assess your musical listening skills and perception, covering pitch, pulse, rhythm, melody, harmony and other musical features. 

How we mark exams

There are 150 marks available in total. Maximum marks for each section are:

  • Pieces/Songs - 30 marks for each of the three pieces or songs 

  • Scales and arpeggios (or unaccompanied song for singers ) - 21 marks

  • Sight-reading - 21 marks

  • Aural tests - 18 marks

The result categories are:

  • Distinction: 130-150

  • Merit: 120-129

  • Pass: 100-119

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