While exams aren’t essential, they’re a useful way to judge your progress as you learn your instrument.
There are 8 grades. Depending on your instrument and how much you practise, you can probably expect to take your Grade 1 exam within a year or two of starting lessons. Grade 5 is roughly equivalent to GCSE standard, and Grade 8 is about A level standard. You can get UCAS points for Grades 6-8. Some music exams are taken all over the world and you can earn internationally recognised qualifications.
If you want to think about music as a career, you should probably expect to be about Grade 8 standard when you leave school.
When and where are the next ABRSM practical music exams?
This year Lewisham Music will be hosting exams at their new community music spaces – First Floor, The Fellowship, Randlesdown Road, Bellingham, SE6 3BT from Tuesday 9 July (please note that ABRSM set the dates, and depending on number of applications the exam date could be up to Thursday 11 July).
Exam costs
ABRSM is a national organisation and it sets the fees for its exams – we have no control over these charges.
Practical Grade | Cost |
Prep Test | £50 |
Initial Practical Grade | £50 |
1 | £56 |
2 | £64 |
3 | £74 |
4 | £81 |
5 | £88 |
6 | £102 |
7 | £110 |
8 | £130 |
Do you offer any discounts?
We are able to offer discounted fees of 50%-95% if your child/ren are eligible for Pupil Premium, are Looked After Child/ren (in care), or for families currently experiencing financial pressures (please get in touch if you think you might be eligible). If your child requires an accompanist during the exam then the discounted fees are outlined below.
Exam accompaniment – what is an accompanist?
An accompanist is a musician who plays an accompaniment part during the exam to provide rhythmic and/or harmonic support for the pieces, this will usually be on a piano. Accompanists are not required for piano exams and some guitar exams (please check with your tutor).
How do I find an accompanist and how much does it cost?
If your child requires an accompanist, Lewisham Music will provide one at an additional cost.
Practical Grade | Full cost | Subsidised cost |
1 | £14 | £5 |
2-3 | £17 | £6 |
4-6 | £23 | £8 |
7-8 | £40 | £13 |
How to apply for an exam
Applications to take an ABRSM music exam with Lewisham Music have now closed. You can however still take an exam at another exam centre in London, please visit the ABRSM website for more information
ABRSM website
What happens in exams?
You’ll play three short pieces, some technical exercises (typically scales and arpeggios) and answer some tests of musicianship (or ‘aural’ tests). They provide a test of all-round musicianship, not just the ability to play pieces.
Can I use photocopies of the music?
No. You must purchase the original exam books and pieces.
Further information
For more information about ABRSM exams please click the button below and head to their website where you’ll find support, advice and useful practice/preparation tips.
ABRSM website
