Which exam is for me?

Now you’ve decided you’d like to take a music exam, it’s important to look at the exams available to find the right one for you. Here is a list of the various genres and exam boards to help your decision. Get in touch if you have any questions; always happy to help.

Exam Board	Music Genre	The Info
Trinity	Rock & Pop	Grades 1-8​ Choose a selection of songs from the Trinity books. Sing three songs, one has to be a technical focus. Tracks for the accompaniment on the day are included. Choose improvisation or playback for the aural section. For higher grades, a microphone has to be used. All songs are to be performed in a Rock or Pop style. There are guidance notes to guide you through the main stylistic influences of each song.
Trinity	Singing	​Grades 1-8 Grades 1-5 Three songs from the syllabus lists Technical work choices: vocal exercise, vaccai exercises, unaccompanied folk song Choose two of the supporting tests: sight reading, aural, improvisation, musical knowledge Grades 6-8 Four songs from the syllabus lists Technical work choices: vocal exercise, vaccai exercises, unaccompanied folk song Supporting test 1: sight reading Supporting test 2: aural, improvisation Accompaniment is organised by the singer. Accompaniment usually costs on average £40 per rehearsal and performance. All original, paid copies of the sheet music will need to be taken the the exam. Songs vary in style but are generally classical, musical theatre and folk.
ABRSM	Musical Theatre	​Grades 1-8 Three songs from the syllabus lists. One song with a blue star to be sung unaccompanied. A sight-singing exercise. Aural tests for the grades. Accompaniment is organised by the singer. Accompaniment usually costs on average £40 per rehearsal and performance. All original, paid copies of the sheet music will need to be taken the the exam. In order to take grades 6-8, the candidate needs to hold a grade 5 music theory exam; Trinity or ABRSM is accepted. Songs are all from musicals and films.
ABRSM	Singing	​Grades 1-8 Three accompanied songs from the syllabus lists. One unaccompanied folk song. A sight-singing exercise. Aural tests for the grade. Accompaniment is organised by the singer. Accompaniment usually costs on average £40 per rehearsal and performance. All original, paid copies of the sheet music will need to be taken the the exam. In order to take grades 6-8, the candidate needs to hold a grade 5 music theory exam; Trinity or ABRSM is accepted. Songs are generally classical, but there are some musical theatre and light jazz songs.

All exams can be done online rather than face to face. If you choose this option the aural sections are removed from the exam and the leftover marks are added to the performance of your songs. The videos are recorded in one take and uploaded to the exam board. We can discuss this option in more detail if you are interested.

Good luck with your exam, and we look forward to working with you.