Navigating the Royal Schools of Music Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a globally recognized examination board and registered charity based in the United Kingdom, playing a pivotal role in music education. This article delves into the ABRSM syllabus, exploring its structure, levels, and recent revisions, while also comparing it with other prominent music examination systems.

The History and Significance of ABRSM

The ABRSM was established in 1889 by Alexander Mackenzie, Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, and George Grove, Director of the Royal College of Music. Their vision was to create a joint examining board, fostering musical excellence through standardized assessments. The first syllabi, introduced in 1890, covered Piano, Organ, Violin, Cello, and Harp, with additional instruments added the following year.

Initially, the ABRSM had only two grades, equivalent to the current grades 6 and 7. The present structure of grades 1-8 was introduced in 1933 to accommodate the demand for beginner levels. In 1947, the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music joined ABRSM, solidifying its association with the Royal Schools of Music: the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and the Royal Northern College of Music.

The ABRSM experienced significant growth in overseas exam applications after World War II. The curriculum expanded to include Guitar, Harpsichord, Voice (classical and musical theatre), percussion, Recorder, and all brass instruments. Percussion and jazz were added to the syllabus in the 1990s.

ABRSM's Structure and Offerings

The ABRSM offers a comprehensive system of graded music exams from Grades 1 to 8, diplomas (ARSM, LRSM, FRSM), music medals and various publications and apps.

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Graded Music Exams (Grades 1-8)

The ABRSM graded exams are designed to provide a structured framework for musical development, assessing performance, technique, and musical knowledge. Each grade represents a progressive level of difficulty, typically requiring a year of steady practice to achieve.

Content: Each exam assesses performance of prepared pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural skills.
Theory Exams: The ABRSM offers music theory exams corresponding to each grade. ABRSM Grade 5 theory (or practical musicianship) is a prerequisite for taking Grades 6, 7, and 8 practical exams.
Equivalencies: Grade 8 ABRSM is comparable to Grade 10 RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music).

Diplomas: ARSM, LRSM, and FRSM

The ABRSM diploma system provides advanced qualifications for musicians seeking professional recognition. In 2023, ABRSM announced major revisions to their diploma syllabuses, which took effect in 2024. The DipABRSM diplomas were withdrawn and replaced by new ARSM Diplomas in teaching and directing, alongside the ARSM performance option currently offered. Additionally, the ARSM, LRSM, and FRSM syllabuses were revised. The diploma system now consists of three levels: ARSM, LRSM, and FRSM.

Prerequisites:

ARSM Performance: Grade 8 in the instrument.
ARSM Directing and Teaching: No entry requirements.
LRSM Teaching: ARSM Teaching or Grade 8 in the instrument.
LRSM Directing: ARSM Directing or Grade 8 in the instrument or Theory.
FRSM Directing: LRSM Directing.
FRSM Education: LRSM Teaching or ARSM Performance.

There are no substitutions for ARSM and LRSM Diplomas when they are entry requirements for LRSM/FRSM, even if the person is holding a ATCL/AMusA/ARCT.

Marking scheme:

ARSM: Pass (34/50), Merit (40/50), Distinction (45/50).
LRSM and FRSM: Pass (50/75), Merit (60/75), Distinction (68/75).

Let's explore each diploma in detail:

ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music):

Performance: Candidates must present a 30-minute programme with at least 20 minutes selected from the ARSM List and up to 10 minutes of own choice repertoire of pieces at around Grade 8 standard or above.

LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music):

Performance: Candidates have to play a 45-minute programme of at least 50% of repertoire from the LRSM List and up to 50% can be own choice of pieces of around ARSM Standard or above. They also must write a 2,000-word essay for Performance in Context, choosing from four topics. The essay represents 20% of the total marks.

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- Essay Topics:
  1. Informing your audience
  2. Detailed analysis of an individual work or works
  3. Programming your Performance
  4. Preparation for Performance

FRSM (Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music):

Performance: Candidates must present a 55-minute recital which at least 50% of repertoire must be from the FRSM List and up to 50% can be own choice repertoire of pieces around LRSM Standard or above. You also must write a 3,500 word essay on Research and Reflection having four topics to choose from. The essay represents 20% of the total marks.

Music Medals

Music Medals are QCA-accredited music assessments and teaching resources aimed at younger, group-taught learners.

Publications and Apps

ABRSM published its first books in 1918 and its publishing department was first set up in 1921. It provides suitable music for examinations, performance editions of popular works and new instructional compositions. ABRSM also offers a range of apps to support musical learning, including:

Piano Practice Partner: An app for iOS and Android devices that helps students practice exam pieces for piano at Grades 1 to 3.

Comparing ABRSM with Other Examination Boards

It is useful to compare the ABRSM syllabus with those of other prominent music examination boards such as the Royal College of Organists (RCO) and Trinity College London (TCL) to understand the unique features of each.

Royal College of Organists (RCO)

The RCO offers the ARCO (Associate of the Royal College of Organists) and FRCO (Fellow of the Royal College of Organists) diplomas. In both the ARCO and FRCO examinations, the performance element is a stand-alone element of a very broad-based syllabus which covers keyboard harmony, composition and the development of organ music. The pieces for the performance element are set out in four categories, each with six options. The examinee has to chose three pieces, with only one allowed from each section and there has to be one piece by Bach. There is no requirement to present programme notes of the performance element of the examination. ARCO is a prerequisite for undertaking the FRCO examinations.

Trinity College London (TCL)

Trinity College London offers the LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London) and FTCL (Fellow of Trinity College London) diplomas. In the LTCL/FTCL examinations, the selection of the recital programme is based on a time limit for the recital. The programme choice is made from a list of over 30 pieces for LTCL but only 17 for FTCL. This approach presents the challenge of finding a set of pieces that fits into the time allowance. One may end up choosing a piece that one does not especially like in order to fit the recital into the required time. It is possible to select a piece that is not on the list but this requires permission in advance by TCL. Programme notes are required but there is no specification for their scope or length. There are no entry requirements that must be met in order to take the TCL examinations.

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Key Differences

Essay Component: A significant difference in the ABRSM diploma examinations (LRSM and FRSM) is the inclusion of a written essay, which accounts for 20% of the total marks. This essay requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of performance context, analysis, and research.
Entry Requirements: Unlike the RCO and TCL examinations, the ABRSM examinations require candidates to have gained either Grade 8 organ or piano to gain entry to ARSM, LRSM and FRSM.
Repertoire Selection: While all three examination boards provide lists of pieces for the performance element, the ABRSM allows candidates to select a portion of their repertoire from outside the list, providing greater flexibility.

The Value of ABRSM

The ABRSM syllabus offers numerous benefits for music learners:

Structured Progression: The graded system provides a clear path for musical development, with each grade building upon the previous one.
Comprehensive Assessment: The exams assess a wide range of skills, including performance, technique, sight-reading, aural skills, and theoretical knowledge.
Globally Recognized Qualification: ABRSM qualifications are recognized and respected worldwide, enhancing opportunities for further study and professional careers.
Personal Enjoyment: Even for those not pursuing a professional music career, the ABRSM exams provide a rewarding goal and a sense of accomplishment.
UCAS Points: In the UK, students can earn UCAS points for Grades 6, 7, and 8 ABRSM exams, which can be beneficial for university applications.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

ABRSM is only for children: Adults can take ABRSM exams for personal enjoyment and to enhance their musical skills.
Grade 8 is the highest level: The ABRSM offers diplomas (ARSM, LRSM, and FRSM) for advanced musicians seeking professional qualifications.
Theory exams are not important: Grade 5 theory (or practical musicianship) is a prerequisite for taking Grades 6, 7, and 8 practical exams.

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