Piano Guidance
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

Is Grade 5 piano equivalent to GCSE?

Grade 5 is roughly equivalent to GCSE standard, and Grade 8 is about A level standard.

lewishammusic.org - Music exams - Lewisham Music
What is the root cause of unhappiness?
What is the root cause of unhappiness?

Putting the individual above social ties is at the root of unhappiness. What everyone wants from life is continuous and genuine happiness," said...

Read More »
Do Yamaha pianos appreciate?
Do Yamaha pianos appreciate?

A Yamaha or Schimmel have great potential to hold and appreciate in value, but an “in house brand' of a piano store or a lower cost piano with a...

Read More »

While exams aren’t essential, they’re a useful way to judge your progress as you learn your instrument. Some music exams are taken all over the world and you can earn internationally recognised qualifications. 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. 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 in the week beginning Monday 11 July.

Exam costs

ABRSM is a national organisation and it sets the fees for its exams – we have no control over these charges. We are able to offer a discounted cost for young people eligible for Pupil Premium and Looked After Children (in care).

Prep Test = £43

Initial Practical Grade = £43

Practical Grade 1 = £48

Practical Grade 2 = £55

Practical Grade 3 = £64

Practical Grade 4 = £69

Practical Grade 5 = £76

Practical Grade 6 = £88

Practical Grade 7 = £94

Practical Grade 8 = £111

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 Grades 1-3 = £10

Practical Grade 4 = £12

Practical Grade 5 = £15

Practical Grade 6 = £18

Practical Grade 7 = £20

Practical Grade 8 = £25

How to apply for an exam

The deadline has now passed to express an interest in taking an exam. If you’ve recently applied then a member of the team will be in touch shortly. Once we receive your form, you will be sent a code to apply directly on the ABRSM website. Please note that if your child is eligible for the Pupil Premium discount then we will enter your child and invoice you directly for the reduced cost, we will just need to see proof of eligibility first. If your child requires our Accompanist then please make sure you select this on the form as this is an additional offer that we provide, this will also be invoiced separately.

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

Is night shift hard on your heart?
Is night shift hard on your heart?

People who work night shifts are at increased risk of developing an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation...

Read More »
Is 50 too much for teacher gift?
Is 50 too much for teacher gift?

Gifts raise ethical and fairness concerns. Legally, most public school teachers are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than $50, but even if a...

Read More »

Can a 10 year old be a singer?

However, by convincing your parents, training and getting experience, making yourself visible to the music industry, and signing with a record label, you too can become a successful singer at a young age.

This article was co-authored by Tanisha Hall . Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award. This article has been viewed 124,048 times.

Article Summary

X

If you want to become a child singer, start by asking your parents to help you find a voice coach that will help you practice. While you are working on your voice, try to find places where you can show it off, like talent shows or a church choir. Don’t forget to record every performance and ask your friends and family to share them on social media so that as many people as possible can watch you perform! Then, when you feel ready, ask your parents to help you find a talent scout online. Scouts can help you find auditions and get you in touch with record labels. For more tips, like how to make a demo, read on!

Is Captain Jack still immortal?
Is Captain Jack still immortal?

Travelling with the Doctor Jack was shot by a Dalek and then brought back to life by Rose, Rose couldn't control what she was doing so she brought...

Read More »
Is there a level 9 in Mario?
Is there a level 9 in Mario?

World 9, also presented in the in-game text as Fantasy World and “9 World”, is the first secret world and the ninth world in Super Mario Bros.: The...

Read More »
What song is guaranteed to get a crowd?
What song is guaranteed to get a crowd?

The gold medal for the most likely song to initiate a spontaneous crowd sing-a-long, without a doubt, goes to Don't Stop Believin'. Oct 22, 2016

Read More »
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide

Pianoforall is one of the most popular online piano courses online and has helped over 450,000 students around the world achieve their dream of playing beautiful piano for over a decade.

Learn More »
Do you need a script to shift?
Do you need a script to shift?

The first step to shifting is scripting, And while it isn't required it's very helpful for remembering details of your desired reality.

Read More »