As pupils develop their skills as a musician, playing a musical instrument or singing, our teacher may wish to suggest they take a musical grade to support their progress.
The UK music education system is made of 8 Grades.
Grade 1 is an elementary level and starts with basic notation, keys signatures and time signatures
Each subsequent grade is slightly more complex with added keys signatures, foreign terms, time signatures, musical symbols and intervals
Grades 1 to 3 are targeted for beginner pupils
Grades 4 to 6 are ideal for intermediate pupils
Grade 5 introduces a theoretical element and is a gateway for Grades 6, 7 and 8 which benefit from UCAS points. If your initial skill level is high enough, it is possible to start your examined musical journey at Grade 5, skipping out Grades 1 to 4
Grades 7 and 8 are for advanced pupils
There are multiple examination boards ranging from classical to contemporary music.
You can find more information about each exam board and detailed grades requirements on their websites using the links below:
Visit Musical Teachers’ Board’s (MTB) website
It is worth noting that pupils who receive ABRSM, Trinity, MTB and Rockschool Exam qualifications at Grades 6, 7 and 8 benefit from UCAS (University and Colleges Admission Service) points which can be used as part of a university or college application in the UK.
If you are interested in finding more information about music exams, please contact your child’s Inspiring Music instrumental or vocal teacher.