With so many to choose from, it can sometimes be hard for an instrumental teacher to decide which board to use for their students! Each offers slightly different options, and these can work with or against a particular teacher’s style, or more importantly a specific student’s needs!
Obviously, taking an exam is not the sole aim when learning an instrument! Many highly successful musicians have never taken a formal qualification, but for some the benchmark of an examination is an important part of their motivation and learning. If that is the case, then it is the responsibility of the teacher to guide their student through the examination that best suits their needs.
Alongside the most popular examination boards are some others that are less publicised, but in any comparative analysis they also need consideration for a balanced view. The main options for examinations on orchestral bowed string instruments available in the UK are all worth exploring for the variety of options they offer candidates:
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations established in 1889 https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb
London College of Music examinations established in 1887 https://lcme.uwl.ac.uk/home/
Music Teachers’ Board examinations established in 2019 https://www.mtbexams.com/
National College of Music and Arts established in 1894 https://ncm-london.co.uk/
Trinity College London established in 1872 (external examinations 1877) https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/music
Victoria College examinations established in 1890 https://www.vcmexams.co.uk/index.php
Let us look at each in turn and what they have to offer the examination candidate.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
This is probably the widest known of the five boards in our list. When most people think of a traditional practical musical instrument examination, it is the format established by the ABRSM that springs to mind. This is, in short, three pieces to be performed, a set of scales to play from memory, a sight-reading exercise and some aural tests. The board has moved on from this, now including online options, performance only examinations, music medals, and assessment-based certificates with no pass or fail to them, but essentially their main structure still centres around the more traditional model that has been with us for many years.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
The ABRSM offers practical grades and performance grades from initial to grade eight, music theory grades, performance and teaching diplomas, an open music assessment, a prep test, grades in practical musicianship, group exams and music medals.
ABRSM performance grades are digital exams, assessed from a video recording submitted by the candidate, and are available from initial until grade eight. They are equivalent in demand and value to the practical grades, but have a different emphasis, strongly focussing on performance, including communication, interpretation, and delivery. They are available on demand, with no booking periods or exam sessions so you can choose when to book, record and submit the exam. Submissions can be made when you book or at any time during the following 28-day period. For performance grades, four pieces are performed, one of which can be your own choice.
Repertoire requirements
For ABRSM graded examinations, three pieces should be played from the published lists.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Alongside the scale requirements for each grade, and a sight-reading exercise, there is also a requirement for aural tests that will test your musical listening skills and perception, covering pitch, pulse, rhythm, melody, harmony, and other musical features.
Theory requirements
To take a graded examination of grade 6, 7, or 8, the candidate should have passed grade 5 theory or practical musicianship! Alternatives to the ABRSM grade 5 theory or practical musicianship are listed on their website.
Online/Face to Face requirements
Practical grade exams are taken face to face and performance exams by online submission.
Accompaniment requirements
For face-to-face examinations, a live accompanist must be used, but for performance exams a recorded accompaniment may also be used, or a combination of the two.
Mark scheme
Practical grades are marked out of 150, with 100 marks for a pass, 120 marks for a merit, and 130 marks for a distinction.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
ABRSM is one of five examination boards accredited by Ofqual to award graded exams and diploma qualifications in music within the UK's National Qualifications Framework The NQF levels for ABRSM exams are given in the back of all syllabus booklets. This table shows ABRSM qualifications alongside an example of another UK qualification with the same NQF levels so you can see just how our exams compare to UK school, college, and university qualifications. ABRSM exam NQF level Example qualification with the same NQF level Grades 1–3 1 GCSEs at Grades D–G Grades 4 and 5 2 GCSEs at Grades A*–C Grades 6–8 3 A-levels ARSM a level 4 Certificate of Higher Education, the LRSM a level 6, the FRSM a level 7! Candidates who have Grade 6, 7 or 8 practical or theory may be able to claim points towards entrance to UK universities.
London College of Music
The LCM examinations were established in 1887, and are one of the UK's longest-established exam boards in the creative arts and currently the only ones that are part of a leading British university, the University of West London.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
The LCM offers eight grades, plus one introductory level on the cello, two for violin and none for viola or double bass; four performance diplomas, and three teaching diplomas. The standard for a grade exam consists of a performance of three pieces, technical work, sight reading, a viva voce element and aural tests. They also provide alternatives to that standard exam format, offering something different to an increasingly diverse range of students! The recital exam can be entirely or predominantly performance-based, the leisure play involves the performance of four pieces, including an optional own-choice piece, the performance award is an assessment based purely on a performance submitted by video, and finally the concert diploma is entirely performance-based.
Repertoire requirements
Practical graded examinations include performance of 3 pieces taken from the syllabus. For the recital grades, candidates should play four pieces (chosen from the graded lists), and either a fifth piece, or sight reading, or discussion.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Graded examinations have technical work, sight reading, a discussion and aural tests.
Theory requirements
No specific requirements for graded examinations.
Online/Face to Face requirements
Some examinations can be submitted digitally – again not clear on the website
Accompaniment requirements
A live accompaniment or backing tracks are acceptable. If recorded accompaniments are used, the candidate must bring their own equipment to play it on.
Mark scheme
85-100% - Distinction, 75-84% - Merit, 65-74% - Pass,0-64% - Unsuccessful.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
LCM is one of five examination boards accredited by Ofqual to award graded exams and diploma qualifications in music within the UK's National Qualifications Framework, in the same way as the other major examination boards!
Music Teachers’ Board
This is the youngest of our examination boards, established in 2019, because of a growing disenchantment amongst instrumental teachers with the two main examination boards and their apparent lack of uniformity in marks and assessment when results came through. They have also looked at the less accessible and less popular sections of the more traditional examination approaches and changed them accordingly to fit in with the modern candidate.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
MTB practical examinations are available from grades 1 to 8! They comprise a recital element, a technical element, and in most cases a musicianship element. They are the only purely online examinations and offer equivalent to the face-to-face graded exams on offer from the other boards, including performances of all the pieces and all the technical and musicianship elements you would expect in music examinations. The MTB also offer Performance Grades, providing an alternative route to achieving the equivalent qualifications l by assessing the ability to present a recital programme. These exams consist of a performance of 4-5 pieces within a specific time duration. Music theory exams and performance diplomas on the violin and cello are currently also on offer.
Repertoire requirements
MTB offers the option to use any music for your exam providing it is of the correct grade standard, including pieces set by other regulated boards. This allows students to learn and play the music they really enjoy. For practical grades, three repertoire pieces should be performed. For performance grades, a choice of four to five pieces in a recital format and fitting a specific time are chosen.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Practical grades do include technical and aural elements
Theory requirements
Any theory prerequisite for higher grades is not indicated on the website.
Online/Face to Face requirements
Exams are all submitted online and can be taken anywhere, with no need to travel to examination centres. Graded examinations can be taken on any day of the year, helping teachers to optimise their students' progress, taking the exam as soon as they are ready.
Accompaniment requirements
Live or recorded accompaniments are accepted.
Mark scheme
Exams are marked out of 100. 87-100 is a distinction, 75-86 merit, 60-74 pass, 45-59 blue, 0-44 white.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
The MTB is one of five examination boards accredited by Ofqual to award graded exams and diploma qualifications in music within the UK's National Qualifications Framework, being to the same standard as the grades from the other main boards!
National College of Music and Arts
This is one of the less well-known options that can be explored for formalised music qualifications. Their examination progressions follow a similar structure to that of the ABRSM examinations, with minor changes and a less comprehensive repertoire list.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
The NCMA offers two preparatory grades, usually taken by students under the age of 12, and a series of eight further grades culminating in a student’s graduate qualification. They also offer three diplomas, and bronze, silver, and gold medals.
Repertoire requirements
At most levels three pieces, chosen from the syllabus.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Graded examinations all have technical, aural and sightreading requirements.
Theory requirements
There is a written theory requirement for grade eight
Online/Face to Face requirements
Online examinations are available at all levels.
Accompaniment requirements
A live accompaniment is expected.
Mark scheme
Graded exams are marked out of 100 with a pass mark of 80.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
The NCM is not a publicly funded examination board, and as such cannot gain recognition on the National Qualifications and Ofqual Framework.
Trinity College London
This is the second of the two major options for formal instrumental music examinations, and follows the graded structure we are used to. The examinations themselves have a wider scope for choice and variety, making them a more flexible route for the individual candidate.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
TCL offers music examinations in digital and face to face classical and jazz grades, digital and face to face rock and pop grades, theory of music grades, digital and face to face music diplomas, music certificate exams, a certificate for music educators, awards, and certificates in musical development.
Repertoire requirements
Three pieces chosen from the syllabus for both face to face and digital examinations. For the digital repertoire only examination option, four pieces must be chosen and performed.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Technical work, as outlined in the syllabus. Two supportive tests chosen by the candidate from sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge.
Theory requirements
A viva voce element can be a part of each examination.
Online/Face to Face requirements
Face to face and digital examination options are available.
Accompaniment requirements
Recorded accompaniments may be used for digital exams.
Mark scheme
Examinations are marked out of 100. 87-100 distinction, 75-86 merit, 60-74 pass.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
TCL is one of five examination boards accredited by Ofqual to award graded exams and diploma qualifications in music within the UK's National Qualifications Framework, regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England, CCEA Regulation (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) in Northern Ireland and by Qualifications Wales. The graded music exams and diplomas are regulated within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The level 3 qualifications (Grades 6–8) in music performance and theory are included in the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff, and provide UCAS points for university and higher education entry.
Victoria College
Victoria College has been offering locally held examinations since 1890, but at the current time (July 2024) according to their website, all examinations are held online.
Summary of exams:
Examinations on offer
The VCM offers a series of examinations that are of the same scope as all the other listed boards, with an introductory examination, grades one to 8, bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals, and a series of higher diplomas! They also offer a series of Stringbabies assessment examinations at levels one, two, and three!
Repertoire requirements
Three pieces chosen from the syllabus are to be performed. Four pieces are performed for the music medals.
Musicianship and aural requirements
Technical exercises, sight reading and either musicianship tests or the performance of your own composition.
Theory requirements
None are listed for higher examinations.
Online/Face to Face requirements
Examinations can be taken face to face, via video link or pre recorded and submitted digitally.
Accompaniment requirements
Recorded accompaniments may be used.
Mark scheme
The pass mark for all grade examinations is 65%; with merit, 80% and with distinction, 90%.
Status on UK National Qualifications Framework and Ofqual
The examinations are not accredited on any National Qualifications Framework
Summary
Whilst all the examination boards readily available within the UK offer a very comparable level of service and content, there are some differences in the way that examinations can be taken, and other differences within the choices and flexibility for candidates within their set syllabuses. As every candidate is an individual, the truly reflective teacher will explore all the options before making the right choice for their students in any given situation. For more detailed information, please visit the linked websites and ask the examination boards specific questions.
There are also many other modern music examination boards available to use in the UK, such as Rock School (RSL), founded in 1991. Additionally, one could opt for The International School of Musicians (ISoM), which is a Montesorri-type exam board established in 2014. Both are moving away from traditional music exams in a new and exciting way!