Understanding music exams
Music Exams
Exams are an optional part of your child’s learning. They’re designed to build confidence, celebrate progress and give pupils a positive performance experience, with plenty of support along the way.
Are exams right for my child?
Exams are never compulsory, but many pupils enjoy having a clear goal to work towards. Preparing for an exam can help children stay motivated, practise more regularly and take pride in their progress.
Exams also give pupils a recognised qualification that other music services understand, which can be helpful as they move on from primary school. Your child’s tutor will guide you on whether an exam feels like the right next step and when they might be ready.
How the Exam Process Works
The exam journey is straightforward and well supported:
1
Talk to the tutor
Your child’s tutor will advise when they are ready and which grade or assessment would suit them best.
2
Exam entry opens
When entries are open, you’ll be invited to submit an exam entry online.
3
Choose music and prepare
Your tutor will help select pieces and let you know which original music books are needed.
4
Pianist run-through
A pre-exam run-through with the appointed pianist is arranged to help your child feel confident.
5
Exam day
Your child attends the exam at an external venue with the pianist.
6
Results arrive
Results are sent by text a few weeks later, followed by certificates.
About the Exams
Exam boards
MfSF uses the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Founded in 1889, ABRSM is widely recognised across the UK and is known for exams that develop well-rounded musicianship.
For pupils who progress to higher grades, some advanced ABRSM exams also carry UCAS points, which can be used as part of further education applications. This isn’t the focus for most primary-age pupils, but it’s helpful to know that exams follow a nationally recognised pathway as children grow.
Grades and options
ABRSM exams are available from Grade 1 to Grade 8, increasing in difficulty. Most pupils begin at Grade 1, but it’s not essential to start there or to take every grade in order.
Some pupils may skip grades, while others prefer to take things step by step. For children who would like the experience of an exam without the pressure of passing or failing, some tutors also offer the Preparatory Test, which provides a positive written appraisal rather than a mark.
What children are tested on
Exams assess a range of musical skills, including:
- Prepared pieces
- Scales
- Sight-reading
- Aural listening
Your child’s tutor prepares them for each part of the exam and can explain what to practise at home.
Music books
Original music must be used for exams. Most pupils will need to purchase three or four books, usually costing between £5 and £15 each. Your tutor will advise which books are needed and will try, where possible, to choose pieces from books that can be reused in later grades.
Books should be purchased as soon as your exam entry is made. Many books include accompaniment tracks, which can be helpful for practising at home.
When and where exams take place
Exams are offered in a range of areas each term. When you are invited to enter, you’ll be told which area your child will be entered in.
Exact dates and venues are confirmed by ABRSM after all entries have been submitted, so dates cannot be confirmed before entry. Once details are received, you’ll be emailed with the exam date, time and location.
Exams:
- Take place on weekdays during term time
- Run between 9am and 5.30pm
- Are held at external venues, not at your child’s school
Parents are responsible for arranging transport to and from the exam. Where possible, pupils are entered in school groups so families can share lifts if they wish.
Exam dates are very difficult to change. In certain exceptional circumstances, ABRSM may offer an alternative appointment or partial refund, but this is at their discretion.
Exam fees
The cost of an exam depends on the grade and typically starts from around £60.
The MfSF exam fee includes:
- The ABRSM exam entry
- The pianist on the day of the exam
- A pre-exam run-through with the pianist
- A small administration fee
Payment is taken using your existing GoCardless details once your entry is submitted. If you are not registered with GoCardless, the team will contact you separately.
Families may choose to use their own pianist, but this must be arranged with Head Office before making an exam entry.
Preparing for the exam
Every pupil is offered a pre-exam run-through with the appointed pianist.
These sessions are extremely important, especially as opportunities to practise with a piano during school lessons can be limited.
Run-throughs take place outside school hours and are arranged once the exam date is confirmed. Lower grades (1-3) usually have a 15-minute session, while higher grades are given 30-minutes.
The run-through helps pupils:
- Meet the pianist
- Practise performing with accompaniment
- Feel more relaxed and confident on the day
On the day of the exam
Please remember to bring:
- Original music for both the instrument and the pianist
- Spare reeds for clarinet or saxophone players
- Valve oil for brass players
Arrive around 15 minutes before the exam time. A steward will check your child’s details and explain what will happen. There may be time to warm up and, if possible, briefly practise with the pianist. The examiner will be friendly and welcoming. Exams often run slightly early or late, so timings may vary.
Approximate exam lengths:
- Grade 1: 12 minutes
- Grades 2 and 3: 14 minutes
- Grades 4 and 5: 17 minutes
After the exam
Results usually arrive at our office between two and six weeks after the exam. Your child’s result will be sent by text message to the mobile number provided on entry.
Exams are marked out of 150:
- Below 100: Not achieved
- 100–119: Pass
- 120–129: Merit
- 130–150: Distinction
Certificates and mark sheets usually arrive four to eight weeks after results. These are normally sent to your child’s tutor or school and are often presented as part of a celebration assembly.
Certificates are only posted home by request or if your child is in Year 6 and documents arrive after the school year has ended.
Need help or have questions?
If you’re unsure whether an exam is right for your child, or you’d like help with any part of the process, the Head Office team is always happy to talk things through.