Preparing for Your First ABRSM Exam: What to Expect and How to Get Ready

Graded music exams are a fantastic way to measure progress, set goals, and build confidence. But if you've never taken one before — or if your child is about to sit their first — the whole process can feel a bit daunting. What happens on the day? What does the examiner actually want? How much preparation is enough?

Having prepared students for ABRSM exams at every level, I can tell you this: the exam itself is usually far less scary than people expect. The key is preparation — not just practising the pieces, but understanding what's involved and arriving on the day feeling confident and ready.

What Is ABRSM?

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is one of the leading music examination boards in the world. Their graded exams run from Initial Grade (the very first step) through to Grade 8 (the final practical grade), with diplomas available beyond that. Alongside ABRSM, I also prepare students for LCM (London College of Music) exams, which follow a similar structure.

Most students begin with Initial Grade or Grade 1. The exams are designed to be achievable milestones, not obstacles — they're there to encourage progress and celebrate what you've learnt.

What's in the Exam?

An ABRSM practical exam at Initial Grade or Grade 1 has four components.

1. Pieces (3 pieces)

You'll perform three pieces, each chosen from a different list in the ABRSM syllabus. At Grade 1, the three lists are broadly grouped by style and character — you might have a Baroque or Classical piece from List A, a Romantic or expressive piece from List B, and something more modern or rhythmic from List C.

Each piece is marked out of 30. The examiner is listening for accuracy (right notes, right rhythm), but also for musicality — dynamics, phrasing, and a sense of style. A note-perfect performance played robotically will score lower than a slightly imperfect one played with expression and confidence.

My advice: Choose pieces you genuinely enjoy. You'll practise them more willingly, and your enjoyment will come through in the performance.

2. Scales and Arpeggios

At Grade 1, you'll be asked to play a selection of scales and arpeggios from a prescribed list. The examiner won't necessarily ask for all of them — they'll choose a few — but you need to have all of them prepared.

This section is worth 21 marks. The examiner is looking for evenness of tone, accuracy, and a steady tempo. You don't need to play them fast — controlled and secure is far better than rushed and stumbling.

My advice: Practise scales every day, even for just a few minutes. Little and often is the only reliable way to make them secure.

3. Sight-Reading

You'll be given a short piece of music you've never seen before and asked to play it after a brief preparation time (usually about half a minute). At Grade 1, this will be very simple — a few bars, limited range, straightforward rhythm.

This section is worth 21 marks and is often the component that makes students most nervous. But at this level, the sight-reading is genuinely straightforward, and the examiner understands that perfection isn't expected. What they're looking for is a sense of pulse, reasonable accuracy, and the ability to keep going.

My advice: Practise sight-reading regularly using books like Improve Your Sight-Reading! by Paul Harris, or the ABRSM sight-reading specimen tests. The more you do it, the less intimidating it becomes.

4. Aural Tests

The aural component tests your musical ear. At Grade 1, you'll be asked to do things like clap back a rhythm the examiner plays, identify whether a melody goes up or down, and answer a simple question about a short piece the examiner performs (such as whether it was loud or quiet, fast or slow).

This section is worth 18 marks. It's conversational and friendly — the examiner will talk you through each task clearly.

My advice: Practise aural skills in your lessons and at home using the ABRSM aural training resources. Even simple activities like clapping along to music or identifying high and low notes help build the skills you need.

How Marking Works

The total marks available are 150. Here's how the results break down:

- 130–150: Distinction

- 120–129: Merit

- 100–119: Pass

- Below 100: Below pass standard

A comfortable pass requires solid, prepared performances across all four components. You don't need to be exceptional in every area — a strong set of pieces can balance out a slightly weaker sight-reading score, for example.

On the Day

What to Bring

Your music (the examiner needs a copy of each piece), your exam appointment letter or confirmation, and any necessary identification. If your pieces need an accompaniment, your accompanist should be arranged in advance.

What Happens

You'll be shown into the exam room, which is usually a small teaching room or studio. The examiner will greet you warmly — they're trained to put candidates at ease, especially younger ones. They'll ask you to start whenever you're ready, and they'll guide you through each section.

The whole thing takes about twelve minutes at Grade 1. It goes quickly.

Nerves

Some nerves are normal and, honestly, helpful — a little adrenaline sharpens your focus. But if anxiety is a significant concern, talk to your teacher well in advance. There are practical strategies that help: performing the programme for family or friends beforehand, running mock exams, and developing a pre-exam routine that helps you feel grounded.

The most important thing to remember is that the examiner is on your side. They want you to do well. They're not trying to catch you out.

When to Enter

I generally recommend entering an exam when your pieces are secure, your scales are reliable, and you've been doing regular sight-reading and aural practice for at least a few weeks. There's no rush — it's far better to enter when you're genuinely ready than to book a date and scramble to prepare.

If you're working with a teacher, they'll advise you on timing. Trust their judgement — they know your playing and they know the standard required.

The Bigger Picture

Exams are a useful tool, but they're not the only measure of progress. Some students thrive on the structure and the sense of achievement; others prefer to focus on repertoire and performance without the pressure of formal assessment. Both approaches are valid.

What matters is that you're making music, enjoying it, and growing as a musician. If exams help with that, brilliant. If they don't suit you, there are plenty of other ways to challenge yourself and track your development.

Jordan W. McFarlane MISM is the founder of McFarlane Music, offering piano lessons, singing lessons, and music theory tuition in Telford, Shropshire. McFarlane Music prepares students for both ABRSM and LCM examinations. To book a lesson or find out more, visit mcfarlanemusic.co.uk or email hello@mcfarlanemusic.co.uk.