The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is a charitable company established for the benefit of music education by four of the Royal Schools of Music in the UK:

• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal College of Music
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

The Associated Board’s core activity is the operation of an authoritative and internationally recognised system of exams and assessments to encourage and motivate players and singers at all levels through the provision of goals and the measurement of progress.

As the world leader in its field, the Associated Board currently conducts over 600,000 music exams each year in more than 90 different countries.

The Associated Board also provides professional development services for instrumental and singing teachers through its widely acclaimed Certificate of Teaching Course ( CT ABRSM ) and a range of seminars and workshops.

Our principal objective is to maintain and develop the services and products, which we provide to music teachers and students to the highest standards. We also seek to play a significant role in influencing political debate in favour of music education.

Examinations

The Associated Board offers a diverse range of exams and assessments to meet the changing needs of different learners in today’s world. These range from the Prep Test and Music Medals for the earliest stages of learning through to professional diplomas at the highest levels of musical achievement and encompass exams for ensembles and choirs, jazz exams, and provision for adult learners and those with special educational needs along the way.

Why Take the ABRSM?

The ABRSM provides an independent grading system for the aspiring musician looking for a standard to compare to. For parents and teachers, it is a system that can be utilized to show areas of improvement and merits. For candidates, it provides for a certificate and/or a degree that can be used anywhere to provide verification of musicianship. This alone, sets apart ABRSM from all other testing standards because it is the largest and most well-known music examining board in the world. By utilizing an independent grading system, musicians are provided:

• Motivation & inspiration, working from a carefully structured syllabus towards a definite goal
• A measure of personal progress and attainment against internationally recognized benchmarks
• An objective guide to improve your musical skills
• Assessment by a respected and independent musician who has been highly trained and constantly monitored
• Sympathetic encouragement
• Performance opportunities
• A real sense of achievement

As one of the largest music boards in the world, it offers greater advantage over other music exam boards such as credit for university students. Steps are now being taken to further implement the ABRSM examinations into the collegiate system after Lipscomb University became the first university to require music majors to sit for the ABRSM examinations. At Lipscomb, before the end of sophomore year, students are required to pass the ABRSM Grade 8 exam and the Diploma exam prior to graduating. Those students who have already passed the Grade 8 exam are also given scholarships.

“These exams will ensure that our students meet consistent standards set by the ABRSM in performance, theory, and sightreading,” Reed said.?”They will also have to learn how to write about music, how to talk about their music with the examiners and how to learn a piece of music quickly.”

Events

Every year, the NY representative will host a High Scorer’s concert for those candidates who have achieved marks of distinction in recognition of their musicianship.

2008 High Scorer’s Concert video recap (available only in Chinese)