Summary

The Performance Grades exams were introduced in 2021 in partial response to the pandemic. They are exclusively conducted via student recordings and unlike the Practical Exam, they are submitted online (uploaded by the student) instead of performed in-person.

Students prepare 4 pieces. Three of the pieces need to be directly from the ABRSM Syllabus/Exam Pieces, which is also the same used for the Practical Exams. The 4th piece is a choice piece, which can be either an additional piece from the syllabus, or any piece of your and your student’s choosing, as long as it is reflective of their level.

Each piece is worth 30 points, with an additional category for the performance as a whole that is also worth 30 points, for a grand total of a maximum of 150 points.

Benefits

Many teachers and students prefer a playing-focused exam. The Performance Grades allows that, unlike the Practical which has the additions of scales, sight-reading, and aural skills. Also, students record their performance, allowing for several retakes and the relief of the anxiety of in-person exams.