Why take a music exam?
First and foremost, studying for a music exam and earning an exam certificate are rewarding experiences. Students with this goal work harder to progress in their musical studies. Also, regular assessments recognize students’ accomplishments and reassure them that they are becoming excellent musicians. Music exams offer:
Motivation and inspiration.
A carefully crafted syllabus with achievable goals.
Objective guidance to improve musical skills.
Structured measurement of personal progress and attainment.
Assessment by a respected musician.
Performance opportunities.
Pride and satisfaction about mastering an instrument.
Exam Preparation
Understanding music theory and developing musicianship increases students’ ability to perform with sensitivity, expression, style, and confidence. Our teachers are experienced to prepare students for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the Certificate of Merit (CM), and the Opus 1 Practical Assessment exams.
Please speak with your teacher directly if you are interested in any of the following exams that are offered by Opus 1.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
Practical Exam
Students are tested on exam pieces, technique, sight reading, and aural comprehension. Students must have already passed grade 5 theory in order to progress to practical exams at grades 6, 7, and 8. Exams are offered twice a year, in spring and fall. Certificates are available for:
Grades 1-8 in Piano, Violin, Voice & Guitar.
ARSM in Piano.
The Spring exam date is between April and June.
The Fall exam is between October and November.
Music Theory
Students take a theory exam to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and ability to answer questions about written music. Starting in August, grade 1-5 Online Theory Exams will be available whenever the student is ready. Grade 6-8 Paper-based exams are offered three times a year, in spring, summer, and fall.
Grade 1-5 is the Online Theory Exam.
The exam is available as soon as booking is made (approximately one week after the due date).
Grade 6-8 is the Paper-based Theory Exam.
Performance Grade Exam
Students submit a video of a four-piece program showing their ability to communicate, interpret and engage an audience. It is assessed remotely. Students must have already passed grade 5 theory in order to progress to performance exams at grades 6, 7, and 8. Please note: the Performance Exam does not require technical or aural components or replace the ABRSM Practical Exam.
Exams are offered every month, pending booking availability.
For more information visit http://us.abrsm.org
Certificate of Merit (CM Exam)
Students taking the CM exam prepare scales, repertoire, sight reading, ear training and theory. Teachers must be a member of MTAC in order to take the exam. There are 11 levels: preparatory to level 10. The exams are held annually.
The exam is scheduled February - April (depending on the teacher's branch).
For more information: https://www.mtac.org/
Opus 1 Practical Assessment Exam
The Opus 1 Practical Assessment Exam includes pieces, technique, sight-reading, and aural comprehension components and the critiques and grading criteria align with ABRSM's. The goal of the exam is to give students the opportunity to have their skills and preparation assessed as well as evaluate their readiness to progress to the next grade level. Students who would like to be confident that they will pass the ABRSM Practical Exam can take the Opus 1 Exam as preparation.
Future exams TBD