About this qualification specification
What it covers
This specification provides all the relevant requirements and information teachers, candidates, parents and organisations need in order to prepare for the following qualifications in the subjects and grades covered in Section 3:
- ABRSM Entry Level Award in Practical Music (Initial Grade) (Entry 3)
- ABRSM Level 1 Award in Practical Music (Grades 1, 2 and 3)
- ABRSM Level 2 Certificate in Practical Music (Grades 4 and 5)
- ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Practical Music (Grades 6, 7 and 8).
It also provides information on how the exams will be assessed, their learning outcomes, and regulated qualification details. Further details, as well as administrative information about the exams, are given in ABRSM’s Exam Regulations (www.abrsm.org/examregulations) which should be read before making an exam booking.
Validity of this specification
This specification is valid from 1 January 2024 until further notice.
We may update this specification from time to time, but will not make changes to the syllabus (Section 3) other than in exceptional circumstances. In such cases, advance notice of any changes will be posted on our website, as will advance notice of any planned syllabus refreshes. The latest version of this specification will be available from www.abrsm.org/exams.
2024 Stringed Instruments Exam Pieces Key dates
- 8 June 2023: Online publication of Bowed Strings syllabuses (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) from 2024 (Practical Grades and Performance Grades)
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8 June 2023: A series of print publications available for string instruments
- Violin Exam Pieces (Grades 1 to 8) – available in editions with or without download codes for audio recordings of all pieces in the books
- Cello Exam Pieces (Grades 1 to 5) - available in editions with or without download codes for audio recordings of all pieces in the books
- Initial Grade Exam Packs for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
- 8 June 2023: audio downloads of Violin and Cello Exam Pieces from 2024 available in Violin Practice Partner and Cello Practice Partner as in-app purchases
- Violin Mix: publishing 6 April. Viola Mix: publishing autumn 2023.
- 1 January 2024: Bowed Strings syllabuses from 2024 come into effect