Preparing for Music Exams, at the Right Time
We have guided more than 1,000 students through ABRSM and Trinity College London music exams.
Graded music exams give students a clear goal and an independent measure of their progress. Done well, they are a real boost to confidence. Done too early, they can take the enjoyment out of learning. So we only suggest an exam when a student is ready, both musically and emotionally, and we never rush students through grades.
We prepare students on piano, violin, viola and singing, as well as the other instruments we teach, from Initial Grade to Grade 8 and on to diploma level.
What We Prepare Students For
ABRSM practical exams
Pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests, from Initial Grade to Grade 8.
Trinity College London exams
Pieces, technical work and supporting tests, from Initial to Grade 8.
Diplomas
Preparation for diploma-level exams for advanced students.
How Exam Preparation Works
- 1
Agree the next step
When a student and teacher agree an exam is the right next step, we plan backwards from the exam date.
- 2
Build it week by week
Pieces are chosen to suit the student, and scales, technical work and sight-reading are built in week by week, so there is no last-minute rush.
- 3
Practise the hardest parts
The parts of the exam that students often find hardest, aural and sight-reading, are practised regularly in our free Musicianship Classes as well as in lessons.
- 4
Perform before the exam
Before the exam, students have the chance to perform their pieces for others, often at one of our concerts, so the exam room feels less daunting.
- 5
Talk it through
Our Parents' Weeks are a good moment to talk through exam plans with your child's teacher.
We only suggest an exam when a student is ready, both musically and emotionally.
Exam Preparation by Instrument
Find out more about exam preparation on each instrument.
ABRSM or Trinity?
Both boards offer well-respected graded exams, and both count towards UCAS points at Grades 6 to 8. We will recommend the board that suits each student's strengths.
ABRSM
Initial Grade to Grade 8 and diplomas- Pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests
- Requires Grade 5 Theory before Grades 6 to 8
- Counts towards UCAS points at Grades 6 to 8
Trinity College London
Initial to Grade 8 and diplomas- Pieces, technical work and supporting tests
- Offers more choice in the technical and supporting tests
- Counts towards UCAS points at Grades 6 to 8
If your child is taking exams with another board, such as MTB (Music Teachers' Board) or LCM (London College of Music), we can help with the aural tests for those exams too.
Where Lessons Take Place
Our Harrow studio
52 Walton Road, Harrow HA1 4UUIndividual lessons.
Harrow Arts Centre
Stanmore Room, 171 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4EAOur group Musicianship Classes, which also run live online.
John Lyon School Music Hall
Concerts twice a yearIn June and December, students perform in our concerts.
Live online
Anywhere in the UK or overseasExactly the same lessons live online, and many students mix in-person and online lessons during the year.
Our studio is easy to reach for families in Harrow and neighbouring parts of north-west London such as Pinner, Stanmore, Kenton, Wealdstone, Rayners Lane and Wembley.
Music Exam Preparation: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, from Initial Grade to Grade 8 and diploma level, in practical subjects and theory.
Yes. We prepare students for Trinity College London graded exams and diplomas.
We provide aural test preparation for MTB and LCM exams. If you are thinking about a full MTB or LCM exam, please get in touch to discuss it.
No. Exams are never compulsory. Some students learn purely for enjoyment, and we support them just as fully.
Yes. Adults are welcome to take graded exams and we prepare them in the same way.
Exam dates, venues and online options are set by the exam boards. Your teacher will advise on when to enter and what to expect on the day.
