Can the ABRSM exams be also for people who seek to be a professional musician?

[faa2010]

Can the ABRSM exams be also for people who seek to be a professional musician?

[adodd81802]

I am not sure of your question.

Have you done your grades? Any grades? I would certainly recommend at the very least going througy your 1-8 if you want to progress at all in a music career?

[hardy_practice]

The grades were created in the 19th century as entrance exams for conservatoires.  Grade 8 would have got you in (the bar's a bit higher today).  A LRSM is equal to conservatoire graduation.  Obviously you don't need qualifications but they don't hurt. 

[pianotv]

Absolutely! Even if you're a contemporary musician (like rock, pop, folk, etc), having a classical background can be super helpful. Speaking as a rock musician myself, my training (I did RCM) helps me write music because I understand theory/song forms/etc so well. It also helps me learn pieces so much quicker.

But there are tons of different types of professional musicians. Music teachers, session musicians, those who play in symphony orchestras, etc. For some of these, training in ABSRM or RCM is basically mandatory, where other fields it's just useful. Basically what I'm trying to say is I can't think of a single situation where getting your grades WOULDN'T be useful.