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A previously unknown manuscript by Frédéric Chopin has been discovered at New York’s Morgan Library and Museum. The handwritten score is titled “Valse” and consists of 24 bars of music in the key of A minor and is considered a major discovery in the wold of classical piano music. Read more >>

Topic: ABRSM  (Read 1886 times)

Offline kuska

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ABRSM
on: July 30, 2016, 08:02:14 PM
Hello,

anyone know how grades in ABRSM exams are calculated? I mean are they 1:1? I saw there are only 6 of them so I wonder? Is it one year for one grade or more?

Offline tinyhands

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Re: ABRSM
Reply #1 on: August 05, 2016, 10:55:03 PM
There are 8 initial ABRSM grades then there are diploma and masters level after that. I think the rough school of thought is 1 year per grade up to about grade 6 then it could be about 2years each grade from 6-7 then 7-8. Remember you also can't go past grade 5 practical without grade 5 theory, for this reason some people that take the exam route look to exam boards like Trinity instead ( as you don't need to sit theory) There are also spilt opinions on whether to go down the exam route at all, however I think grade 6 and above go towards UCAS points in Uk ( for entry to University) The problem can be people ( especially children being rushed through their grades) sometimes only learn for the exam, missing out a whole wealth of pieces and styles to be explored.

Offline avanchnzel

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Re: ABRSM
Reply #2 on: August 06, 2016, 04:10:58 PM
Hi. The grades at ABRSM are directly equated into GCSE and A Level music in the UK. At GCSE, at least Grade 4 is expected for performance. At AS level, Grade 5, and A2, grade 6 and so on. The DipABRSM is the equivalent of 1 undergraduate year at a conservatoire, the LRSM 3 years, and the FRSM a master's.

The diplomas do not count towards any UCAS points because they're over level 3 qualifications (see the national qualifications framework). Only level 3 or less counts towards UCAS points which I personally think is ridiculous. I had an LTCL (Trinity's equivalent of LRSM) by time of application and that counted to nothing. Of course it's a great boon in applying to a music degree anyway when they find out. The UCAS application is not just one number.

As for the graded exams I find them to be painstakingly boring and slow anyway, so rush away at them! Having a Grade 8 will really complement your UCAS application as it shows you can be dedicated and committed.

Offline kuska

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Re: ABRSM
Reply #3 on: August 06, 2016, 06:32:43 PM
Thanks for the answer. That makes sense right now.
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