ABRSM Theory of Music

www.ABRSM.org

ABRSM is an international examining body that provides practical and theory examinations in music. These are in grades 1-8, where 1 is beginners level and 8 is advanced level. You may already be aware that ABRSM requires grade 5 theory to be passed before practical examinations of grade 6 or above can be entered for.

Total marks available for the theory examinations is 100 and the grade boundaries are as follows:

PASS = 66/100

MERIT = 80/100

DISTINCTION = 90/100

However, these grade boundaries will be adjusted according to the difficults levels of the papers, which is largely determined by the performance of students across the world.

ABRSM theory examinations are held three times per year - spring, summer and autumn.