Three Ancient Muses
Exams and Evaluations
*Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)*
Theory Exam - on line
Registration Period: On demand
On line Exam Date: Within a month of registration
The online theory exam is an academic subject that requires no playing or listening. Scores are out of 75. Students receive a score and rating: 65-75 Distinction, 60-64 Merit, 50-59 Pass, < 59 Fail.
I recommend the Eric Taylor "AB Guide to Music Theory" and "Music Theory in Practice." There is a newer book available which is tailored to the new on line exam, but it is not as rigorous. The Taylor textbook and workbook allow for a thorough exploration of the form, structure, and notation of music (pitch, meter, and rhythm), the Italian, French, and German vocabulary used in most music, and knowledge of all orchestral instruments.
Theory tests are available to all students. If you are taking the practical or performance exams, a passing score on Level 5 is required for Level 6 and up exams.
Additional study tools can be found at the ABRSM website. Sample tests with test answers are available for downloading and printing. There is also a practice quiz to work with vocabulary, signs and symbols.
Links: Theory Exams
Practical Exam - In Person (Face-to-Face)
Fall Registration Period: August - September
Exam Date: October-December
Spring Registration Period: January - February
Exam Date: April-June
The practical exam is a comprehensive test of the musician and includes 3 pieces selected from a syllabus (memorization not required); scales, arpeggios and broken chords (memorized); a listening portion comprised of 4 parts to test various listening skills and knowledge; and sight reading (the ability to read a piece of music with fluency and expression with little or no preparation). The exams are intended for serious music students, but are excellent for students with a passion for music, even if a career in music is not the goal.
Serious, dedicated practice is required for a satisfying experience and outcome. Without routine, rigorous practice, students find the exams stressful, and not rewarding. Scoring is as follows: Passing with Distinction 130-150, Passing with Merit 120-129, Passing 100-119, not passing is under 100.
You can find a video of a practical exam testing session at the ABRSM website.
Links: https://www.abrsm.org/en-us/instruments/piano, Violin, Soprano Recorder
Performance Exam - Video Submission
Registration Period: Ongoing, as needed
Video Submission: Deadline 28 days withing registration date
The Performance Exam is on line only. Submission is in the form of one un-edited video of four pieces (1 from each of the 3 lists for the desired level, plus a contrasting piece of your choosing). The total score possible is 150 points: 30 for each piece, as well as an overall performance score.
Link: https://www.abrsm.org/en-us
*Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)*
Practical Exam - In person
Registration Period: Mid-January through mid-February
Exam Period: Mid-May through early June
Registration Period: Mid-April through mid-May
Exam Period: A week in early August
Registration Period: Mid-September through mid-October
Exam Period: November-December
Practical Exam - Remote
Registration Period: Ongoing
Exam Period: As needed
The RCM offers a “Comprehensive” certificate for students taking both the practical and theory exams, as well as a “Practical” certificate for students choosing not to do the theory exams.
The practical exams consist of 3-5 memorized pieces + 2 etudes . The syllabus has lists from which students select a piece. The lists are vast in the options available! In addition to the 5-7 pieces, there is a requirement for scales, chords, and arpeggios which will require additional practice due to the speed. Students will also be asked questions about music they hear and will be asked to sing intervals and melodies. The pacing of the levels is not as intense as the ABRSM and is spread out over the course of levels 1-10, and includes some pre-level 1 exams known as Prep A and Prep B. The number of pieces, required memorization, and challenging technical requirements make routine and diligent practice an absolute necessity.
Theory Exam - On line
Registration Period: Ongoing
Exam Period: As needed
The RCM offers a “Comprehensive” certificate for students taking both the practical and theory exams, as well as a “Practical” certificate for students choosing not to do the theory exams.
The Theory exam testing runs from levels 5-10 with workbooks available for all levels.
Site: https://www.rcmusic.com/
*Piano Teachers Forum (PTF)*
Spring Festival - in person or video Honors Recital - in person
Registration Deadline: January 31 Participation: Schedule tba
Date: A Saturday in March Date: A Saturday & Sunday in late March/early April
Location: The College of New Jersey Location: Usually the UCC - Princeton
2000 Pennington Road Honors Recital - Virtual
Ewing, New Jersey Participation: Schedule tba
Directions/Website: www.tcnj.edu Date: tba
Every year, a syllabus is offered according to a theme. Students select a piece from the appropriate level, and a second "contrasting" piece (a piece that is different in style, genre, or musical time period) of their choice. A warm-up is also required to give the student a chance to get comfortable playing in front of the judge, and to get a feel for the piano. The warm-up is not judged, but is required. Judges evaluate the student's playing according to various criteria like note and rhythmic accuracy, memorization, expression, and tempo (speed). Marks are, in order from highest to lowest, Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, Fine Effort. Marks are counted and then used to rate each piece. Students receiving a rating of Outstanding on both pieces earn a Blue ribbon and the opportunity to play in one of the PTF Honors Recital held shortly after the Festival. Ribbons are placed on the student's certificate and are colored according to rating:
Outstanding - Blue, Excellent - Red, Very Good - Green, Fine Effort - Yellow.
The Honors Recital is a performance opportunity limited to students who received a blue ribbon and rating of "Outstanding" at the PTF Spring Festival. Students select one of the two memorized pieces they presented at the Festival. No additional charge is required for participation in this event.
*New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA)*
NEW!! Spring Piano Festival
No levels or grades, based on age and number of years studied. No syllabus, but 2 memorized pieces must be contrasting. 1 duet is also an option for a separate certificate. Students will have 15 minutes with a judge during which time a mini lesson with the judge will be conducted. Up to 2 people are allowed in the judging room (optional). Certificate issued for each student. Gold and Silver seals are eligible towards the medal, trophy, and plaques after 3, 5, and 7 years.
Solos and duets are both available. Only 1 duet needs to be prepared, and no memorization is required. Tracking of years is done separately for solos and duets. In the case of duets, individuals are tracked, no the team.
*Piano Adventures (PA)*
NEW!! Graded Piano Performance Exams
Available for grades Primer through 3A. More grades to be added...including for Adults! No memorization required, but I encourage it. Three videos of three pieces (one piece from each list). All pieces are in the Piano Adventures core books, as well as supplementary materials like Christmas, Jazz, and Pop Music series. Students receive a judge's comments and certificate*. The 3rd list has a duet option. Students are invited to sing along as they play! Results available within 28 days of submission.
NEW!! Graded Theory Exams
On line test for grades Primer through 3A. More grades to be added. It has a Guided Audio Narrator that reads the questions, with the option to turn it off. Students receive a score and certificate*. Anticipated duration by level - Primer: 15-20 min, 1: 20-25 min, 2: 20-25 min, 2B: 25-30 min. Results available within 5 days of submission.
*Students taking both the piano performance AND the theory exam receive a "diploma."
Both activities are available during 2 sessions: Fall (Sep-Jan), and Spring (Feb-June).
*Music Educators Association (MEA)*
NEW!! Graded Theory Exams
15 written tests cover the building blocks of music, as well as composition, and music history. Preparation is covered during lessons, but also requires additional written and listening homework. Tests are taken during regular lesson time, scores submitted to the MEA, certificates received. Ribbons and gift cards are awarded to students after passing scores on 3 (blue ribbon), 5 (red ribbon), 7, 10, and 15 tests (gift cards).
*Radda Rise*
Piano Achievement Festival
Round 1
Students submit up to 10 minutes of video-recorded performances of any style of music. Judge offers feedback.
Round 2
6 weeks later, a video-recording is resubmitted using the judge's comments to make improvements.
There are no restrictions to the repertoire you choose: Jazz, arrangements, transcriptions, pop music, method books... are all accepted. (Improvisations and students compositions are not permitted.)
This is a new event, so I have limited information to provide. If you have information or insights to provide as you navigate the application process, I would appreciate hearing from you so that I can share your experience with other students. Any technical problems should be reported directly to Radda.
https://www.raddaconnect.com/piano-achievement-festival-details
*Music-Fest*
NEW!! Graded Piano Performance Exams
Program details and syllabus being evaluated. Watch for updates.