ARAB STATES
AFRICA
AMERICA
AUSTRALASIA
SOUTH EAST ASIA
SOUTHERN ASIA
CARIBBEAN
EUROPE
MOST VIEWED
Login
Login
find out more

Latest exam updates

Music Theory exams – March 2021

  • Online Music Theory exams (Grades 1 to 5) – we are cancelling the online exams planned for 16 March. Exams in May and June will go ahead as planned.
  • Paper Music Theory exams (Grades 6 to 8) – we will not be offering these exams in March. The next exams at Grades 6 to 8 will be in June 2021.
  • Grade 5 Music Theory requirement - from 1 January to 30 April 2021 only, candidates can take Grade 6 to 8 Performance or Practical exams without first passing Grade 5 Music Theory. From 1 May 2021, the Grade 5 Music Theory requirement will return with flexibility about timing. If you receive an email asking for your proof of prerequisite, please ignore this. We will still release any results in line with the arrangements outlined here.

For more information click here.

Performance Grade booking

The next booking period for remotely-assessed Performance Grade and ARSM exams opens in February. For details, see our dates and fees page.

There are four sections to a Jazz Piano exam, giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through prepared work and musicianship tests.

The tunes cover a wide range of styles - from New Orleans and swing through to modal, jazz-rock and Latin jazz. Each arrangement contains a fully notated Head and at least one section for improvisation, with a simple chord sequence and set of guideline pitches.

Jazz exams include:

  • Three tunes from the list for the grade
    A blues, a standard and a contemporary tune. All include improvisation.
  • Scales, arpeggios and broken chords
    Common patterns found in jazz.
  • Aural tests
    Testing all-round aural awareness and musicianship skills.
  • Quick Study
    To play either at sight or to reproduce by ear a short phrase and to improvise a response.

Publications & audio

What's in the exam?

  • Three tunes
  • Scales and arpeggios
  • Aural tests
  • Quick study

Key exam information

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our website, you are agreeing to our cookie policy and consent to our use of cookies. Find out more.

Close this message