Choosing the Right Piano Exam Board: A Guide for Students and Parents
There are many reasons to take piano exams—whether you're aiming for a qualification, working towards a personal goal, or just looking for a way to track your progress and stay motivated. Piano exams can offer structure, motivation, and a wonderful sense of achievement.
With several exam boards to choose from, it’s normal to feel unsure where to start. Your teacher will always be the best person to guide you, as they’ll know your (or your child’s) playing style, interests, and learning pace. But to help you prepare, here’s a quick overview of the four main boards, each offering something different for classical, pop, jazz, and more.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
Background:
ABRSM is perhaps the most well-known music exam board in the UK and internationally. It was founded in 1889 and is linked with four major UK conservatoires, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music.
Assessment Style:
ABRSM exams are rooted in classical music and offer a well-rounded approach to learning a combination of performance, sight-reading, scales/arpeggios, and aural skills. ABRSM also offers a Jazz Piano syllabus that leads to an in-person examination. This exam covers several components: performing tunes that include an improvised section, scales/arpeggios/broken chords, an aural test, and undertaking a quick study to assess how well the student can learn a new piece in a short time.There are both Practical Grades, which are examined in person, and Performance Grades (pieces only) available for assessment via video recording only.
Grading System:
Grades range from Initial - Grade 8, with Distinction (130 - 150), Merit (120 - 129), and Pass (100 - 119) as the possible results. There are also Initial Grades for beginners and Diplomas for advanced musicians. Pianists taking Grade 6 piano exams and above are required to pass a Grade 5 music theory examination.
UCAS Points:
Regulated by Ofqual. Grades 6–8 can contribute UCAS points for university applications — up to 30 points for a Grade 8 Distinction, depending on your result.
Good for:
Students interested in classical repertoire, a traditional exam format, and a broad musical foundation, including aural and sight-reading.
LCM (London College of Music)
Background:
Established in 1887, LCM is part of the University of West London and has a long tradition of music education. Their exams are known for flexibility and a wide-ranging syllabus, which includes options for classical, jazz, and popular music.
Assessment Style:
LCM is known for being flexible and offering a range of exam types to suit different learners. They offer Grade Exams with a traditional approach of performance, sight-reading, scales/arpeggios, discussion and aural skills. Or you can try something a little more relaxed with their Leisure Play or Recital Grades, which focus more on performance and less on theory. These include options to include your own choice of pieces, giving you more freedom to play music you enjoy! These exams are all available to take in person, or via digital recording.
Grading System:
Like other boards, grades go from Initial to Grade 8, followed by Diploma levels, with Distinction (85 - 100%), Merit (75 - 84%), and Pass (65 - 74%) as the possible results. Pianists are not required to take music theory exams to progress past Grade 6.
UCAS Points:
Regulated by Ofqual. Grades 6–8 can contribute UCAS points for university applications—up to 30 points for a Grade 8 Distinction, depending on your result.
Good for:
Students who like variety, want to explore different musical styles, or prefer a more flexible approach to assessment.
Rockschool (RSL)
Background:
Rockschool (also known as RSL Awards) focuses on contemporary music styles. If you love pop, rock, film music, or musical theatre, this board might be a great fit. It’s a newer board but has grown rapidly in popularity since it was established in 1991.
Assessment Style:
Rockschool exams are perfect for students who love modern music. They’re all about performance, style, and musicality. You’ll play along with backing tracks and explore technical exercises tailored to genres like pop, rock, jazz, or R&B. There’s also room for creativity, with options like improvisation or interpretation. Sight-reading isn’t a core part of the exam, so it’s ideal if you prefer learning by ear or playing along with your favourite songs.
They offer a traditional format grade exam, a performance certificate and a grade certificate (three pieces and some technical exercises). All of which can be assessed in person or via digital recording.
Grading System:
Grades run from Debut to Grade 8, followed by professional diplomas, with Distinction (90 - 100%), Merit (74 - 89%), and Pass (60 - 74%) as the possible results. Pianists are not required to take music theory exams to progress past Grade 6.
UCAS Points:
Regulated by Ofqual. Grades 6–8 can contribute UCAS points for university applications—up to 30 points for a Grade 8 Distinction, depending on your result.
Good for:
Students interested in modern music, gigging musicians, or those who want to explore styles like pop, jazz, R&B, or funk in a structured way.
Trinity College London
Background:
Established in 1872, Trinity delivers music exams in practical or theoretical grades and offers a well-balanced, flexible approach. It caters to classical and contemporary musicians alike.
Assessment Style:
Trinity offers a choice between Classical & Jazz Exams and Rock & Pop Exams, so there's something to suit different musical tastes. One of the things students often love about Trinity is how flexible it is. You can choose the supporting tests that play to your strengths, like aural, sight-reading, or even composition or improvisation. There's also a real focus on musical expression and communication, which makes the exams feel more like a performance than a test.
Grading System:
Trinity also follows the standard Initial – Grade 8 structure and higher-level diplomas available, with Distinction (87 - 100), Merit (75 - 86), and Pass (60 - 74) as the possible results. Pianists are not required to take music theory exams to progress past Grade 6.
UCAS Points:
Regulated by Ofqual. Grades 6–8 can contribute UCAS points for university applications—up to 30 points for a Grade 8 Distinction, depending on your result.
Good for:
Students who want choice in their assessment style, enjoy both classical and contemporary music, or feel more confident when they can tailor the exam to their strengths.
Conclusion: What’s Right for You?
Every student is different, and so is every exam board. The best choice really depends on what you enjoy, how you like to learn, and what you'd like to get out of the experience! Some students thrive with the structure of a traditional exam, while others feel more motivated when they have the freedom to choose their own pieces or focus on modern styles.
Importantly, all of these exam boards are accredited in the same way, so it really does come down to personal preference and what feels like the best fit for you or your child.
At Emily Eccles Piano Tuition, we’re here to help you find the path that suits you best. Whether you’re aiming for grades, working towards a goal, or just want to enjoy your playing, we’ll support you every step of the way. On top of that, we take care of the exam booking for you! That means no need to worry about registration deadlines, exam centres, or paperwork; we’ve got it covered. We'll keep you updated with all the important dates and make sure everything is in place, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your playing and feeling prepared.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're considering exams or simply want to build confidence and enjoy learning the piano, we’d love to help. Take a look at our lesson options to find a format that works for you, and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
