ABRSM and Trinity Music Theory

What are Music Grades?

Music Grades - the UK categories music ability (theory and practical) into 8 grades. Grade 1 is a beginner level, and grade 8 is approximately the minimum standard required for entry on to a music degree at university, or entry into a music conservatoire.

Music grades are not related to "school grades". Music grades are open to people of any age and exams can be taken all around the world.

In the UK the two main exam bodies are the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London.

Sample videos from grades 1 to 8 ABRSM and Trinity

If you are unsure which board to focus on, this free sample course may help you to decide!

Inside you'll find:

Lessons from each of the eight music theory grades offered by ABRSM and Trinity to help you decide which course you'd like to follow.

These two exam boards start off broadly similar, but begin to diverge at grade 2.

ABRSM is more traditional, with a heavier focus on "classical" music and academic knowledge.

Trinity is more modern, with more equal focus on "classical" and non-classical knowledge and more emphasis on composition. It is generally broader than ABRSM.