One of the world's most respected names in music examinations.
Now in Riga.
ABRSM examines musicians in countries across every continent, and has done so for generations. Few names in music education carry such genuinely international weight.
Rīgas Privātā Mūzikas Skola is proud to be one of the first music schools in the Baltics to bring ABRSM exams to its students.
- ABRSM
- A truly global examination standard
- Grade 1 to Grade 8
- One of the first in the Baltics
- For children and adults
- Piano, strings, wind, percussion and voice
What ABRSM is, and why it matters
ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) is one of the world's most widely respected music examination bodies, and its qualifications are recognised by music schools and conservatoires across the globe. ABRSM exams span a wide range of instruments, from piano and strings to wind, percussion and voice, and carry a student from the first grades through to Grade 8 and, for the most accomplished performers, on to the highest diploma levels. Rīgas Privātā Mūzikas Skola is proud to be one of the first music schools in the Baltics to bring this tradition to its own students, and our teachers will prepare you, or your child, for every part of the exam with the care such a distinguished qualification deserves.
A standard recognised across the globe.
The ABRSM name is synonymous with rigorous, fair and deeply respected musical assessment. Though its roots lie with the United Kingdom's leading conservatoires, ABRSM today examines musicians in countries on every continent, and its qualifications are recognised by teachers and institutions worldwide.
Examined on every continent.
Wherever in the world a candidate sits an ABRSM exam, from Riga to cities across every continent, the same exacting standard applies.
The path from Grade 1 to Grade 8
Choose a grade to see what it means.
Grade 5
A significant milestone, often regarded as the foundation for the grades ahead.
For those wishing to go further than Grade 8, ABRSM also offers advanced diploma levels for its most accomplished musicians, a path that can continue across a lifetime.
How does an ABRSM exam work?
Every grade assesses several skills together, not simply the performance of a memorised piece.
Prepared pieces
Pieces drawn from a range of styles and periods, showing both technical preparation and musical expression.
Scales and technical work
Scales, arpeggios and other technical elements that demonstrate secure command of the instrument.
Sight-reading
The ability to perform music seen for the first time: a vital skill for any serious musician.
Aural tests
Tasks that test musical ear, sense of rhythm, and the ability to recognise what is heard.
Books that inspire you to play.
ABRSM's published exam books bring together carefully chosen repertoire with beautifully produced editions. Every grade, for every instrument, receives its own purpose-built volume.
Piano Exam Pieces
Grade 8, 2025 & 2026
Drum Kit Exam Pieces
Grade 2, from 2024
The ABRSM Songbook Plus
Grade 3
Specimen Sight-Singing Tests
Grades 1–5
ABRSM Music Medals: the first step before Grade 1.
For those just beginning their musical journey, ABRSM offers Music Medals, an unhurried, encouraging introduction ahead of formal exams, giving children their very first taste of the joy of achievement on stage.
From your first lesson to exam day.
We assess your level
We evaluate current playing experience and goals to understand which grade to start from.
We build a preparation plan
Your teacher recommends the right grade and repertoire for your, or your child's, goals.
We work on every part of the exam
Lessons combine repertoire, technique, sight-reading and aural development.
We prepare you for a confident performance
Mock exams and focused final preparation so exam day feels familiar rather than daunting.
A qualification that carries weight.
ABRSM qualifications are respected among music teachers, conservatoires and musical institutions in many parts of the world: a mark of achievement that stays with a student for life.
Individual institutions and competitions each decide for themselves how music exam qualifications are weighed within their own criteria.
Sarah Baker, an ABRSM examiner
Assessed by experienced, qualified examiners.
ABRSM exams are assessed by trained examiners who apply the same carefully defined criteria wherever in the world the exam takes place, so that every result is fair and every result comparable.
Excellence knows no age limit.
ABRSM exams are far from a children-only pursuit. Many adults choose this path for a clear, internationally recognised mark of their musical skill, preparing entirely at their own pace.
Progress you can see and measure.
Every ABRSM grade is a concrete, clearly defined achievement, not a vague promise about the future. Your teacher will keep you informed of your child's readiness, without pressure to sit an exam sooner than they are ready.
A student preparing for their ABRSM exam
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions about ABRSM exams
What is ABRSM?+
ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) is one of the world's most widely respected music examination bodies, with grades from Grade 1 to Grade 8 and advanced diploma levels beyond.
Is RPMS really one of the first schools in the Baltics to offer ABRSM?+
Yes, it's a claim we're proud to make: Rīgas Privātā Mūzikas Skola is one of the first music schools in the Baltics to bring ABRSM exam preparation to its students.
Which grade should I start with?+
The right starting grade depends on current playing experience, not age. For complete beginners, especially younger children, ABRSM Music Medals can be an excellent first step ahead of a formal Grade 1 exam.
Which instruments are available?+
RPMS offers ABRSM exam preparation for several instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, drums and voice. Get in touch to ask about a specific instrument.
How does an ABRSM exam work?+
An exam includes several prepared pieces, scales and technical work, sight-reading, and aural tests, together forming a well-rounded assessment of a student's musical skills.
Can adults take the exam?+
Yes. ABRSM exams have no upper age limit, and many adults happily take them to mark their own progress.
What is ABRSM Music Medals?+
Music Medals is ABRSM's unhurried, encouraging introductory scheme for the very youngest and complete beginners, ahead of readiness for a formal Grade 1 exam.
Is an exam compulsory for RPMS students?+
No. Exam preparation is an optional offer for students who want internationally recognised confirmation of the level they've reached.
How do I find out which grade suits me or my child?+
Register your interest, and an RPMS teacher will assess your current playing level at the first meeting and recommend the right grade.
The exam fee depends on the grade and instrument chosen. Before you register, our team will confirm the current fee.
Your path to ABRSM excellence begins here.
Whether you're preparing for your very first ABRSM exam or for Grade 8, our team will help you choose the right grade, teacher and preparation plan.