Music Grade Exams & Certifications – Piano, Vocals, Singing & Ukulele
At Tune and Truth, we prepare students for internationally recognized music grade exams. Whether your passion lies in Piano, Singing, Guitar, or Ukulele. We help you achieve certified milestones that strengthen your skills and open doors to global recognition.
Why Choose Music Grade Exams?
Structured Learning – step-by-step progress through graded levels.
Recognized Certifications – credentials accepted worldwide.
Performance Confidence – learn to perform in exams and on stage.
Clear Goals – measurable achievement for students and parents.
Trinity College London
Overview & Scope
Trinity College London is an exam board offering graded and diploma qualifications in music, drama & performance, and English (ESOL).
Its music exams are available in many countries (over 60) via registered exam centres.
Its music qualifications include graded exams, certificate exams, and diplomas.
Types / Levels of Exams
Graded Music Exams (Classical & Jazz Grades)
Trinity offers graded exams (Initial, Grade 1 through Grade 8) in many instruments and voice (piano, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, organ, etc.).
The syllabus encourages varied repertoire, including classical, jazz, and more contemporary styles.
The exam structure emphasizes performance, technical work (scales, exercises), sight reading, and supporting tests (aural, improvisation).
The grading scale is typically up to 100, with a pass threshold (e.g. 60) and distinctions above that.
Music Certificate Exams
These are performance-only exams (no technical work or supporting tests) at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced.
Candidates build a recital program (own-choice repertoire) for the certificate.
Diplomas
Trinity offers diplomas in performance, teaching, composition, and musicology, at levels: Associate (ATCL / AMusTCL), Licentiate (LTCL / LMusTCL), and Fellowship (FTCL).
These diplomas are considered equivalent to degree-level or postgraduate-level standards in the UK system.
Digital / Online Options
Trinity has introduced Digital Grades and Diplomas (where exams may be offered with digital submission) in addition to face-to-face exams.
Key Features / Advantages
Flexibility in repertoire and letting candidates include original/own-choice works to reflect individual musical interests.
Emphasis on performance as the core of assessment.
Global recognition: useful credentials for music students across countries.
Registered exam centres worldwide, so local access is possible depending on location.
Limitations / Considerations
In some countries, there may be fewer centres, making travel or scheduling a challenge.
Diploma exams are more demanding and require serious preparation.
RSL(RockSchool London) Awards
Overview & Identity
Rockschool is a brand under RSL Awards, based in London, UK. It is designed especially for contemporary / popular music styles (rock, pop, jazz, etc.), addressing the needs of modern musicians (guitarists, drummers, vocalists, etc.).
The graded exams under Rockschool are part of RSL’s “Graded Music Exams” suite, which also includes classical syllabi (RSL Classical) in parallel.
Over 30 years of operation, Rockschool has built a reputation in many countries.
Exam Levels & Progression
The Rockschool / RSL graded path typically runs from Debut (entry / introductory level) up through Grade 8.
There is no strict requirement that one must pass earlier grades before entering a higher grade — a candidate may choose an appropriate grade level based on ability.
In addition to graded exams, Rockschool offers Performance Certificates, where the focus is purely on performance (less or no technical / exam-style components) in some grades.
RSL also provides vocational / technical qualifications in the creative/music domain (Levels 1–5) for more formal educational pathways.
Disciplines / Instruments Covered
Rockschool’s syllabus is broad and reflects modern instrumentation. Key disciplines include:
Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar Bass Guitar
Drums / Percussion
Vocals (contemporary / popular styles)
Piano / Keyboard / Keys
Ukulele
Music Production
Popular Music Theory
Thus, it is suitable not only for instrumentalists but also for singers and budding music producers.
Exam Structure & Components
The components differ somewhat from classical exam systems, reflecting the contemporary orientation. Typical exam components include:
Performance Pieces / Repertoire
In graded exams, candidates perform a set of 3 pieces. Two of them may be free-choice pieces (i.e. chosen by the candidate) depending on grade. In Performance Certificate route, candidates might perform 5 pieces (with more freedom of choice) and without technical tests.
Technical Work / Exercises
For many grades, technical exercises are required (scales, patterns, technique routines) in addition to pieces.
Supporting Tests / Additional Skills
Depending on the grade, there may be supporting tests: aural tests, rhythmic exercises, sight reading / improvisation elements.
These help assess broader musicianship, not just performance ability.
Digital / Recorded Options
Rockschool / RSL offers flexible exam delivery modes: face-to-face exams, recorded digital exams, and live-streamed exam options.
Some exams (e.g. Music Theory) can be taken online via remote invigilation.
Time Duration & Grade Increase
As with other boards, as you go up in grade, you can expect longer exam durations and more demanding technical / musical content. (Implicit in graded systems)
The fees increase with grade levels. For example, the published fees in UK for Rockschool / RSL graded exams rise per grade.
Syllabus / Content Style
Genre diversity & modern repertoire
The syllabi include popular, rock, jazz, blues, funk, R&B, and contemporary styles — not just classical or traditional pieces.
Free-choice flexibility
Candidates have freedom to pick pieces, especially in higher grades, thereby allowing them to play music they enjoy and that reflects their style.
Integration with music production and modern tools
The inclusion of Music Production in the syllabus is a distinguishing feature: candidates can be assessed in contemporary production skills (recording, mixing, editing) in graded format.
Theory for popular music
There is a Popular Music Theory component, focused on theoretical grounding relevant to contemporary genres.
Entry, Eligibility & Constraints
No strict prerequisites
Like many modern exam boards, Rockschool does not require you to pass an earlier grade before attempting a higher grade—so you can jump in at an appropriate level.
No age restrictions
Anyone of any age can enter, so long as they can meet the demands of the selected grade.
Booking & deadlines
Exams need to be booked by certain closing dates specific to exam periods (for face-to-face exams), with fees applicable.
Digital vs in-center
Some exam types (e.g. theory, digital performance exams) have more flexible delivery; some require exam centres or invigilation.
Advantages & Distinctive Features
Relevance to contemporary musicians
Because its repertoire and exam structure align more with modern/popular music forms, Rockschool is often more engaging to students who are not purely focused on classical styles.
Flexibility & multiple modes
The existence of recorded / digital exams helps reach students in remote areas or with constraints.
Encouragement of creativity
Free-choice pieces allow students to express personal musical tastes, improvise, and bring individuality.
Broad instrument coverage
Inclusion of instruments like electric bass, drums, production gives more options than many classical-only boards.
Industry relevance & modern skills
The inclusion of music production skills is quite contemporary — useful for students who want work in music beyond just performance.
Challenges / Limitations / Considerations
Recognition compared to classical exam boards
In some academic or institutional contexts (especially conservatories or classical music institutions), classical boards (ABRSM, Trinity) may carry more weight, though this is changing.
Depth of classical technique
For students whose interest is classical technique (e.g. advanced classical piano, classical voice), Rockschool’s syllabus may not delve as deeply into the classical tradition.
Exam centre availability
In some countries or regions, there may be fewer centres or exam opportunities for Rockschool, depending on local adoption.
Balancing creative freedom vs syllabus discipline
While free-choice is empowering, it also requires students to self-select repertoire wisely to meet exam criteria (difficulty, stylistic fit, technical requirements).
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
Overview & Scope
ABRSM is a leading UK-based examination board in music, established in 1889.
It offers graded exams, theory exams, and diplomas in many countries (over 90) worldwide. ABRSM also publishes syllabus booklets, exam resources, and supports teacher development.
Exam Structure & Levels
Practical / Instrumental & Vocal Grades
Grades Initial (for some instruments) and Grades 1 to 8.
Each exam typically consists of several components:
Performance of set pieces (3 pieces for most instruments)
Scales / technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.)
Sight-reading (or sight-singing for voice)
Aural tests (listening / musical perception)
For singing, the exam may include “unaccompanied traditional song” instead of scales in lower grades.
At higher grades, additional tests may be required (transposition for horn, organ, etc.).
ABRSM also provides Performance Grades—these are assessed via video recording submission rather than in-person exam.
ABRSM
Theory / Musical Knowledge / Musicianship
Music Theory exams are parallel to practical grades and cover harmony, notation, musical structure, rhythm, and history.
From Grade 6 and above (for practical exams), ABRSM requires candidates to have passed Grade 5 Theory (or equivalent) to be eligible.
Diplomas
Beyond Grade 8, ABRSM offers diplomas: DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM.
These diploma exams are more extensive: recital performances, essays (for some tracks), and deeper theoretical / research work.
Note: In recent times, ABRSM has been revising its diploma structure (e.g. changes to ARSM, removal or adjustments of DipABRSM) to align with qualification frameworks.
Marking & Result System
Each section (pieces, scales, sight-reading, aural) is marked, then summed for an overall mark. For many exams, there is no requirement to pass each individual section to pass overall—stronger performance in some areas can compensate weaker ones. Time durations increase with grade: e.g. higher grades have longer exam durations.
Strengths & Challenges
Very well established, globally respected system with a clear benchmark. Strong emphasis on well-rounded musicianship (not just performance).
Availability of video-based exams expands accessibility.The requirement of passing theory before higher practical grades ensures deeper musical understanding—but it can be a barrier for some. Diplomas are demanding and require significant commitment.
Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith / Bhatkhande (Lucknow, India)
Overview & Institutional Context
Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith (often spelled Vidyapeeth) is a music examination / certification board in India based in Lucknow, founded under the vision of Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande. It administers exams in Hindustani classical music (vocal and instrumental) and offers levels such as Prathama, Madhyama, Visharad, etc. Many music institutions (schools, academies) in India adopt its syllabus or use it as a benchmark.It’s used heavily in North Indian classical music pedagogy.
Examination System & Levels
The Bhatkhande Vidyapith conducts practical and theory examinations across progressive levels.
Some of the levels are:
Prathama (First year / beginner)
Madhyama (Middle / intermediate)
Visharad Part I & II (Advanced / degree-level equivalent)
Practical & Theory Components
Vocal / Instrumental Practical
At early levels (Prathama), candidates perform prescribed ragas, simple compositions (e.g. khyal, etc.), and some basic taalas (rhythmic cycles).
As levels advance, the expectations increase: more complex ragas, elaboration (alap, development), improvisation (taans), composition, and depth in interpretation.
Some levels also require performance of Dhrupad, Dhamar, and other traditional forms.
Theory (written / oral)
Early levels include basic theory: definitions (raag, tala, swara, shruti, etc.), history of Indian music, classification of ragas, notation, tala theory. At higher levels, topics expand into deeper study: sound, acoustics, comparative theory (Indian vs Western), advanced notation, advanced tala-laya theory, etc.
There often is a viva / oral examination as part of the theory component.
Eligibility / Progression Rules
To appear for Visharad, candidates usually must have passed Madhyama or its equivalent. In many institutions, passing a lower level is prerequisite to moving to next level. Examination fees are payable for each exam separately.
Frequency / Schedules
The exams are conducted periodically (often annually or semi-annually) by the Vidyapith.
Some exam centres affiliated with Bhatkhande (or local music schools) host these exams.
Example: Syllabus for Vocal / Prathama
From a sample syllabus (Suruchi Kendra adapting Bhatkhande syllabus) for Prathama:
Vocal Practical
Prescribed ragas: Yaman, Bilawal, Khamaj, Bhairava, etc. (and a few others)
Sargam (swar malika) + one small khyal in each prescribed raga.
Talas: Tṛital, Jhaptal, Dadra, Kaharva (with Theka)
Vocal Theory / Written
Basic terms: Sangit, Nad, Shruti, Saptak, Alankar, etc.
History (Hindu period, medieval, modern), notation of khyal, definitions, tala theory, etc.
Strengths & Challenges
Because it’s a well-established Indian classical music-specific exam board, its syllabus and evaluation are sensitive to the nuance, style, and traditions of Indian music.
For students in India (especially in North India), Bhatkhande exams are widely recognized and used by music schools.
The level of rigor increases significantly at advanced levels, and preparation demands are high.
Some limitations: less international recognition compared to ABRSM / Trinity, and fewer centres globally.