NEW Online ABRSM Theory Exams
Everything you need to know
ABRSM have moved their theory exams, Grades 1 to 5, onto an online format in English in all territories, and Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Candidates take their exam in any location where they have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and an internet connection.
To check you are doing the exam under "exam-conditions" (i.e. not cheating) you will be recorded for the duration of the exam via the webcam and exam software; this includes audio as well as the your desktop.
Also, for candidates under 18 a responsible adult must be present in the room at the beginning of the exam and can stay in the exam room for the duration of the assessment if desired.
What is changing: Exam Format.
- There are new question types including more multiple-choice.
- The requirement to demonstrate accurate copying of music has been removed.
- There will be a total of 75 marks available rather than 100 marks. Candidates will need 50 marks for a Pass, 60 marks for a Merit and 65 marks for a Distinction.
What is changing: Syllabus
- Grade 2: candidates previously had a choice of the harmonic or melodic form of minor scales. This is changing to just harmonic.
- Grade 3: questions about phrase structure are no longer included.
- Grade 5: identifying the progression 6/4 5/3 (Ic-V) on the dominant note in any of the keys set for this grade is no longer be required.
- Grade 5: the requirement that candidates can recognise and name perfect, plagal and imperfect cadences has been added. Currently candidates have to indicate suitable chord progressions for two cadences – now they have to name those cadences.
Check out our NEW workbook, complete with explanations and answers, recently revised specifically with the new syllabus requirements in mind HERE
- The number of terms and signs has been reduced.
You can find downloadable PDF of this table as well as some sample papers for the new style exams HERE
Check out THIS HELPUL VIDEO about the online exam process.
How does this work for adult learners? Who moderates the exam, or can you go to a centre and do it there?
ReplyDeleteIt's done on your own computer at home with a special software that uses your webcam to make sure you're not cheating
DeleteDo we need to install the software?
DeleteYes you do. Then you need to show the recording the entire room you are taking the test in, so they can verify you have no keyboards (or representations thereof) and no materials for cheating. The entire time you take the test, your camera is recorded.
DeleteIn the Grade 2 "Signs" section, what do the last 3 signs mean in the table
ReplyDelete. Please help as I have this for my theory test. Thanks.
The first is a two bar rest and the other two are first and second time bars used with repeats
DeleteThanks for your prompt reply
Delete