Singing Exams

Should you decide you would like to go through the grades in singing, there are a number of options. You can take an exam which covers all bases, or specialise in musical theatre and acting. In order to enter these exams you have to register with the awarding body, or alternatively I can enter you into the exam. Here are some of the options:
  • ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) ​​
​These are the 'standard' pathway and include all genres of music. For these exams you sing a range of songs from early classical right through to musical theatre and pop.

There are 8 grades in total, preceded by a 'prep test', and after the grades there are a range of diplomas. For all grades you are expected to prepare and sing (from memory) three songs from the listed repertoire, plus one unaccompanied traditional song.

After Grade 5 you must pass Grade 5 Music Theory (or a set alternative, see the syllabus for details) in order to progress to Grade 6 singing. For details of how to start learning Music Theory please get in touch.

The advantages of the ABRSM grades are that they are the most 'rounded' approach to singing - since they don't focus on one genre but span a range of styles and traditions - from baroque Italian to French art songs to English contemporary and musical theatre.

​To see the syllabus click here.
  • LCM (London College of Music) Musical Theatre
If you are considering musical theatre as your favoured genre but don't really want to get into the professional acting game, this would be a good route to look into.

There are eight LCM Music Theatre grades, plus two introductory levels, four performance diplomas and three teaching diplomas.

The standard graded exams consist of a performance of two to four pieces and a discussion. At Grade 8 you also have to read at sight one part of a dialogue from a libretto.

For more information and to see the syllabus, click here.
  • Trinity College Musical Theatre
If your goal is serious musical theatre - to excel on the stage - you really couldn't do better than consider the Trinity College grade system. Trinity aim for a complete theatrical performance, so their exams consist of singing, dance and improvisation.

I have less experience with Trinity but can recommend teachers who specialise here if this is the route you would like to take. For more information and to see the syllabus, click here.