Music Exams

Achieve an accredited graded exam

Exams are a great way to indicate the level of your playing, working towards learning various techniques/skills and broadening your repertoire.

At BSM we teach a variation of syllabus designed for the student, for those wishing to take a graded exam there is styles to suit everyone from Classical, Jazz, Blues, Musical Theatre, to Rock. We use the following examining bodies ABRSM, LCM, TRINITY, RGT and RSL awards. Exams can be taken either in person or prerecorded online.

Taking an exam is a great way of testing your ability from the early initial stages for the beginner, to the intermediate player at grades 5/6 and the more advanced students wishing to take up to grade 8 and onto Diploma level. We can help you achieve this through, small regular goals, teaching you new skills to develop your technique and supporting you through your practice.

Examination Costs

The exam fees are set by each examining body and are subject to change each year. Prices for the exams can be found on the examinations website or please contact us for up-to-date information. It is important to remember also that if you play a solo instrument you may need an accompanist and this will be an additional cost paid to the pianist for a rehearsal prior to the exam, travel and accompaniment on the day of exam.

UCAS Points

Students who take exams and gain qualifications at grades 6 to 8 benefit from UCAS points, which can be used as part of a university or college application. Points are awarded for taking either practical or theory examinations. Please visit the UCAS website for current information.

Music lessons

At Ballymena School of Music we offer music lessons for all student interests.