How do we mark exams?
ABRSM exams avoid the potential bias of instrument specialism by:
- applying universal, non-instrument-specific criteria
- focusing on the musical outcome, not the technical means behind it!
The marking criteria
The tables below show the marking criteria used by examiners in Singing exams.
Marking principles
In each element of the exam, ABRSM operates the principle of marking from the required pass mark positively or negatively, rather than awarding marks by deduction from the maximum or addition from zero.
In awarding marks, examiners balance the extent to which the qualities and skills listed below (broadly categorized by pitch, time, tone, shape and performance) are demonstrated and contribute towards the overall musical outcome.
Total marks
Practical graded music exams are marked out of a total of 150, with:
- 100 marks required for a Pass
- 120 marks required for a Merit
- 130 marks required for a Distinction
A Pass in each individual section of the exam is not required to pass overall.
Songs
Grades 1–8 (from January 2018)
Mark | Pitch | Time | Tone | Shape | Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Distinction |
|
|
|
|
|
Merit |
|
|
|
|
|
Pass |
|
|
|
|
|
Below Pass |
|
|
|
|
|
13-16 |
|
|
|
|
|
10-12 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other exam elements
Unaccompanied song and sight-singing
Grades 1-8
Mark | Unaccompanied song | Sight-singing |
---|---|---|
Distinction |
|
|
Merit |
|
|
Pass |
|
|
Below Pass |
|
|
7-10 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
Aural tests
Grades 1-8
Mark | Aural tests |
---|---|
Distinction |
|
Merit |
|
Pass |
|
Below Pass |
|
6-8 |
|
0 |
|