Blind candidates

Blind candidates may choose between one of the following two options:

Braille memory test: This test consists of a short passage transcribed into Braille which will be given to the candidate to study, with a time allowance. The candidate will then be asked to perform the test from memory immediately following the preparation time.

Aural repetition test: This test consists of a short passage played three times on the piano by the examiner, who will first play and name the key-chord and starting note, and indicate the tempo before asking the candidate to repeat the passage on his/her instrument. Candidates will be given a short amount of time to try out the test following the second and final playing.

Subject specific information

Organ

At Grades 6–8, candidates will be required to repeat the test transposed up or down a tone or semitone, as requested by the examiner.

Horn and Trumpet

Candidates will not be required to do any transposition tests at Grades 6–8.

Harpsichord

Candidates will not be required to complete a figured bass realisation test at Grades 1–8.

Singing

Aural repetition test: This test will be accompanied by the examiner who will play the vocal line, together with its own accompaniment, three times, Candidates can sing the vocal line to ‘la’ or to any other vowel sound.

Braille memory test: Candidates may opt to attempt this section either as a memory test or by performing directly from the Braille, and the examiner should be informed which option they have chosen at the start of the exam. At Grades 1–5, candidates will be given two versions of the Braille score: a full Braille score and a version with just pitch and rhythm, with all performance directions removed. At Grades 6–8, in addition to the two versions of the Braille score, candidates will also be given a copy of the lyrics on their own.

The tests for Grades 1–5 do not have lyrics and may be sung to any vowel sound (with or without a consonant) or to sol-fa. The tests for Grades 6–8 have clear, simple and singable texts in English; candidates may use these or they may sing to any vowel sound or sol-fa, if they prefer.

Woodwind

There are no changes in the requirements of the Braille memory test or the Aural repetition test for the 2018¬–2021 syllabus.

Partially sighted candidates

Partially sighted candidates may request sight-reading tests in large notation or modified staff notation. They may read and play the test at the same time, or alternatively they may opt to memorize the test before performing it. Please note that exam tests will be provided on cream paper as standard. Additional time is also given – see above for details.

Large notation sight-reading test The standard enlargement of tests is twice as large as regular notation. In the exam, the test will be produced with 14mm staff size. Standard large notation specimen tests may be obtained from Allegro Music.

Large notation memory test The standard enlargement of tests is twice as large as regular notation. In the exam, the test will be produced with 14mm staff size and will be given to the candidate to study, with a time allowance as indicated below. The candidate will then be asked to perform the test from memory immediately following the preparation time.

Modified staff notation sight-reading test These tests are available on request. Rather than a straightforward enlargement, the test can be precisely modified, e.g. with larger note-heads and beaming, or a larger font for performance directions. Candidates who require modified staff notation should send a covering letter at the time of entry along with a sample of the notation required. Please include details of all typographical specifications required. Musical examples written in Sibelius can be emailed to the Access Coordinator. Please do consider how the font and staff size you require will impact on the paper size needed and the practicalities in the exam room.

Modified staff notation memory test Please send a letter and sample as above. The modified test will be given to the candidate to study, with a time allowance as indicated above. The candidate will then be asked to perform the test from memory immediately following the preparation time.

Replays

Candidates who have requested a large or modified staff notation sight-reading test will receive an enlarged or modified copy of aural test B at Grades 4–8.

For candidates who have opted for a Braille memory test or an aural repetition test, the aural tests will be administered as follows:

Grades 4 and 5

Test B, requiring candidates to sing from score in free time (five notes at Grade 4 and six notes at Grade 5), is conducted as a ‘Talking Score'. The examiner will first play and name the key-chord and tonic and will then read out each note in turn, indicating whether the pitch rises or falls, for the candidate to sing back.

Grades 6, 7 and 8

If code B was selected at the time of entry, Test B, requiring candidates to sing a short melody from score with an accompaniment played by the examiner, is presented in Braille music giving the melody line only, including tempo markings, dynamics and phrasing. A brief description of the relevant features of the accompaniment will be given in literary Braille. Candidates will be given approximately 1 minute to study the test.

If code R was selected at the time of entry, or if the candidate does not have the necessary Braille music reading skills required for this test, the test will follow the following format:

Grade 6:

• The examiner will play the single line melody 3 times with a 30 second break in between the first two playings. During this time the candidate may try out any part of the test.
• After the third and final playing, the candidate will be asked to sing the melody with the piano accompaniment played by the examiner.

Grade 7:

• The examiner will play the upper part of a two-part phrase 3 times with a 30 second break in between the first two playings. During this time the candidate may try out any part of the test.
• After the third and final playing, the candidate will be asked to sing the melody with the lower part played by the examiner.

Grade 8:

• The examiner will play the lower part of a two-part phrase 3 times with a 30 second break in between the first two playings. During this time the candidate may try out any part of the test.
• After the third and final playing, the candidate will be asked to sing the melody with the upper part played by the examiner.

Candidates entered with code B who choose to do this test rather than Braille, must contact the Access Coordinator to confirm these arrangements.

Blind candidates

Braille paper: Exam papers will be supplied in Braille and answers will be accepted in Braille. Candidates are responsible for producing answers in Braille or in standard file format using their own equipment that does not require mains electricity.

Amanuensis: Candidates who are unable to access printed material, or are unable to write down their answers may use an amanuensis to act as a reader, a scribe or both. Candidates must make their own arrangements. If an amanuensis is required, this person may not be their music theory teacher or a close relative. However, anyone acting as an amanuensis needs to be musically literate to the level of the demands of the grade. Candidates who require an amanuensis must contact the Music Theory team (+44 (0)20 7467 8270; [email protected]) prior to entry. A covering letter or email must also be submitted with every exam entry.

Partially sighted candidates

Large-print paper: The standard enlargement of Music Theory exam papers is A4 – A3. Modified paper: If modified staff notation and text is required for an exam paper, please include details of all relevant specifications required, as in the example below. Musical examples written in Sibelius can be emailed to the Access Coordinator.

Please do consider how the font and staff size will impact on the paper size needed and the practicalities of working the paper in the exam.

All requests for modified papers to match exact specifications should be made at the time of entry to ensure we are able to produce a test in a suitable format by the exam.

Jazz exams

As ABRSM's Jazz exams are designed to be accessible for candidates to attempt entirely by ear, it is assumed that blind candidates will attempt the exam in this way unless we are specifically informed otherwise. However, the option is still available for the quick study test to be provided in either large notation, modified staff notation or Braille if requested on entry.

Practical Musicianship

Blind candidates: Tests requiring the candidate to read from the score will be provided in Braille. A covering letter, stating which instruments the candidate will use and which options they will take, should be included at the time of entry. However, it is recognised that some candidates may not have the necessary Braille music reading skills required for this test. If this is the case, please contact the Access Coordinator to discuss suitable alternative arrangements.

Partially sighted candidates: Tests will be provided in enlarged or modified staff notation as requested at the time of entry. A covering letter together with a sample of the of the staff notation layout required must be submitted with the entry form for candidates requiring modified staff notation. Musical examples written in Sibelius can be emailed to the Access Coordinator.

The additional time allowances given for Practical grades also apply here. Please see above for further details.

Performance Assessment

Blind or partially sighted candidates, whose needs cannot be met within the graded exam system, may take the Performance Assessment. In this assessment candidates can play their own choice of repertoire and will receive a written report containing constructive comments and advice from a member of the examining panel; there is no pass or fail for neither this assessment, nor any assessment criteria. A written statement should accompany the entry detailing the specific needs of the candidate (this is essential if the candidate is under 18) so that the information can be passed on to the examiner. For further information on this please contact the Access Coordinator for a leaflet.

Blind candidates may choose between a Braille or Aural repetition Quick Study test. This test can be taken at any time during the exam.

Braille Quick Study memory test: This test consists of a short piece of music transcribed into Braille which will be given to the candidate to study, with a time allowance as indicated above. Candidates may, if they wish, use the piano during their preparation time, as well as their own instrument. Candidates will be given a full Braille score and a second version with just pitch and rhythm.

Singing candidates may opt to take the Quick Study either as a memory test including lyrics, or reading directly from the Braille, without lyrics. If lyrics are chosen, the usual choice of English or Italian lyrics will be offered. Candidates will be given a full Braille score, including the lyrics and accompaniment, a copy of the lyrics only and a copy of the melody only. Please note that candidates who opt to read directly from the Braille will not be required to incorporate the lyrics and can sing the vocal line to ‘la’ or to any other vowel sound if they prefer.

Aural repetition Quick Study test: This test consists of a short piece of music recorded onto CD, which will be given to the candidate to study, with a time allowance as indicated above. The test will be recorded on the instrument being assessed. After the preparation time, candidates will be required to perform the test from memory.

Singing candidates opting to take an Aural repetition Quick Study test will be required to incorporate the lyrics in their performance of the test and will be given the usual choice of singing in either Italian or English. Language preferences should be stated at the time of entry, so that the appropriate test can be recorded. Candidates will be provided with a full recording of the score, a recording of the lyrics only, a recording of the melody sung to ‘la’ with the accompaniment and a recording of the melody including the lyrics. Please note that candidates are responsible for providing their own CD player, which they are familiar with and should be reliable, reasonably portable, have a sufficiently long mains lead and be quick to set up. Further information and indicative tests can be provided on request from the Access Coordinator.

Partially sighted candidates may request Quick Study tests in enlarged or modified staff notation, and should tick the relevant box on the entry form. The standard enlargement of tests is normally 141%. The test can be done as either a Quick Study or as a memory test with the relevant extra time allowance indicated above.

Those requiring modified staff notation must include details of all relevant specifications required, as in the example below. Musical examples written in Sibelius can be emailed to us to the Access Coordinator. Please do consider how the font and staff size will impact on the paper size needed and the practicalities of reading it in the exam room.

As there are no specimen tests at Diploma level, candidates should use ABRSM syllabus material at Grade 6 for DipABRSM, Grade 7 for LRSM or Grade 8 for FRSM. Candidates should contact the RNIB for Braille music at the relevant level, Allegro Music for large notation copies, or, depending on the copyright, may be able to produce specimen material themselves.

Certificates

In addition to the standard printed copy, a Braille certificate is automatically issued to all successful candidates who requested a Braille memory test, Braille Theory paper or Aural repetition at Grades 6–8. Braille certificates are also available to successful candidates who opted to do Aural repetition tests at Grades 4–5 and for Jazz exams however these are not issued automatically and a request must be included with the original entry to ensure this request is processed.

Our certificates are produced by RNIB, and will be forwarded to applicants a few weeks after the exam session has ended. We do our utmost to produce Braille certificates in the shortest time possible, but please be aware that there may be a slight delay in getting these to you.

Specimen tests

The following materials are available in Braille from RNIB Customer Services:

• Specimen Braille Memory tests
• Specimen Aural Tests in Braille, (Grades 1–5, 6, 7 and 8) The RNIB has also issued two volumes of specimen aural tests in Braille, primarily for the use of blind teachers with sighted candidates. In the appendix of the Grades 6-8 volume, the examples are rewritten for blind candidates. Print copies of ABRSM's aural tests can be ordered from any music shop which stocks ABRSM publications or from our website at www.abrsm.org/shop.
• Specimen Braille Music Theory papers A selection of past papers which have previously been Brailled are available. Please note that not all past exam papers will be available.
• The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part 1: Grades 4–5, Part 2: Grades 1–8)
These volumes include tactile diagrams of staff notation alongside Braille descriptions.

The following materials are available on order from Allegro Music:

• Specimen Aural Repetition Tests
• Specimen large notation sight-reading tests

Modified staff notation and print

Modified staff notation: candidates requiring modified staff notation should send in a copy of their preferred layout of music score with their entry. ABRSM has access to the Sibelius score writing program so a musical example in this format can be emailed to the Access Co-ordinator. When sending in a paper copy, the parameters required must be specified, as in the example below.

Modified print: candidates requiring a modified theory paper will need to send in a sample as described above, also including details of font size and paper size. We can produce papers in either A4 or A3, but you will need to consider how font and staff size will impact on the paper size needed.

Candidates requiring modified staff notation theory papers must also specify any modifications required for the text, for example: size, font and spacing.

Modified staff notation example

1. Made into landscape
2. Staff changed from 7 to 10
3. Beams 0.5 to 0.7 thick
4. Stems 0.1 to 0.2 thick
5. Leger lines 0.16 to 0.25 thick
6. Barlines 0.16 to 0.2 thick
7. Leggiero – Arial Bold
8. Tempo marking - Arial Bold
9. Moved four systems closer together
10. Altered length of some bars to make similar bars approximately the same size.

ABRSM publications

Large-print copies of ABRSM's publications (not including syllabuses and regulations) may be purchased from Allegro Music. The RNIB produce Braille transcriptions of all the pieces set each year for Piano Grades 1-8. To obtain copies of these, please contact RNIB Customer Services.

Syllabuses and regulations

The exams section of our website, containing all the syllabus lists and regulations information, is accessible to most screen-reading and enlargement software packages. For syllabuses, regulations or copies of these guidelines in alternative format, please contact the Access Coordinator. Relevant extracts from ABRSM's syllabuses and regulations can be requested in Braille from the RNIB.

The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 provides an exception for making individual copies of printed material for the benefit of visually impaired people, where such copies are not commercially available. Authorized photocopies of ABRSM works are available in standardized large print format from Allegro Music. These will meet the needs of many visually impaired candidates, but, if not, individual large print copies may be made without application to ABRSM. It is your responsibility to contact the publisher to check whether suitable large print copies of any other copyright work are available. Only where such copies are not available may an individual large print copy be made. Any copy made under this exception must include certain information.

Organizations wishing to make two or more large print or otherwise accessible copies (e.g. Braille) should contact the Music Publishers Association for details of the MPA’s VIP Licensing Scheme.

For further information contact ABRSM’s Copyright Department:

• Send the copyright department an email