Sight-reading for 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 in a set time. The candidate will then be asked to perform the test from memory immediately following the preparation time. The preparation times are as follows:
- Initial - Grade 3: 5 minutes
- Grades 4 and 5: 10 minutes
- Grades 6 and 7: 15 minutes
- Grade 8: 20 minutes
Specimen Braille tests are available from RNIB and their contact details can be found at the end of these guidelines.
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 15 seconds to try out the test following the second and final playings.
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 at grades 4-8.
Singing
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 Initial - Grade 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.
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.
Sight-reading for partially sighted candidates
Partially sighted candidates may request Sight-reading tests in large or modified print. You may read and play the test at the same time (with extra time to prepare), or memorise the test. The time available to memorise the test is as follows:
- Initial - Grade 3: 5 minutes
- Grades 4 and 5: 10 minutes
- Grades 6 and 7: 15 minutes
- Grade 8: 20 minutes
Large print tests
ABRSM’s default for large print tests is a 14mm stave on cream paper. This equates to roughly a 200% enlargement.
Specimen large print tests are available from Allegro Music and their contact details can be found at the end of these guidelines.
Modified print tests
Rather than a straightforward enlargement, ABRSM can make further modifications based on your preferences, for example, larger note-heads and beaming, or a larger font for performance directions.
If you require modified stave notation, you 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. You can email musical examples written in Sibelius or MuseScore to [email protected]
We can produce tests on either A4 or A3, but you will need to consider how the font and staff size will impact on the paper size needed. Further information on modified stave notation (MSN) is published by the UK Association for Accessible formats (UKAAF) and their contact details can be found at the end of these guidelines.
Sight-reading tests on coloured paper
If you require tests on coloured paper you should indicate this by contacting the access coordinator before the published entry deadline. You will need to post three sheets of the required paper to ABRSM at the time of entry.
Use of large print or modified scores in exams
You are welcomed to use your own large print or modified print copies in the exam provided you bring the original with you. This provision is made under the Code of Fair Practice published by the MPA, which allows you to make an accessible copy for your own use. No prior permission is required.
Aural tests
If you request a large or modified staff notation sight-reading test, you will receive a large print or modified copy of aural test B at Grades 4–8.
If you request a Braille memory test or Aural Repetition in place of the Sight-reading, 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 you request a Braille memory test, 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. You will be given approximately 1 minute to study the test.
If you request an Aural Repetition test, or if you do 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, you will be asked to sing the melody with the upper part played by the examiner.
