[xingshun]

In Singapore, there are three Piano Exam Boards from UK, Trinity, ABRSM and GUllHall. It looks like the ABRSM is quite popular. Can you expert give advice on which one should I choose to pursue the grade from it. which one is recongnised by Piano world. How to compare the value of the grades among their system?


Thank you!!!

[Gill the Piano]

All of the boards you listed are internationally recognised, but the ABRSM is probably the one which is most commonly used by teachers both here and abroad. Both Trinity and Guildhall are respected institutions in this country, but I'm not sure how they are viewed elsewhere. The grades of all three organisations are roughly on a par with eachother, although they do vary very slightly; for instance I don't think that the ABRSM has a viva voce section in its grade examinations, but I know that Trinity do. I'm not sure about the Guildhall examinations as I've never taken any of theirs!

[magriggs]

I had a look at the Guildhall syllabus and they seem to focus quite closely on scales, and the different ways in which they can be played (piano/forte, legato/staccato). There also seems to be a wider range of pieces that can be chosen at each grade, although I don't know how good these pieces are.

[Gill the Piano]

[Liz May]

I haven't used Guildhall, as I was brought up on Associated Board exams and so, up till now, have used the same for my pupils. One interesting difference is that apparently Guildhall examiners are specialist examiners, in other words, if you are taking a violin exam, you are examined by a violinist and so on. I suspect that most examiners can play the piano pretty well and therefore, for us pianists, it isn't an issue, but for other instrumentalists, it simply isn't fair that they should be judged by somone who does not have an expert knowledge of the instrument. I know several violin teachers who are changing exam boards for this reason.

I have been told that the syllabus for Guildhall is much more interesting than the AB, but I can't confirm this as yet.

As far as Trinity are concerned, they offer exams in electronic keyboard, something which the AB don't do. They also have a viva voce test, which I think is great, as it encourages children to become "well-rounded" musicians.

I believe that either Trinity or Guildhall (can't remember which) allow the option of EITHER a sight-reading test OR playing from memory, something I wrote to this forum about some weeks ago.

It's certainly worth getting hold of a syllabus from all three boards and comparing them, something I intend to do in the near future. I suspect the standards will be very similar and although the AB has in the past been considered the prime examining board, I think the other two boards are rapidly catching up in popularity. Just choose the one you like the look (and the sound) of!

[Jess]

Trinity and Guildhall are merging soon so look out for some exiting changes. Personally, I rate the Trinity exams above ABRSM - they reflect todays requirements. See what you think!

[littlemisscrotchet]

I personally have been on ABRSM for all my piano life and once a trial teacher showed me a grade 8 trinity piano piece and now that I compare it with the ABRSM grade 8 piano pieces-it looks so much easier. The grade 8 trinity piano piece looked like a grade 6 ABRSM! Though I'm not sure about the other aspects of the trinity grading syllabus.
The ABRSM consists of 3 prepared pieces from a list for the grade, sight-reading, scales and arpeggios and aural tests.
Hope this helps on your decision
Sheena
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[leongmingyu]