Sight-reading for blind candidates
You may choose between a braille memory test or an aural repetition test in place of the regular Sight-reading. Further details about both these options are given in the sections below.
Braille memory test - overview
This test consists of a short passage transcribed into Braille. You will have a set amount of time to prepare the braille before the examiner will ask you to play or sing the test from memory.
Further details
The preparation times are as follows:
- Grades 1 to 3: 5 minutes
- Grades 4 and 5: 10 minutes
- Grades 6 and 7: 15 minutes
- Grade 8: 20 minutes
Specimen braille memory tests
Specimen Braille tests are available from RNIB and their contact details can be found at the end of these guidelines.
Singing candidates
If you use braille music, you may opt to attempt this section either as a memory test or by performing directly from the Braille, and you should inform the examiner which option you have chosen at the start of the exam. At Grades 1 to 5, you 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 to 8, in addition to the two versions of the Braille score, you will also be given a copy of the lyrics on their own.
The tests for Grades 1 to 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 to 8 have clear, simple and singable texts in English. You may use these or sing to any vowel sound or sol-fa, if you prefer.
Organ candidates
At Grades 6 to 8, you will be required to repeat the test transposed up or down a tone or semitone, as requested by the examiner.
Horn and Trumpet candidates
You will not be required to do any transposition tests at Grades 6 to 8.
Harpsichord: You will not be required to complete a figured bass realisation test at Grades 1 to 8.
Aural tests
If you request a braille memory test, the following arrangements apply to Test B:
Grades 4 and 5: You will receive a braille copy, including the key signature, tonic and key chord, followed by the notes you are to sing.
Grades 6 to 8: This 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.
Aural repetition test - overview
This test consists of a short passage played three times on the piano by the examiner. They will first play and name the key-chord and starting note, and then indicate the tempo. After two playings, the examiner will give you approximately 15 seconds to try out the test yourself. After a third and final playing, the examiner will ask you to play or sing the test from memory.
Further details
Singing candidates
If you choose the aural Repetition test, this will be accompanied by the examiner who will play the vocal line, together with its own accompaniment, three times. You can sing the vocal line to ‘la’ or to any other vowel sound.
Specimen aural repetition tests
Specimen aural repetition tests are available from ABRSM.
Aural tests
If you request the aural repetition test in place of Sight-reading, the following arrangements apply to test B:
Grades 4 and 5: this 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 you to sing back.
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 you may try out any part of the test.
After the third and final playing, you 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 you may try out any part of the test.
After the third and final playing, you 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 you 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.
Sight-reading for partially sighted candidates
You may request Sight-reading tests in large or modified print. You may read and play the test at the same time (with up to three minutes to prepare), or memorise the test. The preparation times for memorising the test are as follows:
- Grades 1 to 3: 5 minutes
- Grades 4 and 5: 10 minutes
- Grades 6 and 7: 15 minutes
- Grade 8: 20 minutes
ABRSM’s default for large print tests is a 14mm stave on white paper. Tests may be printed on A4 or A3.
If you request a large print sight-reading test, you will receive a large print copy of aural test B at Grades 4 to 8.
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 request a modified print sight-reading test, you will receive a modified print copy of aural test B at Grades 4 to 8.
If you require modified print, 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]
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.