Practical Musicianship Written exams are available for the Theory of Music , Grades 1 to 8. Learning through a system of exams of a world-wide standard offers aspiring musicians a framework against which to measure progress and development. The framework offered by the Associated Board is based upon a set of objective standards and clearly defined goals. Everyone can benefit from the experience of performing before an independent skilled assessor that the exams provide. Of course, taking exams cannot provide a complete musical education, and pupils should aim to play and listen to as much music as possible in a wide variety of forms.
Exams then become a complementary and integral part of a whole learning experience.
Candidates may begin with any grade, irrespective of age and without having taken any other grade previously. The only restrictions apply when entering for Grades 6 to 8. At this stage entrants must have passed Grade 5 in either Theory , Practical Musicianship or Jazz. The exams can be taken by candidates of all ages. Additionally, for adults aged 21 years and over there is the Performance Assessment.