What Qualifications are available for Piano?
Piano Grades aren’t for everyone and even if you do take them it doesn’t mean you plan on starting a career in Music……but you could :D.
Here is a list of the most popular exam boards in Ireland and the qualifications that they offer.
Examination Boards & Qualifications
Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM)
Grades 1-8: Progressive levels of piano examinations, covering technical skills, repertoire, and musicianship.
Diplomas:
DipRIAM: Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance.
LRIAM: Licentiate Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance.
FRIAM: Fellowship Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
Practical Grades: Initial Grade to Grade 8, focusing on performance, technique, and musicianship.
Performance Grades: Digital exams from Initial Grade to Grade 8, assessed via video recordings.
Prep Test: Introductory assessment for beginners.
Diplomas:
ARSM: Associate of the Royal Schools of Music, Level 4.
LRSM: Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, Level 6.
FRSM: Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music, Level 7.
Rockschool (RSL Awards)
Grade Exams: Debut to Grade 8, with a focus on contemporary and classical piano.
Performance Certificates: Similar to Grade Exams but without technical exercises and sight reading.
Diplomas:
DipRSL: Performance and teaching diplomas in piano.
Trinity College London
Initial Grade to Grade 8: Structured examinations focusing on technical work, repertoire, and supporting tests.
Diplomas:
ATCL: Associate diploma.
LTCL: Licentiate diploma.
FTCL: Fellowship diploma.
Music Teachers' Board (MTB)
Grades 1-8: Piano exams that can be taken remotely or in person, focusing on performance, technical work, and musicianship.
Diplomas:
Associate Diploma
Licentiate Diploma
Fellowship Diploma