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