Exam Boards

Pros:

  1. Contemporary Focus: Ideal for pop, rock, and modern music genres.
  2. Practical Emphasis: Strong focus on practical performance skills.
  3. Wide Range of Levels: Graded exams for various skill levels.

Cons:

  1. Limited Classical Content: Not suitable for students seeking a classical approach.
  2. Less Emphasis on Theory: Theory is included but leans more towards practical skills.

Additional Considerations:

  • Price: Generally competitive pricing for exams.
  • Locations: Exams widely available across the UK.
  • UCAS Points: UCAS points awarded for certain grades, providing an additional benefit for college applications.

Online vs. Face-to-Face:

  • Flexible Format: Rockschool provides flexibility in exam formats, including both face-to-face and video submission options.
  • Remote Options: Video submissions are available and encouraged, especially in regions or situations where face-to-face exams are challenging.

Trinity College London:

Pros:

  1. Versatility: Diverse range of music exams, including classical and contemporary.
  2. Balanced Approach: Strikes a good balance between practical and theory.
  3. Global Recognition: Well-recognized internationally.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Exams can be relatively more expensive.
  2. Less Emphasis on Improvisation: May not focus as much on improvisational skills.

Additional Considerations:

  • Price: Slightly higher exam fees but with global recognition.
  • Locations: Exams available across the UK and globally.
  • UCAS Points: UCAS points awarded for higher grades, enhancing university applications.

Online vs. Face-to-Face:

  • Trinity is adaptable to both formats, offering online exams with video submission options.

Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT):

Pros:

  1. Flexible Syllabus: Allows teachers to tailor lessons.
  2. Practical Focus: Strong emphasis on practical skills.
  3. Recognition: Associated with the London College of Music.

Cons:

  1. Limited Theory Content: Relatively lighter on music theory.
  2. Less Global Recognition: Not as recognized internationally as some other boards.

Additional Considerations:

  • Price: Competitive exam fees with flexible syllabus options.
  • Locations: Exams available in the UK and internationally.
  • UCAS Points: UCAS points awarded for certain grades.

Online vs. Face-to-Face:

  • RGT provides flexibility, accommodating both online and face-to-face assessments with video submission options.

Music Teachers’ Board (MTB):

Pros:

  1. Tailored Exams: Flexible for personalized assessments.
  2. Practical Emphasis: Often prioritizes practical skills.

Cons:

  1. Limited Global Recognition: May not have the same international recognition.
  2. Varied Standards: Standards across different exams can vary.

Additional Considerations:

  • Price: Competitive exam fees with a flexible approach.
  • Locations: Exams available in the UK.
  • UCAS Points: UCAS points awarded for certain grades.

Online vs. Face-to-Face:

  • MTB traditionally encourages face-to-face exams but may offer flexibility for video submissions.

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM):

Pros:

  1. High Reputation: Highly regarded for classical music exams.
  2. Comprehensive Theory: Significant emphasis on music theory.

Cons:

  1. Classical Focus: Primarily known for classical music exams.
  2. Less Emphasis on Practical Skills: Balance leans more towards theory.

Additional Considerations:

  • Price: Generally higher exam fees, reflecting the board’s reputation.
  • Locations: Exams available in the UK and internationally.
  • UCAS Points: UCAS points awarded for higher grades, contributing to university applications.

Online vs. Face-to-Face:

  • Transition to Online: ABRSM has introduced online exams with video submission options, adapting to changing needs.