Piano Qualification

After a year of learning and playing piano with me #pianowithludmila I give to all my students an opportunity to upgrade their piano playing and step into a piano journey with gaining a piano qualification. (Grades 1-8).

This opens up the door to exploring different music styles through playing a variety of piano pieces throughout the grades. From classical piano pieces to a jazz/country/blues styles. Students not only grow through playing and practising these songs but also through the increasing challenges as they move up through the piano grades.

This is a huge commitment for all students and their parents at the same time. It requires a determination and practice. It requires support, constant motivation and push, when it's needed.

Piano Practical Grades. Initial Grade and Grades 1 to 8. Piano Practical Grades are accredited face-to-face/digital exams. They focus on all-round musical knowledge and skills, including performance. In the exam you perform three pieces, play scales and arpeggios and take sight-reading and aural tests. Alternatively, you perform four pieces as a digital exams recorded on any devices and sent to the board. 
 

There are several piano qualifications available depending on your goals, skill level, and musical interests. These qualifications range from beginner levels to professional diplomas.

1. Graded Piano Exams (Beginner to Advanced)
Graded exams are the most common form of piano qualification. These typically go from Grade 1 (beginner) to Grade 8 (advanced). The main exam boards offering graded piano exams are:

Classical Piano Exams:
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) – Most widely recognized globally, focuses on technique, sight-reading, and aural skills.
Trinity College London – More flexible repertoire choices, no aural tests in some exams.
London College of Music (LCM) – Offers a broad syllabus including classical and contemporary styles.

Modern & Jazz Piano Exams:
Rockschool (RSL) – Focuses on rock, pop, and jazz piano.
Trinity Rock & Pop – Specializes in pop music performance.
LCM Jazz & Popular Music Exams – Includes improvisation and modern styles.

Best for: Students looking for structured learning and official certification of their skills.

2. Piano Diplomas (Post-Grade 8 / Professional Level)
Diplomas are advanced qualifications for those looking to become professional performers, teachers, or musicians.

Performance Diplomas (For Concert Pianists)
ARSM (ABRSM) – A performance-only diploma (no technical or aural tests).
DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM (ABRSM) – Higher-level diplomas for professional pianists.
ATCL, LTCL, FTCL (Trinity College London) – Equivalent to different levels of university degrees.
Teaching Diplomas (For Piano Teachers)
DipABRSM in Teaching – For those wanting to teach piano professionally.
DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM in Teaching – Offered by LCM for piano educators.
Best for: Those who want a career in piano performance or teaching.

3. University Degrees in Piano
For serious pianists, universities and conservatories offer:
Bachelor’s Degree (BMus) in Piano Performance – 3-4 years, focused on advanced performance skills.
Master’s Degree (MMus) in Piano Performance – For those who want to specialize further.
Doctorate (PhD or DMA) in Piano – Highest academic qualification in piano studies.

Best for: Those pursuing a professional career as a concert pianist or music academic.

Which Piano Qualification is Right for You?
For beginners & hobbyists → Graded exams (ABRSM, Trinity, LCM)
For aspiring professionals → Grade 8 + Diploma (DipABRSM, ATCL, etc.)
For performers → Performance Diplomas (ARSM, LRSM, FTCL)
For teachers → Teaching Diplomas (DipABRSM Teaching, DipLCM Teaching)
For university-level education → BMus, MMus, DMA
Would you like help choosing a specific qualification for your goals?
 

Pursuing a piano qualification can be beneficial for various reasons, depending on your goals. Here are some key reasons why you might consider getting one:

For Personal Growth & Mastery
Structured Learning: A qualification ensures you follow a structured curriculum, covering technique, theory, and repertoire.
Skill Validation: It helps you track progress and achieve milestones in your playing.
Discipline & Commitment: Preparing for exams teaches dedication, practice habits, and resilience.

For Career & Professional Opportunities
Teaching Credentials: Many music schools and private students prefer teachers with recognized qualifications (e.g., ABRSM, Trinity, RCM).
Performance Opportunities: Advanced certifications open doors to competitions, concerts, and professional gigs.
University Admissions: Some institutions consider music qualifications as an asset for scholarships or general admission.

For Recognition & Confidence
Official Certification: Having a diploma or grade certificate boosts confidence and credibility.
Motivation & Achievement: Completing exams gives a sense of accomplishment and motivation to improve further.

For Expanding Musical Knowledge
Music Theory & Aural Skills: Exams often include theory and ear training, essential for becoming a well-rounded musician.
Exposure to Various Styles: Piano qualifications require playing pieces from different eras and styles, enriching musical understanding.

1. ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

Best for: Classical musicians, well-rounded training
Pros:

Globally recognized and highly respected
Strong focus on sight-reading, aural skills, and technique
Clear graded system (Grades 1-8) + Diplomas (ARSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM)
Cons:
No flexibility in exam pieces (strict syllabus)
Aural tests can be challenging for some students

To find out more about ABRSM piano qualification

2. Trinity College London

Best for: More flexible repertoire choices, performance-focused players
Pros:

More freedom in choosing exam pieces
No sight-reading or aural tests required for some levels
Also offers Rock & Pop piano exams
Cons:
Less focus on classical technique compared to ABRSM
Slightly less recognized than ABRSM for academic purposes

3. London College of Music (LCM)
Best for: Musicians looking for a balance of classical and modern styles
Pros:

Wide range of exams: Piano, Jazz, Contemporary, and Leisure Play
Focus on both performance & theoretical knowledge
Offers diplomas like DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM, FLCM
Cons:
Less globally recognized than ABRSM or Trinity
Some exams require written work in addition to performance

4. Rockschool (RSL)
Best for: Pop, jazz, and contemporary musicians
Pros:

Ideal for modern piano styles (Pop, Jazz, Blues, Film Music, etc.)
Focus on improvisation, music production, and digital music
Cons:
Not as strong for classical piano
Limited use for traditional music college admissions

Diploma-Level Qualifications (Post Grade 8)
If you want to go beyond Grade 8, you can pursue diplomas:

ABRSM: ARSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM
Trinity: ATCL, LTCL, FTCL
LCM: DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM, FLCM
RSL: Professional Diplomas

Which One Should You Choose?
For Classical Pianists → ABRSM or Trinity
For Flexible Learning & Repertoire Choice → Trinity or LCM
For Jazz & Contemporary Styles → Rockschool or LCM Jazz
For Formal Teaching & University Recognition → ABRSM or Trinity Diplomas
For Fun & Leisure (without pressure) → LCM Leisure Play

Would you like help deciding which one suits your goals best? Email me on: info@pianowithludmila.com

More about ABRSM piano qualification here

Most music exam boards offer structured graded exams, starting from Pre-Grade 1 (Initial Grade) to Grade 1. These are ideal for beginners and provide a strong foundation.

Best Exam Boards for Beginners:
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

Starts from Initial Grade (optional) and then Grade 1.
Focuses on classical piano, sight-reading, scales, and aural skills.
Highly respected worldwide.
Example beginner piece: Bach – Minuet in G.

Trinity College London

Offers Initial Grade before Grade 1.
More flexibility in choosing pieces compared to ABRSM.
No aural tests for some levels.

London College of Music (LCM)

Has a Step 1 & Step 2 level before Grade 1.
Includes Leisure Play exams for casual learners.
Good balance of classical and modern styles.

Rockschool (RSL) & Trinity Rock & Pop

Perfect for pop, jazz, and modern piano styles.
Includes chords, improvisation, and rhythm-focused exercises.
Example beginner piece: Coldplay – Clocks.

2. Performance-Only Exams (No Theory, Scales, or Aural Tests)
If you just want to play for fun and avoid technical tests, some exam boards offer performance-only options:
ABRSM Performance Grades – Play four pieces, no scales or aural tests.
Trinity Performance Diplomas – Focuses only on musical expression & stage presence.