Singapore Music News: Quick guide to ABRSM Performance Grade Digital Exams (2024)

​As many students begin to prepare for the ABRSM Performance Grade examination, here is a quick summarized guide of all the important things you need to know before recording your performance. The Essentials to know before your recording From 9th March 2023 onwards.​1. Prepare 4 pieces A piece from each Section A, B and C A fourth piece of your choice from the ABRSM syllabus below:https://sg.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/performancegrades/key-information/ 2. If [...]

​As many students begin to prepare for the ABRSM Performance Grade examination, here is a quick summarized guide of all the important things you need to know before recording your performance. The Essentials to know before your recording From 9th March 2023 onwards.​1. Prepare 4 pieces A piece from each Section A, B and C A fourth piece of your choice from the ABRSM syllabus below:https://sg.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/performancegrades/key-information/ 2. If [...]

Quick guide to ABRSM Performance Grade Digital Exams
​As many students begin to prepare for the ABRSM Performance Grade examination, here is a quick summarized guide of all the important things you need to know before recording your performance.

The Essentials to know before your recording

From 9th March 2023 onwards.​1. Prepare 4 pieces 
  • A piece from each Section A, B and C 
  • A fourth piece of your choice from the ABRSM syllabus below:
    • https://sg.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/performancegrades/key-information/ 
2. If you are under 18, please have a responsible adult present (note that he/she should not be in the video) for the recording of your performance to assist in the following:  
  • act as page-turner if needed
  • provide accompaniment for the candidate
  • help the candidate with the video recording device
  • carry out any pre-performance procedures that must be filmed except showing the candidate’s ID. 
   3. Prepare a recording device and phone/camera stand if needed:
  • E.g., of devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops
  • 720p resolution to ensure the video is clear
  • Camera view should show the candidate and the instrument
    • (For pianists: Ensure the entire piano/keyboard is visible with the pedals and candidate in focus; For solo instrument with accompanist: Soloist should be the main focus with accompanist behind)
  • Landscape and portrait modes are acceptable
  • Device should be static during the entire recording
   4. Test and trial the entire recording on your chosen device:
  • Video should be recorded in one continuous take including the pre-performance introduction (see below)
  • There must be no post-production editing of the video
  • Ensure clear sound quality and good lighting
  • Ensure video and audio recorded simultaneously 
  • Ensure device is well-charged
  • Ensure device has sufficient space
  • Ensure that the recording format is MP4, WMV, MOV or MPG
  • Ensure that the total recording size is 2GB or less - you are required to compress bigger files
   5. Prepare a hard-copy music sheet of the fourth piece/your own choice pieces​6. Photo ID 
  • IC, Passport, Driver’s License, College or University ID Card

​Steps on what to do during your recording:

1. Announce the following information to the camera:
  • Name of candidate
  • Exam subject (Instrument)
  • Grade
  • Piece/song title for each piece, along with the composer's name and list information (if applicable), in the order they will be performed.
2. Show your own choice/fourth piece of music score to the camera for 5 seconds3. Show your photo ID to the camera - Candidate must show this themselves4. Play all your pieces confidently5. At the end, do look at the camera and say, “Thank you!”​Finally, before uploading your video, do check the video to ensure both video and audio are working clearly. The file name must not contain any spaces or be blank. All the best for your examination and remember to practice hard!Other useful links from ABRSM:
  • https://sg.abrsm.org/media/67041/guidance-for-performance-grades-id1-8.pdf
  • https://sg.abrsm.org/en/about-us/news/articles/?abrsm[newsId]=94336 
  • http//sg.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/