Piano Grading Systems Commonly Used in Singapore

Source: Singapore Piano Shop & Music Book Online Shop   Published: 9/20/2026 3:56:24 AM   Clicked: 199

In Singapore, the two grading systems students most commonly encounter for piano exams are the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London. Both offer a series of graded exams from beginner to advanced levels, though they differ somewhat in exam format and scoring emphasis.

ABRSM exams typically include performance pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and an aural test, following a fairly traditional structure that places strong weight on foundational technique. Trinity's exams have, in recent years, offered more flexible piece selection and a “technical work” exam format, which some students find creates a comparatively relaxed exam atmosphere.

Pianoshop.sg suggests that, beyond a teacher's recommendation, parents and students look through sample papers and syllabuses from both systems to choose whichever suits the child's learning style best.