Piano Grading Systems Commonly Used in Singapore

Source: Singapore Piano Shop & Music Book Online Shop   Published: 9/20/2026 3:56:24 AM   Clicked: 12

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.