2006 Edition 2 (Issue 144) - Sasmt-savmo.org.za

a d v e r t o r i a l
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
(ABRSM) is the world’s leading provider of music exams.
Each year over 630,000 candidates take our exams in
more than 90 countries around the world. Since 1889
we have provided music educators, pupils and parents
with exams and assessments that promote consistent
standards and carry recognised international authority.
A total commitment to music education lies at the heart
of our work.
ABRSM enjoys a close relationship with four of the
leading conservatoires in the UK: the Royal Academy
of Music, London; the Royal College of Music, London;
the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and
the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, Glasgow.
The graded exams and assessments are open to
all age groups and to all levels of ability. As well as being
accredited in England by the Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority, they are also recognised formally in a
number of countries internationally.
Prep Test
The Prep Test is designed for pupils who have been
learning an instrument for about six to nine months
and provides an ideal introduction to taking an exam.
It is intended to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible
– no marks are awarded and there is no pass or fail. At
the end of the assessments candidates are immediately
rewarded with a certificate, which includes positive and
helpful comments from the examiner.
Practical Exams Grades 1-8
Each of the eight graded exams represents a logical
step in the musical development process. Practical syllabuses
are available in over 35 subjects. A jazz syllabus
for Grades 1-5 only is also available for clarinet, alto sax,
tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, piano and ensembles,
currently offered in the United Kingdom, Australia, New
Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore only.
Practical exams offer candidates the opportunity to
demonstrate their skills through prepared works and
musicianship tests: set pieces or songs; scales and arpeggios/broken
chords or, for singers, an unaccompanied
folk song; sight-reading or quick study and aural
tests.
Theory of Music and Practical Musicianship Exams
Grades 1-8
The Board believes that a thorough knowledge and
understanding of the elements of music is essential in
performance. For this reason, before moving on to a
practical exam at Grade 6, 7 or 8, candidates must first
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
pass Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical
Musicianship or a solo jazz subject. The Theory of Music
syllabus is examined through written exams whilst the
Practical Musicianship syllabus assesses formal theoretical
knowledge in a more practical way.
Diplomas
These highly respected International qualifications
provide valuable opportunities for musicians to gain
recognition for their abilities and achievements. There
are three diploma subject-lines: Music Direction; Music
Performance and Instrumental/Vocal Teaching. Each
subject-line has three levels of award: Diploma of the
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipA-
BRSM); Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM)
and Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music (FRSM).
For further information www.abrsm.org
ABRSM South Africa Representatives
Eastern Cape Region
Mrs Ayleen Radley
82 Lily Avenue
Sunridge Park
Port Elizabeth 6045
Tel: 041 360 3218
Fax: 041 360 5281
Email: ayleenr@iafrica.com
Western Cape Region
Mrs Jill Eichler
4 St Barnabas St
Tamboerskloof 8001
Tel: 021 423 3010
Fax: 021 426 0849
Email: eichler@mweb.co.za
KwaZulu-Natal and Free State Region
Mrs Ilse Van Der Walt
33 Ntabamhlope Road
Estcourt 3310
Tel/fax: 036 358 1341
Email: abrsm.kzn@futurenet.co.za
Gauteng and surrounding regions, Botswana and
Swaziland
Ms Meg Twyford
PO Box 1895
Houghton 2041
Tel/fax: 011 673 7389
Email: megtwyford@ananzi.co.za
Suid-Afrikaanse Musiek Onderwyser |144 | November 2006