What's in the test?
- Tunes/exercises
- Set piece/song
- Own choice piece/song (about 16 to 24 bars)
- Listening games/simple aural tests
Working towards this early goal encourages the development of good technique and sound musicianship. The Prep Test is also an ideal introduction to the experience of taking an exam!
We have developed the Prep Test to be as relaxed and fun as possible. No marks are awarded and there is no pass or fail. At the end of the assessment every candidate is rewarded with a certificate which includes positive and helpful comments from the examiner.
The Prep Test is designed both to provide a first assessment for pupils and to encourage the building of good musical and technical foundations before pupils enter for graded exams.
The Test includes all the sorts of skills beginners will be developing at this stage, such as a sense of pitch and rhythm, controlled and even playing, accuracy and quality of tone, and the basics of musical perception.
Prep Test publications are available from music retailers as well as online, including at the ABRSM music shop. The publications for Bassoon, Double Bass, Oboe, Saxophone and Viola are available from ABRSM’s archive services, provided by Allegro Music.
Do you teach instruments in groups? Visit our Music Medals website to find out more about our assessments for group-taught learners.
Prep Test
Additional information
Publications
Piano Prep Test
Contains all that a piano player will need to take a Prep Test.
Flute Prep Test
Contains all that a flute player will need to take a Prep Test.
Clarinet Prep Test
Contains all that a clarinet player will need to take a Prep Test.
Cello Prep Test
Contains all that a cello player will need to take a Prep Test.
Guitar Prep Test
Contains all that a guitar player will need to take a Prep Test.
Recorder Prep Test
Contains all that a recorder player will need to take a Prep Test.
Singing Prep Test
Contains all that a singer will need to take a Prep Test.
Trombone Prep Test
Contains all that a trombone player will need to take a Prep Test.
Trumpet Prep Test
Contains all that a trumpet player will need to take a Prep Test.
Violin Prep Test
Contains all that a violin player will need to take a Prep Test.