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I believe that music theory is fundamental in developing oneself to become a high-level musician. This guide provides all the information you need to prepare for, enter, set up, and take an ABRSM Music Theory exam.
Why Take Music Theory Exam?
The Grade 5 Theory Exam is a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to take ABRSM Instrument/Singing Exams at Grade 6 and above. While the Grade 1-4 Theory Exams are not compulsory, I highly recommend that students attempt at least the graded exercises of these grades to familiarise themselves with the format in preparation for the all-important Grade 5 exam in the future.
Entering for the Exam
The exam format differs significantly from practical exams. Students can be entered by registering for the appropriate grade’s theory exam slot via ABRSM’s online portal. After registration, students have 28 days to complete the exam. This process is conducted online and in the comfort of students’ own homes, requiring considerable involvement from a responsible adult (if under 18). It is essential to read the information carefully, and you are responsible for conducting all necessary computer checks beforehand.
Preparing for the Exam
I normally recommend students complete some past papers. However, additional practice can also be undertaken on ABRSM’s Practice Platform, which offers multiple practice papers in the same online format as the real exam for a reasonable fee. Free quizzes for terms and signs for each grade are available on the ABRSM website. Additionally, they have an excellent app containing many practicing questions.
Before the Exam Day
Candidates will access their online Music Theory exams through their ABRSM accounts. Once registered, ABRSM will send an email with login details. Candidates can take the exam on any date and at any time within 28 days of booking. It is crucial to ensure the room and system meet the exam requirements, which are listed on the ABRSM website. To test the compatibility of the computer and internet connection, I recommend a simple online check. It’s advised to use Google Chrome as the browser and avoid using a VPN.
On Exam Day
Students will need:
- A laptop or desktop computer (not a phone, tablet, or Chromebook) and a desk to work from.
- Blank paper and a pen or pencil to work out answers during the exam. Candidates must show both sides of the blank paper to the camera during the room scan. Any text or notation on the paper may lead to disqualification.
- Photographic ID. If a current passport is not available, a Candidate Identification Form should be downloaded and prepared.
It is advisable to allocate 15 to 30 minutes for all preparation steps before the exam begins.
Getting Ready
Log in to the candidate’s ABRSM account and click ‘Start Music Theory exam’ on the dashboard to launch the required software.
Follow these steps to complete the exam setup:
- Close all other applications, programmes, and browsers.
- Show the candidate’s photo ID.
- Perform a room scan. If the computer doesn’t allow a full 360-degree scan, a mobile phone or digital camera can be used to record the room scan.
- Take the candidate’s picture on the screen.
From this point on, the session will be recorded (desktop, webcam, and audio) until the exam window is closed.
During the Exam
A timer in the corner of the exam screen will indicate how long candidates have to complete the exam. The countdown won’t start until the actual exam begins.
If a toilet break is necessary during the exam, it should be limited to one occurrence and last no longer than five minutes. Candidates must inform the online invigilator by addressing the camera directly and stating their intention.
The responsible adult may leave and re-enter the exam room, provided it doesn’t disrupt the exam.
If a candidate is inactive for 30 minutes, the exam will time out, and they will need to re-open the proctoring software and complete the pre-exam checks again to continue.
Before closing the exam window, candidates should tear up any paper used during the exam in front of the camera to show it clearly.
Results
Unlike practical exams, results for theory exams typically take about four weeks to be released.
And that’s it. I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming music theory exams! If you need any form of guidance, I offer ABRSM Music Theory lessons to help you succeed with confidence and ease. Feel free to reach out for more information!
