Parents/carers need to organise their child's examination directly through the relevant exam board.
Consulting with Your child's teacher
Before entering your child for an examination, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with their teacher. This is a crucial step that ensures the exam will be a positive and constructive experience. Your child's teacher can advise on:
- Which exam board to enter
- Whether your child is ready for the examination
- Which grade level would be most appropriate
- The best timing for the examination
- Specific pieces that would showcase your child's abilities
We believe that exams should be confidence-building milestones in your child's musical journey. If your child isn't quite ready, pushing ahead with an exam might create unnecessary pressure and potentially hinder their musical development and enjoyment. Your teacher's guidance here is invaluable.
How to Enter Your Child for an exam
The process of entering for an ABRSM or Trinity College examination involves several straightforward steps:
For Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations
- Visit the ABRSM website
- Create a parent account if you don't already have one
- Select 'Enter a Candidate' from your account dashboard
- Choose the appropriate instrument and grade level (as discussed with your teacher)
- Select your preferred exam period and a convenient venue
- Complete the entry form with your child's details
- Pay the examination fee directly to ABRSM via their secure payment system
For Trinity College London Examinations
- Go to the Trinity College website
- Register for a parent account
- Click on 'Book an Exam'
- Select the appropriate discipline and grade
- Choose your preferred examination centre and available dates
- Enter your child's information as required
- Process payment to Trinity College London through their website
Please note that no exam fees should be paid to your child's teacher at Surrey Arts. All payments must be made directly to the examination board through their official websites.
Finding an Accompanist
For many instrumental exams, your child may need a piano accompanist more guidance can be found on the ABRSM Accompaniment web page.
As part of this change, parents will now need to arrange this independently. While Surrey Arts does not maintain an official list of recommended accompanists, there are several resources available to help you:
Many accompanists advertise their services online, and rates typically range from £30 to £60 per exam, often including a rehearsal session. We recommend booking an accompanist well in advance of the exam date, ideally allowing time for at least one rehearsal session before the examination.
Please note that while we're providing this information to assist you, Surrey Arts is not affiliated with any particular accompanist service or directory, and parents should conduct their own research to find a suitable accompanist for their child.
We're here to support you
Your child's teacher is available to provide guidance on exam preparation, and our administrative team is happy to answer any questions.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us at surreyartsmusic@surreycc.gov.uk