As the title suggests, it's a theory exam. Lots of folk sit in a room at a desk each, and sit it together, with no reference to any musical instruments at all; rather like a GCE exam.in English or maths. It only tests your ability to envisage internally any music.Being deaf - you might as well be, for hearing yourself sing out won't be allowed! You could draw a keyboard as it may help - or a guitar fretboard, during the test.
Think it's 3 times a year, exactly the same time for all over the country - otherwise answers could be leaked out. I guess it's the same abroad, too. It's been decades since I did mine, but pupils have said nothing's changed. Your teacher should have first hand knowledge of this situation, or perhaps have a chat with staff at ABRSM - they're quite amenable!
manpreet![Tuteehub forum best answer]()
Best Answer
2 years ago
I've been looking at the content of the ABRSM theory grade syllabus. It looks like with minimal work I could know all the Grade 5 content (you can skip grades up to G5 but beyond that you must have G5 before you can sit 6 or above).
But I have no idea what a theory exam is like - is it like sitting a written test or is there still music involved? For instance could someone who knows theory inside out but is tone-deaf (or actually deaf) pass just as easily or does it test your aural skills (musical ear) too?
Can people who have actually taken theory tests of medium-higher grades with ABRSM or other recognised exam boards (please state which) describe what the exam process was like for the grades you have taken?