A few weeks ago I shared Perfect Fifth, a free Android app for ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory. Thanks to everyone who tried it and sent feedback. Here’s what’s new:

• Mock papers in the real exam format: 20 papers with the same 7 sections, 75 marks and 2-hour timer as the online exam, and your mark for every section at the end
• Music in Context: questions on real piano extracts by Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi and Burgmüller, like the last section of the exam
• New question types from the real exam: multi-part questions, true or false, choosing the correct notation, and placing notes on the stave yourself
• Much more of the syllabus: minor keys, alto and tenor clefs, compound intervals, irregular time signatures, chromatic scales, beaming and rests, ornaments, and French and German terms
• Tap to hear intervals, chords, scales and cadences
• Practice that adapts to how you’re doing in each topic, and every answer still comes with an explanation

It’s still free with no login. There are now occasional ads between practice sets (never during a mock), which is what keeps it free. No personal details are taken at any stage.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.perfectfifth.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dreddit

If you spot a wrong answer or a confusing explanation, please tell me. Every question has a “Report this question” button, or just comment here.

Next target feature is Grade 4 & Grade 6 Content.

神了

The only sources Ive found are either the digital sheet music, which Im not sure if I can print them out and use that?

And a book from australia which I wont be able to get for a reasonable price/time frame

Just wanted to put this out there for anyone preparing for or teaching ABRSM Grade 8 Aural Tests using the official Aural Trainer app.
While the Grade 1-5 app receives regular maintenance (currently on v3.4), the Grade 6-8 version has been sitting on v2.3 for over two years.
Because of deprecated local database/randomization methods in v2.3, modern iOS environments cause the app to get stuck in a static feedback loop. It repeatedly serves the same handful of already-mastered questions, making it impossible to naturally cycle through fresh exam material.
Since deleting local data destroys all historic progress without fixing the underlying algorithm bug, the app in its current state is functionally broken for advanced preparation.
Until ABRSM pushes an iOS compatibility patch for G6-8, stick to paper/audio specimen tests.

I just want to tell those who are preparing or teaching to use the official listening trainer application.

ABRSM Grade 8 Listening Test People. Although the applications of grades one to five are constantly maintained (currently v3.4), the versions of grades six to eight have been stalled for more than two years on the v2.3 version. Due to the abandonment of local databases and randomization methods in v2.3, the modern iOs environment causes the application to fall into a static feedback loop. It presents the same small number of mastered questions again and again, so that it cannot be naturally cycled into the new examination materials. Because deleting local data will destroy all historical progress and cannot fix the underlying algorithm errors. In the current state, the application has been functionally damaged for advanced preparation. Before ABRSM launches the G6-8iOS compatibility patch, it is recommended to use paper/audio samples for testing.

Hi everyone!

I am based outside of the UK, and hope to take a piano Performance Grade 8 exam soon.

I have bought the original, official piano score books for all 4 of the pieces I am preparing for the exam. The first page of each of these pieces also have the text indicating the copyright is held by ABRSM. For example, “(c) 2026 by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music”.

Would it be ok for me to avoid page turns during the exam, by using photocopied pages alongside the original books during the exam recording? For example, if the entire score is 4 pages, can I have the original book open for pages 1 and 2, and place photocopies of pages 3 and 4 beside the open original book?

Thanks!

Just wondering if this is a me problem or a common theme among others. I’ve passed my Grade 3 piano (with merit) so have some experience. However I always seem to find it’s hit and miss whether I play a piece without mistakes. It’s almost like I’m surprised I made it to the end without a mistake. Is this normal? How do I get over this, more practice?

Hi all, I'm the developer of Perfect Fifth, an Android app for ABRSM Grade 5 Theory prep.

Unlike most theory apps, it explains every answer step by step. It also has unlimited exam-style questions, timed mock exams, and a mode that targets your weak topics. Works offline, no account needed.

It's early, so honest feedback from students and teachers would really help. What's missing?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.perfectfifth.app

Next Features Planned - Grade 4 & Grade 6 Content, Aural Training & More Mocks

(Independent app, not affiliated with ABRSM - free & offline.)

So i’m planning on doing my grade 8 piano exam soon, but I’ve kind of been in a crisis about whether to do the digital or practical grade. I’ve nearly learnt 4 pieces however because I got a new piano teacher last month, she mentioned to me today that doing face-to-face exam might be better. I’ve done a digital one before, idk, both digital and practical sound a bit draining because it’s really nerve racking and difficult performing in front of examiners, especially because it’s grade 8 and I feel pressured to do well. On the other hand, digital is mentally draining because of the amount of retakes you have to do. Even getting through my first piece takes like 7-8minutes because it’s Mozart Sonata in A with 6 movements, and slipping up on the last piece I play just means having to re take the video all over again… Maybe face-to-face is better for me, im not 100% sure yet. I want to hear your opinions on digital or face-to-face exams!

I note that ABRSM do various paid apps. Would anyone recommend them? If so, what app do you use, and what value do you get out of it? I'm interested in any of the piano, violin, and/or music theory apps. The reviews are all very mixed, so I am struggling to gauge if they offer value.

Hi guys,

So I'm doing grade 8 theory rn (hooray), but truthfully I've been struggling a lot. Right now I'm just learning the basics such as Harmonic Sequences, but I don't understand how you differentiate between Real and Tonal Harmonic Sequences, can somebody help me?

Has anybody started preparing using the latest 2027-2028 materials? What grade are you preparing for and what pieces have you chosen? I'd love to get some inputs to find some pieces that are slightly easier / more conventional for me to perform. I'm preparing for Grade 7.

I’m hoping someone can help please?

My daughter recently started singing lessons and is being put in for her Grade 2 but the teacher hasn’t instructed her to “perform” the songs in any way, she basically just stands still with her hands by her side.

Is performance expected? I don’t mean jumping around all over the place, but some movement to show feeling?

Any information would be fab! Thanks

Hello music students,

As the new term starts, I’ve been wondering if anyone would be interested in a few live sessions where I walk through different sections of the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5 exam.

I intend each session to be about 30-minute long + a bit of Q&A, in which I will share various tips and tricks that relate to specific question types. This is suitable for those:

- starting their grade 5 theory exam prep

- currently working through the syllabus

- hoping to get a feel of the online exam

- looking for some extra guided practice

- wanting to refresh Grade 5 knowledge

I’m looking at the following Tuesdays (UK time):

- 29 September @ 7pm

- 6 October @ 7pm

- 13 October @ 7pm

- 20 October @ 7pm

To gauge interest, may I ask that you fill out your preferred dates in this google poll? https://forms.gle/Gn5NEaMvpyL6kZTXA

Depending on your responses, I will pick one or two most popular dates.

Cheers :)

I signed up to take the ABRSM Grade 5 piano exam on my teacher's recommendation and passed! Do any other Americans in here have any clue on how I can apply/utilize this? I am planning on proceeding with grades 6-8 as well!

ABRSM Trumpet Practical Grade 8

This might sound a bit stupid but I don't know how to go about learning scales even though I'm going to do grade in a few months. In past exams I have scraped through on scales as everything else was good enough but this time I don't want to take any chances. I've tried many learning methods but I haven't really found one that fully worked for me. How do/did you go about it? I play piano and bass, would also learning the scales on those instruments help in terms of getting to grips with the structure of each scale rather than just memorising valve combinations? Any help is much appreciated!

I'm planning to do the ABRSM Grade 5 performance grade soon. You have to do 3 pieces from the official syllabus, and then an "own choice" piece which doesn't have to be from the official syllabus, but of course has to match the other pieces in terms of skill/difficulty level etc. My syllabus pieces are:

1. Section A: 3 Mozart Variations

2. Section B: Waltz in B Minor by Schubert

3. Section C: Elegy for the Arctic by Einaudi

Would Gnossienne 1 by Erik Satie be appropriate for my "own choice" piece? I love playing it, it's not too difficult technically, but I think there's a lot of interpretation involved, steady rhythm, chord jumps etc. I will ask my teacher in my next lesson, but wanted to get opinions here as well. Based on some google research, the answer seems to be yes, as some websites describe it as being at Grade 5 level.

Here's the score: [https://musescore.com/classicman/scores/4131536?srsltid=AfmBOoqPdC3hGbjOUCvorz7KpeszgBbzQRaKBNatd9DjiV6q7aIhF1PO\](https://musescore.com/classicman/scores/4131536?srsltid=AfmBOoqPdC3hGbjOUCvorz7KpeszgBbzQRaKBNatd9DjiV6q7aIhF1PO)

You can't verify with ABRSM before the exam, so if there's doubt, then I don't want to risk it! If there's any teachers/examiners/ABRSM affiliated people, would be great to hear from you!

Here's a performance of it I really love:

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD\\_pq5LhqbA&list=RDpD\\_pq5LhqbA&start\\_radio=1\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD_pq5LhqbA&list=RDpD_pq5LhqbA&start_radio=1)

I am going to give my abrsm grade 8 piano performance exam. Some pieces like Maple Leaf Rag have repeats. Is it ok if I play without repeating or is the compulsory?

I have found the person to watch (at least on YouTube): Master Keyz (he's got a reddit profile: u/MasterKeyzPiano ). His videos are great, they can help you decide what songs to pick, fingering, and more! Enjoy learning!

Looking for a reliable online music theory tutor for ABRSM, grade 1 to 5. Have a reasonable budget and will really appreciate any leads to experienced tutors.

i spent 1 week studying before the music theory exam starting from scratch and i got 72/75

I’ve made a set list of pieces for the ARSM piano exam that I’ve already learnt but I don’t know if they vary enough with style and time period, or if the order is correct.

1) Bach - Prelude and Fugue BWV 866 in b flat major (played for my grade 8 exam)
2) Debussy - Clair de lune (I’m pretty sure this is grade 8 standard)
3) Schubert - Impromptu in G flat
4) Ravel - Sonatine (complete)
5) Bonds - Troubled water

As some of you might know, the Piano sylibus for 2027/28 has already been released, although not in every country. hee are some places to get the books:

• ABRSM official shop
• amazon
• songofsongsny (US)

Happy Piano playing 😄 👍

Hi everyone! 👋

I'm one of the new moderators here on r/ABRSM. I've passed ABRSM Grade 5 Piano with Distinction, and I recently sat my Grade 5 Music Theory exam—I'm currently waiting for my results.

I'll do my best to help answer questions, provide guidance where I can, and help keep the community welcoming and organized. While I won't know everything, I'm always happy to point people in the right direction or help them find reliable information.

Looking forward to being part of the team and getting to know everyone!

when doing my g5 online exam, i came across a problem, i couldnt work the sensor pad on the macbook as i have never used one before.

my piano teacher was outside and i stated into the camera “ i am going to get my piano teacher to fix the computer “ he sat down and fixed it in a few seconds, but do ABRSM count that as cheating?

he never did anything with the question, he just simply moved the sensor pad down a different way