I believe Canada  and Australia has a similar system to ABRSM.


vl

Christopher Rosevear wrote:

>I would be intrigued to know whether anywhere else has a unified music
>examination system as in the UK.
>
>Here we have the Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music
>examinations, Grades 1 (beginner) to 8 (advanced).  Duration ranges
>between 10 and 30 minutes.  Grade 8 is the level needed for entry to any
>of the major music schools.  Pass is 100/150; merit 120/150; distinction
>130/150 at all levels.
>
>The exams are broken into:
>
>- Set pieces - most commonly 2 contrasting pieces and a study.  At the
>higher levels on the piano, for example, you might get one of the 24
>Preludes and Fugues, a Beethoven Sonata and then a modern study, but the
>list choice is pretty large and can cater to most tastes; normally you can
>choose from about 10 pieces on each list.  (90 marks - 30 marks each piece
>where 3 pieces are set)
>
>- Aural tests - tests for rhythm, harmonic understanding, part singing and
>structure (18 marks)
>
>- Sight reading - complexity and duration depending on grade (21 marks)
>
>- Scales and arpeggios ranging from 10 or so to start to over 600
>combinations at grade 8.  (21 marks)
>
>The amazing thing is the system has not changed much in the last 40 years
>(the set piece lists have been updated, but the level of competence is
>still measured the same way - and unlike the school examination systems,
>there has been as far as I can tell no "dumbing down".)
>
>What do other countries do to ascertain musical levels of competence, and
>do they work?
>
>I confess a personal interest - I recently took my first exam for 40 years
>on a new instrument, for the fun of it (and a bet); and I do not think I
>have worked so hard for many an aeon!
>
>Dr Christopher Rosevear
>