Violin graded music exams –ABRSM vs Trinity

No.1’s violin teacher suggested that she take either Trinity Grade 1 in December 2015 or ABRSM Grade 2 in March 2016. I was told that there are no significant differences between the two examination boards. Anyway, back then, I did not think that no.1 was ready to take any exams so we did not register for the Grade 1 exam in December; my plan was to let her take Grade 1 in March instead.

When the ABRSM registration for exams in March opened, no.1 was hopeful and wanted to attempt Grade 2 so she eventually signed up for Grade 2 ABRSM in March 2016. Shortly after that, no.2 was recommended to take Grade 1 Trinity in June 2016.

After having gone through the two exams with them, I discovered that there is one important difference between the two. Sight reading is not compulsory for Trinity Grades 1 to 5 exams!

In addition to that, listed below are other minor differences:

	ABRSM	Trinity
Examination dates	3 sessions in a year March, July and September	2 sessions in a year June and December
Prerequisites	None for Grades 1 to 5. For Grades 6 to 8, Grade 5 music theory must be completed	For Grade 8, Grade 5 music theory must be completed.
Pieces	3 pieces from 3 sets	3 pieces from 2 sets
Technical work	Scales and arpeggios	Bowing exercise and (i) Scales, arpeggios and technical exercise or (ii) studies
Supporting tests	Candidates must take the two supporting tests – sight reading and aural	For Grades 1 to 5: Candidates choose any two of the four supporting tests (musical knowledge, aural, sight reading, improvisation) For Grades 6 to 8: Candidates must take sight reading and either aural or improvisation.
Exam structure	Maximum 150 marks 3 Pieces – 90 (60%) Scales, arpeggios – 21 (14%) Sight reading – 21 (14%) Aural – 18 (12%)	Maximum 100 marks 3 Pieces – 66 Technical work – 14 Supporting test 1 – 10 Supporting test 2 – 10
Mark scheme	Distinction – 130 to 150 (>86%) Merit – 120 to 129 (80% to 86%) Pass – 100 to 119 (66% to 79%	Distinction – 87 to 100 Merit – 75 to 86 Pass – 60to 74

The Aural format for the two exam boards differs too. 

Some say Trinity’s pieces and tests are easier, do you agree?