Exams/Sight-reading

ABRSM sight-reading

ABRSM sight-reading is a short classical-style piece with a half-minute preparation window. Continuity counts more than pitch accuracy; the published workbooks supply graded specimen tests.

Three habits that move the needle

Rhythm first
Pulse beats pitches. Examiners can forgive a wrong note in tempo; they cannot forgive a stop. Count the bar in your head before the first note.
Never stop
If you slip, keep going. Going back to fix a wrong note costs more marks than the wrong note itself.
Look ahead
The eye should be a beat or two ahead of the hands at all times. Reading where you already are is too late.

How ABRSM examines sight-reading

ABRSM

ABRSM — short, classical, half-minute prep

ABRSM sight-reading is a short classical-style piece (Grade-dependent length) with a half-minute preparation window. Reading and pulse are both assessed; continuity matters more than pitch accuracy.

Pick your grade

ABRSM — Grades 1 to 8

Bristol Piano is an independent reference work and is not affiliated with ABRSM.