Abrsm Piano Exam Grade 1 Jun 2026

Reality: Grade 1 scales are slow . The recommended speed is about 60-80 crotchet beats per minute, two notes per beat. Clarity beats speed every time.

| Test | Task | Example question | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Clap back a 2-bar rhythm (3/4 or 4/4) | “Clap this: crotchet, crotchet, minim.” | | 1B | Say if the higher note is 1st or 2nd | Play two notes – ask: “Which is higher?” | | 2A | Clap the pulse while examiner plays | “Tap the beat while I play 4 bars.” | | 2B | Identify a change (loud/soft, getting louder, etc.) | “Did the music get louder, softer, or stay the same?” | | 3 | Sing/hum 3 notes from a major triad | Play C-E-G – ask: “Sing middle note (E).” | abrsm piano exam grade 1

If you are a piano teacher, the ABRSM Grade 1 exam is often your student’s first encounter with formal assessment. Here is how to prepare them without causing anxiety: Reality: Grade 1 scales are slow

Start today. Learn your C major scale. Pick one piece from the syllabus. And remember: every concert pianist once fumbled through their Grade 1 broken chords. The journey of a thousand concerts begins with a single, steady crotchet. | Test | Task | Example question |