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Keyboard exam books and resources
Shop official ABRSM Keyboard exam books, exam pieces, and supporting resources in one place. Browse titles for each level/grade and choose books aligned with current ABRSM syllabus expectations.
Use the grade tabs to focus on the right level, then build a complete plan with exam pieces and supporting resources for lessons, home practice, and exam preparation. Need quick guidance before buying? Jump to the FAQs below.
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ABRSM Harpsichord FAQs: Practical and Performance book-buying guide
What should I buy first for ABRSM Harpsichord Practical Grades?
Short answer: buy by grade and cover every assessed component.
- Three pieces following list rules (List B, List C, plus one from List A or List D)
- Scales and arpeggios material
- Sight-reading and figured bass realization practice
- Specimen Aural Tests
Start with Syllabus Finder, then buy from your collection page.
What should I buy first for ABRSM Harpsichord Performance Grades?
Short answer: plan a four-piece programme to meet list structure.
- At least one piece from List B and one from List C
- A third piece from either List A or List D
- A fourth piece from any list or own-choice
Performance route has no separate supporting tests.
What is the difference between Harpsichord Practical and Performance routes?
Practical: three pieces plus scales/arpeggios, sight-reading + figured bass realization, and aural tests.
Performance: four pieces in one continuous programme, assessed as individual pieces plus performance as a whole.
Are these Harpsichord requirements current?
Practical Harpsichord syllabus: valid from 2009 until further notice.
Harpsichord Performance syllabus: second edition valid for exams from 6 September 2021 (updated 8 March 2023), with repertoire valid until further notice.
How many pieces are required for ABRSM Harpsichord Practical and Performance?
Practical: 3 pieces total: one from List B, one from List C, and one from either List A or List D.
Performance: 4 pieces total using the same list structure, plus a fourth piece from any list or own-choice.
What technical tests are included in Harpsichord Practical exams?
Harpsichord Practical tests scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, figured bass realization, and aural tests alongside pieces.
All scales and arpeggios are played from memory.
What instrument rules should I check for Harpsichord?
Most Harpsichord repertoire requires range up to d'''. For practical, very low notes not available on the instrument may be transposed or omitted where permitted.
For performance route, candidates must use an acoustic instrument; digital keyboard harpsichord settings are not allowed.
What are the own-choice and timing rules for Harpsichord Performance?
Minimum own-choice durations (Grades 1-8): 00:25, 00:30, 00:35, 00:45, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 03:00.
Maximum programme times (Grades 1-8): 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 minutes.
At Grades 6-8, own-choice can be played on a related instrument such as spinet or virginal, as appropriate.
How are ABRSM Harpsichord Practical and Performance exams marked?
Practical: Piece 1 (30) + Piece 2 (30) + Piece 3 (30) + Scales/arpeggios (21) + Sight-reading/Figured bass combined (21) + Aural tests (18) = 150.
Performance: four pieces (120) + performance as a whole (30) = 150.
Result bands: Distinction 130-150, Merit 120-129, Pass 100-119, Below Pass 50-99.
How do Harpsichord Performance submissions work?
Harpsichord Performance Grades are submitted as digital video exams. Candidates provide programme details online, show the opening of own-choice material, and perform a single continuous programme.
Grades 6-8 require photographic ID on camera.
Do Harpsichord Practical and Performance use the same repertoire lists?
Yes. Harpsichord performance documentation confirms repertoire is shared with practical lists.
The same grade can still be prepared with different programmes for broader learning.
Where should I verify Harpsichord requirements before buying?
Quick check path:
- Use Syllabus Finder and choose Harpsichord
- Read Exam Regulations and Performance Grades
- Then buy the required editions from your assigned collection
