Printed book · Grade 1
Piano Exam Pieces 2027 & 2028
Nine pieces selected from Lists A, B and C, with links to video performances and learning resources. Choose one piece from each list for your three set pieces.
View the Grade 1 bookWhich books do I need for Grade 1 piano?
Find the right music for your ABRSM exam, choose your syllabus edition and see which books can help you prepare.
One book.
Nine pieces. A choice of music from Lists A, B and C.
Nine pieces. A choice of music from Lists A, B and C.
Which exam are you taking?
Three pieces, plus supporting skills
Prepare one piece from each of Lists A, B and C, alongside scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests.
Choose your syllabus edition
Check when you will take your exam or submit your video before choosing a syllabus. If you’re already learning pieces, speak to your teacher before changing editions.
In 2027, you can use either syllabus, but all three set pieces must come from the same one. Check the syllabus dates
Find the books for your exam
Printed book · Grade 1
Piano Exam Pieces 2025 & 2026
Nine pieces selected from Lists A, B and C of the 2025 & 2026 syllabus. Choose one piece from each list for your three set pieces. This syllabus remains valid until 31 December 2027.
View the Grade 1 bookOur Exam Pieces book contains a selection from the syllabus. You can also choose other listed pieces and buy their music separately.
Prepare the supporting skills
These skills are assessed in a Practical Grade. The books below offer preparation material; buying every book is not an exam requirement.
Piano Scales & Arpeggios, Grade 1
The scales and arpeggios required for your grade, in one place for regular practice.
View the scales book
Piano Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Grade 1
Practise reading unfamiliar music with examples at the level expected in the exam.
View the sight-reading bookRemember aural preparation
Listening is part of your Practical exam too. Your teacher can help you practise the Grade 1 aural tests and choose suitable resources.
See the full Practical Grade requirementsPerformance Grade: choose your fourth piece
For a Performance Grade, add an own-choice piece to your three set pieces. Check the current requirements with your teacher before choosing the music.
You don’t take separate scales, sight-reading or aural tests in a Performance Grade.
Check the Performance Grade requirementsA few things worth knowing
Do I have to buy every book on this page?
No. You need the music for the pieces you choose, but the supporting books are preparation resources. Ask your teacher what you’ll use together, and check what you already own before buying.
Can I still use the 2025 & 2026 book in 2027?
Yes. The 2025 & 2026 piano syllabus remains valid until 31 December 2027. For a Performance Grade, upload your video by that date. Keep all three set pieces within the same syllabus; the overlap does not change your fourth, own-choice piece. Check the official syllabus update.
Do the scales and sight-reading books change with each syllabus?
The 2027 & 2028 piano update changes the repertoire. The scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural requirements remain unchanged, so you don’t need to replace a suitable supporting book just because the repertoire edition changes.
