Short answer: choose by route and grade.

• Practical: three accompanied songs plus one unaccompanied traditional song, then prepare Sight-singing and Aural tests.
• Performance: four accompanied songs planned as one programme, including one own-choice song if required.

Use Syllabus Finder first, then select titles in the Singing collection.

Practical: three accompanied songs, one unaccompanied traditional song, Sight-singing, and Aural tests.

Performance: four accompanied songs in one continuous performance, assessed as songs plus performance as a whole.

The current Singing specifications in these files use the Singing from 2018 repertoire framework, with later updates including 2023 content review notes.

The Singing Performance syllabus (second edition) states validity from 6 September 2021, with repertoire valid until further notice.

Grades 1-5: choose at least one song from each of Lists A, B and C.

Grades 6-8: choose from five lists (A-E), taking songs from any three lists as required by the route format.

Practical: all listed accompanied songs require live piano accompaniment; candidates provide their own accompanist, and recorded accompaniments are not allowed.

Performance: all songs are accompanied, and accompaniment may be live or recorded. Candidates may not self-accompany unless using pre-recorded accompaniment.

Yes. The specifications state that songs may be sung by any voice type and in any key suitable for the candidate. Transpositions are allowed.

Songs may be sung in original language or a singing translation in another language, subject to route guidance.

Practical: all songs are sung from memory, except oratorio/cantata/large sacred-work items where score is permitted.

Performance: the same memory rule applies. Memory does not earn extra marks as a standalone bonus.

Practical Grades require one unaccompanied traditional (folk) song, from memory, in any suitable key.

Timing limits: Grades 1-4 = 1 to 2 minutes, Grades 5-8 = 1 to 3 minutes. It must be different from the accompanied songs in the same exam.

Practical: accompanied-song maximums at Grades 1-3 are 4, 5 and 6 minutes (for the three accompanied songs).

Performance: maximum programme times for Grades 1-8 are 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20 and 25 minutes, with one optional break of up to 1 minute (Grades 1-5) or 2 minutes (Grades 6-8).

The own-choice song must be accompanied, broadly at grade standard (or above), and available as a legible fully notated score.

• Minimum own-choice durations: Grade 1 00:25, Grade 2 00:30, Grade 3 00:35, Grade 4 00:45, Grade 5 01:00, Grade 6 01:30, Grade 7 02:00, Grade 8 03:00.
• Own composition or arrangement is permitted when all route rules are met.

Practical (150 marks): Song 1 (30), Song 2 (30), Song 3 (30), Unaccompanied traditional song (21), Sight-singing (21), Aural tests (18).

Performance (150 marks): Song 1 (30), Song 2 (30), Song 3 (30), Song 4 (30), Performance as a whole (30).

Result bands: Distinction 130-150, Merit 120-129, Pass 100-119, Below Pass 50-99.

Check the official ABRSM Singing area and verify route requirements in Syllabus Finder.

Then buy route-matched and grade-matched products in the Singing collection.