ABRSM Violin books for Practical and Performance Grades

Start with three checks: your grade, your exam route and the type of book you need. Practical Grades usually mean Violin Exam Pieces or an Exam Pack, plus Scales & Arpeggios and sight-reading support. Performance Grades use a four-piece programme, so you will normally start with the grade-matched Violin Exam Pieces book and then confirm any own-choice music separately. The current collection is organised around the Violin Exam Pieces from 2024 titles, so use Syllabus Finder if you want to confirm the exact book before ordering.

For Practical Grades, most customers start with the grade-matched Violin Exam Pieces book or Violin Exam Pack, then add the matching Scales & Arpeggios book and a Violin Specimen Sight-Reading Tests book for the right grade band. That gives you the core printed material for pieces, technical work and supporting practice.

For Performance Grades, begin with the correct Violin Exam Pieces book for your grade so you can build your programme from the current list pieces. You may also need to buy an additional score if you plan to use an own-choice piece. Unlike Practical Grades, you do not need separate scales or sight-reading books for the assessment itself.

If you want the solo line only, choose the Violin Part edition. If you or your teacher need the piano accompaniment in the same purchase, choose Violin Part & Piano Accompaniment. For many learners, the combined edition is the simpler choice because it keeps both parts together for lessons and rehearsal.

If you are taking Practical Grades, yes. Violin Exam Pieces cover your repertoire, but most candidates also buy the matching Scales & Arpeggios book and the correct Violin Specimen Sight-Reading Tests book so they can prepare the full assessment. If you are taking a Performance Grade, your main starting point is usually the Exam Pieces book.

For very early stages, look for the Violin Exam Pack from 2024, Initial Grade if you are preparing Initial Grade, or choose Violin Prep Test if you are working towards Prep Test. These titles are designed for beginners and give you a clearer starting point than jumping straight into later grade books.

Usually, yes. The grade-matched Violin Exam Pieces books are the main starting point for both routes, because both Practical and Performance Grades draw on the current repertoire lists. The difference is how those pieces are used in the assessment, so always confirm the route requirements before you buy any extra supporting books.

Use Syllabus Finder to confirm the correct route and grade, then shop in the Violin collection. If you want to double-check the latest ABRSM requirements, review the official bowed strings information and exam regulations before you place your order.