Syllabus corrections
Current syllabuses | Syllabus overlaps | Corrections and clarifications | Obtaining exam music
When compiling our syllabuses, we make every effort to ensure that the information they contain is accurate and up to date.
However, corrections are sometimes necessary after the syllabuses have been issued, for example where publisher information has changed. Details are as follows:
Natural minor scale (from 2012)
From 1 January 2012 candidates for any instrument at Grades 1 and 2 may present the natural minor form for their set minor scale(s) as an alternative to the harmonic or melodic form (as applicable). For further details, see the Which subjects does this apply to? page.
Bowed Strings scales (from 2012)
Scale & arpeggio speeds for bowed strings
In the new ABRSM books of scales and arpeggios for Bowed Strings (published July 2011), minimum speeds are suggested for all requirements for the very first time.
This comes in response to requests from many teachers who found the former guidance – that the speeds should be dictated by the bowing – too vague. By publishing the tempi, we bring Bowed Strings into line with all the other ABRSM syllabuses.
After publication of the books, we’ve realized that we overestimated the speeds for the Grade 8 double-stop scales (in parallel) for Violin, Viola and Cello. These will be corrected to more moderate speeds at the next reprint of the books, as follows:
- Violin: crotchet = 72 (down from 92)
- Viola: crotchet = 66 (down from 84)
- Cello: crotchet = 60 (down from 72)
Please note that all the speeds published in our scale books are given as suggested minimums only, and many candidates will be comfortable playing the requirements at faster speeds. Examiners will continue to assess the technical work as they have done previously, and so these changes do not alter any aspect of assessment in the actual exams.
Flute (2008-2013)
Grade 7, A5 Mozart
The set movement (Adagio ma non troppo) is called 'Andante ma non troppo' in some editions.
Harp (from 2005)
Grade 3, A6 Handel
This book has now been repackaged and the pieces are numbered differently. In the 2006 revision, the Allegro is now listed as No. 7 and the Sonatina is No. 5.
Harpsichord (from 2009)
Grade 4, D5 Hurlebusch
This edition is now out of print.
Grade 5, D5 Hurlebusch
This edition is now out of print.
Organ (from 2011)
Grade 1, A1 J.S. Bach
The piece set on the syllabus is the 10-bar chorale version only (without figured bass realization). In addition to the syllabus-cited OUP publication, this 10-bar version is also available in Barenreiter Vol. 3 (BA5173) and Breitkopf & Hartel Vol. 9 (EB6589) (but not in the Peters complete Bach editions).
Grade 5, A6 Lübeck
There is a new edition of Lübeck Complete Organ Works published by Breitkopf & Härtel which has the code EB 8824. In this edition, the Fugue from Praeambulum in F begins on page 49.
Singing (from 2009)
Grade 2, B18 Lin Marsh
Serendipity Solos, formerly published by Piper Publications, is now published by Faber.
Grade 2, C25 Lin Marsh
Spooky Songs, formerly published by Piper Publications, is now published by Faber.
Grade 3, B17 Lin Marsh
Serendipity Solos, formerly published by Piper Publications, is now published by Faber.
Grade 3, B18 Lin Marsh
Spooky Songs, formerly published by Piper Publications, is now published by Faber.
Grade 5, A2
30 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries (medium-high or medium-low) The publisher codes have been incorrectly listed in the syllabus; they should read (Peters EP 7743a or 7743b)
Grade 5, B23 Lin Marsh
Serendipity Solos, formerly published by Piper Publications, is now published by Faber.
Grade 5 C17 Keel
Keel Salt-Water Ballads, published by Boosey & Hawkes, is a custom-print item. However, a separate edition of 'Trade Winds' (also published by Boosey & Hawkes) is readily available.
Grade 6, A4 and A5
30 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries (medium-high or medium-low) The publisher codes have been incorrectly listed in the syllabus; they should read (Peters EP 7743a or 7743b)
Grade 6, C17 Armstrong Gibbs
E minor separate edition (low) is now 'custom print'.
Grade 6, D2 Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick
Candidates singing 'Far from the home I love' from the vocal selections of Fiddler on the Roof are welcome to sing either lyric provided, making this item suitable for either a male or female voice.
Grade 7 A4, A5, A6, A8, A11, and A15
30 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries (medium-high or medium-low) The publisher codes have been incorrectly listed in the syllabus; they should read (Peters EP 7743a or 7743b)
Grade 7 D23 C. Porter
Only the verse and refrain 1 are required for the exam.
Grade 8 A6, A9, A10, and A17
30 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries (medium-high or medium-low) The publisher codes have been incorrectly listed in the syllabus; they should read (Peters EP 7743a or 7743b).
Treble Recorder (from 2008)
Grade 3, A5 Handel
Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks, formerly published by Dolce, is now published by Peacock Press (PAR-124).
Trumpet (from 2010)
Grade 8, B3 Bellstedt
For candidates using the Winwood Music album (Shepherd's Song), please note that only Bellstedt's Napoli is the set syllabus item (and not the piece 'Shepherd's Song' which is also included in this album).
Current syllabuses | Syllabus overlaps | Corrections and clarifications | Obtaining exam music