Been thinking (and managed not to hurt myself....)

I'm wondering why I haven't been asked for ID when I've taken ABRSM exams. Surely this should be the case, particularly if, say, you were going for Grade 8 practical and needed a distinction to get into an acclaimed university?

You could just slip a few quid to someone more capable to get the piece of paper you were after, surely?

I know there's the argument that you would be "cheating yourself", but a place at a preferred uni/conservatoire is something that people are usually desperate for?

Well you would still need to do the entrance audition yourself (or would you send the doppelganger to do that too?).

Seeing as I've never been through the whole process, I wouldn't know to be honest. It's possible that someone could do something shady to circumvent exam nerves, however instead of poor playing? *shrug*

Good point though, if you have a much more talented, identical twin, you're pretty much laughing!

I though the very same thing with the theory exam. Surely anyone can just turn up an do it for you...

Ssssshhhhh!

Don't say any more, Sol or we will have as much beaurocracy and passport wielding to endure in our music exams as we do in every other area of life. So far, we are taken on trust; its when someone has to Do Something About It that we get daft laws passed and have to carry cards, memorise PIN numbers and so on.

Lets hope nobody takes it into their head to hire a stooge and if they do, that they fall flat on their face when required to produce 'the goods' themselves.

I'd never even thought of this before You mean I went all the way to grade 8 working my butt off and I could've just gotten someone to do my exam for me?! Kidding... I like the satisfaction of an exam well done

I suppsoe in part it is to do with the consequences.

If I get a ringer in to pass my driving test, I am then able to drive with a licence in my name that I did not earn. I would be breaking the law, and a potential danger.

If I get a ringer in to take my music grade exam - the only loss or risk is to myself. The main risk as mentioned is that of exposing myself subsequently (as it were ) For example, if I audition somewhere brandishing my G8 distinction certificate when I am blatantly unable to tell which end of the instrument to blow (an even bigger deal if it's not a wind instrument )

The only exams I've had to produce ID at are my OU exams. That I can understand, as with distance learning the OU wants to be sure that the qualifications it awards as 'legitimate as possible'. While each assignment is signed to say it is all the work of the candidate, only in the exam will there be definitive proof of that (let's face it, someone who gets someone else to write their essays might just be willing to lie and sign saying it was their own work)

At school exams we didn't have to produce ID but then the teachers knew who we all were! At full-time uni, didn't have to produce any ID there either. I suppose the chance of finding a ringer to take 24 hours of exams for you - on which your entire degree rested (no coursework) - was pretty unlikely!!

I wonder whether they realise how many people may not have this?
Then again the cost of music lessons and exams probalbly reduces the percentage.

I think (though I may be wrong) that in some countries where ABRSM exams are held, that the candidates do have an ID number, and maybe a card to present.

Goes further than that - I was never asked for ID for any of my diplomas either! Yet you have to have photo ID for OU exams.

Yes. Son took DipABRSM in July 2008 and had to say beforehand what form of ID out of a few acceptable possibles he would bring (he chose driving licence), and then produce it on the day.

I don't really think it would be worth it to anyone to persuade someone to do a Dip for them, as it doesn't mean a lot in terms of earnings or anything. It's more for your own satisfaction really.