Music Performance ARSM
Associate of the Royal Schools of Music
Our ARSM diploma in Music Performance is for learners beyond Grade 8. It's an opportunity to create and present an extended programme of music and demonstrate your performance skills. You can choose from a face-to-face exam or a digital exam assessed from a video recording.
Examiners assess candidates on their musical communication skills, interpretation and technical delivery. They award marks for the presentation of pieces or songs and for the performance as a whole.
You can download the qualification specification and repertoire lists on this page.
Downloads
Who it’s for
Our ARSM Performance diploma is open to learners of any age. It's available for the following instrumental and singing subjects:
- Keyboard - Piano, Harpsichord, Organ
- Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp (pedal only)
- Woodwind - Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
- Brass - Horn, Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, E flat Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba
- Percussion
- Singing, Singing for Musical Theatre
You must have ABRSM Performance or Practical Grade 8 in your ARSM subject. We also accept alternative qualifications, as listed in the qualification specification.
In the assessment you perform a 30-minute programme of music. At least 20 minutes of music must be from the ARSM repertoire list and up to 10 minutes can be own-choice music of Grade 8 standard or above. There are no written or spoken elements and no supporting tests.
Full details are available in the qualification specification and repertoire lists, available to download on this page.
Repertoire lists
Face-to-face exams – take place at a Public Venue (organised by us) or a Private Visit (a venue organised by a teacher or school). Find out more on our dates and fees page and how to book pages.
Digital exams – are assessed from a video. The candidate records this at a time and place of their choice before submitting it to us for assessment. There are no booking periods or exam sessions. Instead, you book, pay and submit the exam video when you’re ready. You can submit the video when you book or at any time during the following 28 days.
Digital exam guidance – if you’re taking a digital exam, you should read the Guidance for Digital ARSM Music Performance Exams, available to download on this page. This includes important information about recording, uploading and submitting your video recording.
Access arrangements for candidates with specific needs – it's currently not possible to select an access arrangement when booking digital ARSM Performance diplomas. To request an access arrangement, please email [email protected] with your booking details and requirements. We will then add this to your booking.
Face-to-face exams – you will need to complete a programme form to hand to the examiner before your performance. A blank form is available to download and print on this page. You can also use a blank piece of paper to list your repertoire in performance order.
Digital exams – you enter your programme details when uploading your video recording.
For digital exams, read the Guidance for Digital ARSM Music Performance Exams (available to download at the top of this page) before your book and take your exam. This includes important information about recording, uploading and submitting your video recording.
Yes, there are no time limits on the validity of the Grade 8 prerequisite.
No, but we may ask for a copy of the certificate or other supporting documentation. If you cannot provide this or we find that you don’t have the correct qualification, we will cancel the exam booking without refunding the fee.
