Horn
About Horn exams
We offer a range of assessments for horn players, from the Prep Test for beginners up to Grade 8 and diplomas in Music Performance for advanced musicians.
Read on to find out more about Horn exams.
The new Brass Syllabuses for Practical and Performance Grades feature refreshed repertoire lists for all instruments and grades, as well as new scale and sight-reading requirements for Practical Grades. There are no changes to the aural tests for Practical Grades.
The new syllabuses came into effect on 1 January 2023 and there is a one-year overlap period.
Practical Grades are face-to-face exams that focus on all-round musical knowledge and skills, including performance. Exams are available a Grades 1 to 8. In the exam you perform three pieces, play scales and arpeggios and take sight-reading and aural tests.
Downloads
Download a PDF of the full Horn Practical Grades qualification specification. This includes the syllabus and marking criteria as well as detailed information about exam requirements.
Performance Grades are digital exams assessed from a video recording. They have a strong focus on performance, including communication, interpretation and delivery. In the exam you perform a programme of four pieces.
Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. There are no booking periods or exam sessions so you can choose when to book, record and submit your exam.
As well as reading the qualification specification and syllabus for your instrument, you should read our Performance Grade guidance which includes important information about recording and submitting your exam video. Follow the link below to find out more.
Downloads
Download PDFs of the Performance Grades Qualification Specification and Brass syllabus.
Syllabus overlaps
In the first year of a new syllabus we offer an overlap period when candidates can follow specific requirements from the previous syllabus.
Syllabus updates
For the latest updates to our syllabuses, visit our syllabus page below.
