A Violinist with Strong Distinction – Mia’s ABRSM Exam

On August 14 this year, Mia in Grade 11 passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Performance Viola exam with strong Distinction. This was done through an online performance which resulted in 143 out of 150 points, while bringing stylistic and expressive detail to life in the examiner’s ears. Mia, who has been playing the violin for several years, has a long-term vision for her future in music. We contacted Mia to find out more about ABRSM, the exam and what plans she has in store for the future.

The ABRSM, UK's largest music education body, has its roots all the way back to 1889 and was created to provide an alternative to privately owned examining institutions. With a mission to nurture a love for music and to inspire achievement, the organisation partners with four Royal Schools of Music and offers pathways and resources for both learners and teachers. Candidates for the ABRSM Grade 6, 7 or 8 exams must already have taken and passed at least the Grade 5 in Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz instrument.

Being a distance learner, Mia optioned for the Viola Performance exam, a recent offering by ABRSM, as an alternative to the in-person Practical exam. She has always had a long-term plan to finish her Grade 8 ABRSM exam before starting Grade 11 at TISB, and hopes to work towards a ABRSM diploma in music before starting college. “I spent most of my summer vacation preparing for the exam, so I am thrilled with the results!”, says Mia, who had to present a continuous performance of four pieces. The four pieces were varied and pre-selected by the ABRSM. “The music selections were quite challenging, and I felt that I was improving every single day that I practised”, says Mia, who although passing the exam with flying colours, thinks it is hard to say that you have mastered anything completely.  

Mia would like to continue studying music, and sees herself working professionally with music in different ways in the future: “I would like to always be able to play with an orchestra. But I am also interested in exploring newer fields in music, like Music Therapy, that will let me make other meaningful impacts in my community”.

To find out more about different types of instruments an exams, visit the ABRSM website.