Trinity, RSL or ABRSM: Which Music Exam Board Is Right for You?

If you or your child are learning music in India, you will soon hear about graded exams from three UK-based boards: Trinity College London, RSL (better known as Rockschool) and ABRSM. All three are respected, all three run exams in India, and all three take students from the first steps to Grade 8. The differences lie in style, structure and what each exam asks you to do. Here is how to choose.

What graded music exams are

A graded exam assesses a student at a set level, usually from a beginner grade up to Grade 8. Candidates perform prepared pieces and complete supporting tests such as technical work, sight reading or aural tests. Passing a grade gives a clear, recognised milestone, and many students find that working towards an exam gives their practice a helpful focus. In the UK, Grades 6 to 8 from these boards also carry points towards university applications.

ABRSM: the classical tradition

ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) is best known for classical exams on instruments such as piano, violin, flute and voice. Its syllabuses draw on the classical repertoire, and its exams include scales and arpeggios, sight reading and aural tests. ABRSM has long asked candidates to pass a Grade 5 theory or musicianship exam before taking the higher practical grades, which builds a strong foundation in reading and understanding music.

Suits: students focused on classical piano, strings, woodwind or classical singing who want a traditional, thorough path.

Trinity College London: classical, jazz and rock and pop

Trinity offers classical and jazz exams on a wide range of instruments, and a separate Rock & Pop syllabus for guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals. Its exams are known for giving candidates some choice in the supporting tests, so students can play to their strengths. For piano, violin or flute, Trinity is a popular alternative to ABRSM; for contemporary players, Trinity Rock & Pop sits alongside RSL.

Suits: students who want a respected board with flexibility, or who move between classical and contemporary styles.

RSL (Rockschool): built for contemporary music

RSL, widely known as Rockschool, specialises in contemporary music: guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals and ukulele. Students perform pieces in real styles, from rock and pop to funk and metal, usually playing along with backing tracks, which feels much closer to playing in a band. Its grades run from Debut up to Grade 8, and improvisation and playing by ear are part of the journey.

Suits: guitarists, drummers, bassists and singers who love modern music and want exams that sound like it.

A quick comparison

• Styles: ABRSM is mainly classical; Trinity covers classical, jazz and rock and pop; RSL covers contemporary styles.
• Instruments: for piano, violin and flute, ABRSM or Trinity; for guitar, bass, drums and vocals in modern styles, RSL or Trinity Rock & Pop.
• Theory: ABRSM's higher grades expect a theory or musicianship pass; the others build musical knowledge into their exams in different ways.
• Feel of the exam: RSL and Trinity Rock & Pop use backing tracks; classical exams are usually solo or with an accompanist.

How to choose

Start with the music your child wants to play. A student who loves film songs on the guitar will enjoy RSL or Trinity Rock & Pop far more than a classical syllabus, and enjoyment is what keeps practice going. A student drawn to classical piano may prefer ABRSM's structure or Trinity's flexibility. If you are unsure, ask your teacher to show you pieces from each syllabus at your level: the one that makes you want to practise is usually the right one.

All three boards publish their syllabuses, so you can see exactly what each grade asks before you commit.

Are exams necessary?

No. Exams are a useful milestone for many students, but plenty of fine musicians never take one. At Prism, graded exams are optional: students who want them prepare with their teacher, and students who do not simply learn and perform. We prepare students for exams with boards including Trinity and RSL. Explore courses such as guitar classes in Gurugram, piano classes in South Delhi or drum classes in Faridabad, or classes at Origin Story in Sushant Lok.

Whichever board you choose, reading music and training your ear will help. Try our free note reading trainer and ear training exercises.

Frequently asked questions