RIAM Performance Grade Exams
RIAM Performance Grade Exams celebrate imagination and creative expression, focusing on performance with no supporting tests.
Whether you're a classical musician, jazz enthusiast, or pop performer, these exams provide a flexible and inspiring way
to showcase your unique style and strengths.
Performers can focus entirely on delivering expressive and engaging pieces without preparing for supporting tests.
Candidates can choose from a flexible repertoire, including RIAM syllabus works or genres like Pop, Jazz, and Traditional music.
Performance Grade Exams at a Glance
Celebrate imagination and creative expression, focusing on performance with no supporting tests.
- No supporting tests. Simply perform four grade-appropriate pieces.
- Choose from a flexible repertoire, including RIAM syllabi, or choose your own from other genres or Exam Boards
- In-person or video submissions, expert feedback and RIAM Spotlight Awards eligibility.
Exam Structure
Performance Grade Exams include performance of four pieces from RIAM syllabus, other boards, or own choice, with marks awarded in the following areas:
- Precision: Note accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, tempo, recovery (30 marks)
- Musicality: Expressing mood and character, demonstrating stylistic details, use of articulation, dynamics, and phrasing (30 marks)
- Technical Ability: Posture and coordination, control of tone and sound evenness, range of tonal colour, clarity in fast passages, ability to sustain long phrases (30 marks)
- Overall Presentation (10 marks)
Repertoire Selection Guidelines & Support
Own Choice Approval Service for RIAM Performance Grade Exams
RIAM Performance Grade Exams offer the flexibility to choose pieces from any genre, exam board, or original source, provided they match the technical level of the grade.
Pieces listed by other recognised exam boards at the same grade do not require approval.
For all other free-choice repertoire, candidates may use our optional approval service to submit up to four pieces for review by the Chief Examiner, ensuring they meet the expected standard.