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Exam Syllabi

RIAM syllabi support learners at every stage, offering clear progression and expertly curated repertoire across music and drama. 
From graded exams to recital programmes and diplomas, each syllabus provides structured guidance for 
developing technique, musicality, and performance skills.

Explore syllabi below for solo and group music performance, drama and communication, 
and professional-level teaching and performance diplomas.

Music Syllabi

Drama & Communication Exams

Cara Awards & Recital Exams

Diploma Exams

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Grace Period for Practical Grade Exams

RIAM offers a Grace Period for candidates taking Practical Grade Exams. This allows for some flexibility in the use of piano albums across exam sessions.

What is the Grace Period?
The Grace Period permits candidates to use a syllabus from the previous calendar year during the first exam session of the following year. For example, the 2024 Piano Albums may still be used in the Spring session of 2025. This applies specifically to RIAM Practical Grade Exams in Piano (Elementary to Grade V), where album content changes annually.

Important Notes

  • The Grace Period applies only to the first session (Spring) of the new calendar year.
  • It is valid for all grades within the Piano syllabus where albums are used.
  • You must use only one album year per exam. Mixing pieces from the 2024 and 2025 albums, or combining pieces from different syllabi, is not permitted.

For Candidates Taking Performance Grade Exams

If you are preparing for a Performance Grade Exam, you may select pieces from different RIAM syllabus years, including previous Piano Albums. This offers increased flexibility and supports diverse programme-building.