The ABRSM 2025 & 2026 – Expanding the Musical Horizon
The highly anticipated biennial releases of the ABRSM’s new syllabus publications are a significant event in the world of piano education, regardless of whether one chooses to participate in or teach the graded exams.
Every two years, the new suite of graded books serves as a barometer of contemporary tastes, soon becoming staples in concert halls, festivals, practice rooms, and online forums. Learners and teachers will find composers of the expected core repertoire such as Scarlatti, Mozart and Liszt, alongside works by Rihanna, Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli, and Alexis Ffrench. Teachers and students alike can engage in lively discussions about these pieces, with many questions and opinions circulating around their suitability for performance. Notably, the updated syllabus also showcases the work of women composers, featuring pieces by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Fanny Hensel, and Mélanie Bonis, among others.
Tracks Streamed
As part of the ABRSM’s 2024 syllabus refresh, the organization has expanded its resources to include audio recordings of every piece, now accessible through major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. This innovative move allows students to conveniently access and listen to the repertoire alongside their practice, providing an immersive and engaging experience that can aid in their musical development.
Each Exam Piece book is a treasure trove of music that, while not flawless, is undoubtedly inspiring. By providing a flexible framework that allows users to prioritize what matters most to them in piano education, ABRSM has acknowledged the complexities of today’s educational landscape.
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