As a kid everyone does it; “I have grade 1 piano” or “I’m doing grade 4 clarinet”. It’s part of growing up in England, Europe, America, Hong Kong, Singapore and now increasingly all over the world. A few will go on further still, to the heady heights of grade 8 or even to diploma and the path to professional musician status or scholarships to university or conservatoires around the globe. Even those not wanting to be professional musicians know that showing accomplishment at a high level in an ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examination counts towards entry when university admissions councillors are reviewing places for highly competitive courses.

The 700+ ABRSM examiners around the globe are UK based musicians with a strong educational background and undergo significant training and yearly review. It is this extremely high level of attention to detail that is important and most valued throughout the music world. Becoming an ABRSM examiner is an accomplishment of some merit and not an easy task by any measure.

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music was founded in 1889  by Sir Alexander MacKenzie, principal of the Royal Academy of Music, and Sir George Grove, director of the Royal College of Music. They are the most famous and respected musical examinations authority in the world. Working with the four Royal schools of music (Royal Academy of Music, London, Royal College of Music, London, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow). They work in 90 countries and examine over 600,000 students annually. They also work to provide music scholarships, charitable donations and advocacy across the globe.

Sir Hubert Parry himself outlined the founding principles and aims of ABRSM: “For the most part the objects which approve themselves to us are not so much the award of well-deserved certificates… but to give people something definite to work for; to counteract the tendency to sipping and sampling which so often defeats the aspirations of gifted beings, and also to give people… opportunities to be intimately acquainted with the finest kinds of musical art, and to maintain standards of interpretation and an attitude of thoroughness in connection with music which will enable it to be most fruitful of good".

Opening doors through music and more importantly developing a deep, lifelong love of music are the most important reasons for any student (young or not so young) to study. Examinations are not the goal but are part of the journey, encouraging and structuring the development of the musician throughout each stage from beginner to virtuoso or proficient amateur.

The ABRSM have just received authority to begin examinations in China. This is a turning point in Chinese musical education. With the opening up of China's musical borders comes the opportunity for the international community to benefit from this new policy. For many years serious students of music and even those just wanting to keep up with peers back home have needed to travel to Hong Kong.

Music is a gift, a treasure for life and a real joy. Having an expert guide to lead one to even greater heights and treasures is invaluable. ABRSM has been that guide for for millions of students for over 120 years.