Student proudly holding a certificate after a music exam at a recital hall

ABRSM & RCM Exam Preparation

One of the few studios in the region offering both internationally recognized exam tracks — with guidance from the Ohio representative for ABRSM herself.

Start Your Exam Track

A Rare Advantage: The Examining Board's Ohio Representative Teaches Here

Dr. Karen Kim serves as the Ohio representative for ABRSM — meaning she works directly with the examining board. Musical Moments students have earned First Honors with Distinction on ABRSM exams. Students may pursue the ABRSM track, the RCM track, or both, depending on their goals.

ABRSM

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music offers internationally recognized graded music exams from Initial Grade through Grade 8, taken in over 90 countries.

  • Scored out of 100 — 50 for a Pass, 60 for a Merit, 65 for a Distinction
  • Practical exams: three pieces from the ABRSM syllabus, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests
  • Current syllabus valid through 2026
  • Widely used for international credentials and conservatory preparation

🎓 Our students have earned First Honors with Distinction on ABRSM exams.

RCM

The Royal Conservatory of Music offers a graded certification program from Preparatory through Grade 10, plus the ARCT diploma at the advanced level. More than 100,000 RCM exams are taken annually across North America.

  • Scored out of 100, with 60 as the passing mark
  • Exams cover repertoire (three pieces), technical requirements including scales and études, and musicianship components including ear tests and sight-reading
  • Grade 8 is a common benchmark for high school completion
  • Grade 10 and ARCT are college audition credentials

🎓 The standard North American track for college audition credentials.

A Complete Exam Preparation System

1

Choose the Right Track

During enrollment we help you decide which track — ABRSM, RCM, or both — best fits your student's goals, from international credentials to college auditions.

2

Build Every Component

Weekly lessons cover the full exam: repertoire, scales and technique, sight-reading, and aural skills — plus theory classes and group lessons that reinforce musicianship.

3

Perform with Confidence

Studio recitals and mock exams give students real performance experience before exam day — so the exam room feels familiar, not frightening.

Smiling student celebrating exam results with family applauding

Why Families Choose an Exam Track

Graded exams give music study what most lessons lack: a clear, internationally recognized standard of progress. Each grade is a concrete milestone that builds repertoire, technique, and musicianship — and provides credentials that follow your student to high school honors, college applications, and conservatory auditions.

  • Objective feedback from professional examiners, not just a teacher's opinion
  • Documented achievement recognized in over 90 countries
  • Structured motivation — students practice differently when a real goal is on the calendar
  • College credentials — RCM Grade 10 and ARCT strengthen music school applications
Discuss Your Student's Goals
📞 Call Now — 513-222-4769