The latest of our videos supporting the launch of our new Post-Grade-8 diploma feature condensed versions of ARSM performances, providing a useful insight into the requirements of the new exam. The clips featured are representative of the whole performance, but particularly focus on the areas of the performance which led to the overall result. The films showcase each piece in turn and then provide commentary from our Chief Examiner, John Holmes, who discusses the ARSM marking criteria and provides an insight into what our examiners are looking for.

Piano

Clarinet

Behind the scenes

Take a look a behind the scenes as members of the Junior Department at the Royal Academy of Music test their performance skills and share what they thought of their ARSM exam.

What is ARSM?

The Associate of the Royal Schools of Music (ARSM) is a performance-only diploma that provides an opportunity to candidates to demonstrate performance skills after Grade 8. Candidates perform a 30-minute programme where they are assessed on their musical communication skills, interpretation and technical delivery. There are no written or spoken elements and no scales, sight-reading or aural tests, making it a very accessible exam.