Exam route guides

Choose the right exam pathway

These guides explain the main music exam routes available to students and parents, including ABRSM, Trinity, practical exams, theory exams, focused exam preparation lessons and Theory Compass support routes at The Glasgow School of Music.

1 Board guide

ABRSM Music Exams Guide

A clear parent and student guide to ABRSM Practical Grades, Performance Grades, Music Theory and the Grade 5 theory requirement.

Read the ABRSM guide → 2 Board guide

Trinity Music Exams Guide

Understand Trinity face-to-face and digital exam routes, flexible assessment options, theory pathways and preparation support.

Read the Trinity guide → 3 Parent guide

Practical Music Exams Guide

Learn what practical music exams assess, how face-to-face and digital routes differ, and when a student may be ready.

Explore practical exams → 4 Theory guide

Music Theory Exams Guide

A practical guide to Grade 1 foundations, Grade 5 theory, ABRSM and Trinity theory pathways, and long-term musicianship.

Explore theory exams → 5 Lessons

Music Exam Preparation Lessons

Structured exam preparation lessons in Glasgow for ABRSM, Trinity, practical, performance and music theory exams.

Request exam support →

Theory Compass support

Need theory support before an exam route?

Theory Compass Academy and Bootcamp support students building Grade 1 foundations, written theory confidence and exam-readiness before theory becomes a barrier to progress.

Steady group route Theory Compass Academy A 6-week small-group route for students building secure Grade 1 theory foundations, confidence and musical understanding. Explore Academy → Focused intensive Theory Compass Bootcamp A 5-day Grade 1 exam-readiness intensive for students ready for concentrated written theory preparation. View Bootcamp → Individual route One-to-One Music Theory Lessons Tailored theory support for students who need a more personal route, Grade 5 preparation or help alongside practical lessons. View Theory Lessons →

How the pages work together

A complete route from research to exam preparation

This hub is designed to help families move from general exam questions to a suitable lesson route. Some students need board-specific advice, some need theory support, and some are ready to request focused exam preparation.

  • ABRSM and Trinity guides explain the main exam-board options.
  • Practical and theory guides explain what students are assessed on and why readiness matters.
  • Exam preparation lessons provide the commercial next step for families ready to request support.
  • Theory Compass Academy and Bootcamp give early-grade students structured theory support before exam preparation becomes urgent.