Mendelssohn: Song Without Words, Op. 85 No. 6

Prep Test

The Prep Test is designed for children who have been playing for about a year, and acts as a stepping stone towards the first graded exam. It takes approximately ten minutes to complete, and has no pass or fail. At the end candidates are presented with a certificate giving positive, helpful comments.

The Test encourages the building of good musical and technical foundations. It touches on many of the skills that learners will be developing at this stage, including the basics of musical perception, an awareness of pitch and rhythm, accuracy and quality of tone and controlled, even playing.

Examiners are not the silent, severe judges that people sometimes expect. In fact, they are unfailingly friendly and supportive and want you to do well! If you would like to learn more about the Prep Test, the Associated Board has published a free guide which you can download from their website here.

"Setting the standard for piano teachers everywhere."
Andrew Green, BBC Radio 3 broadcaster, writer, reviewer and critic (Music Teacher Magazine, Jan '07).

Member of the European Piano Teachers Association, promoting excellence in piano teaching and performance.