ABRSM Piano Sight Reading Guide: Grades 1-8
Everything you need to know about ABRSM piano sight reading exams. What's expected at each grade, how to prepare, and tips from experienced examiners.
Quick Facts
- Marks: 21 out of 150 total (14%)
- Prep time: 30 seconds to look at the piece
- Can you practice? Yes, you can try passages during prep time
- Most important: Keep playing, don't stop
What Examiners Look For
ABRSM examiners assess your sight reading on these criteria:
Pitch
Playing the correct notes in both hands
Rhythm & Pulse
Maintaining steady tempo and accurate rhythms
Continuity
Playing without stopping or hesitating
Musical Awareness
Dynamics, articulation, and overall musicality
How to Use Your 30 Seconds
The preparation time is crucial. Here's how to use it:
- Key signature — What sharps/flats? Find your hand position.
- Time signature — Feel the pulse. Count a bar in your head.
- Tempo/character marking — Allegro? Andante? This sets your speed.
- Scan for tricky bits — Accidentals, rhythm changes, big jumps.
- Try the hard parts — You can play during prep time. Use it.
Grade-by-Grade Requirements
Time Signatures
2/4, 3/4, 4/4
Key Signatures
C, G, F major
Features
Tip: Focus on finding the correct hand position before you start. With only 4 bars, accuracy matters.
Time Signatures
2/4, 3/4, 4/4
Key Signatures
C, G, D, F major
Features
Tip: The jump to hands together is the biggest challenge. Practice coordinating simple patterns daily.
Time Signatures
2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 3/8
Key Signatures
Major keys up to 2 sharps/flats, A minor
Features
Tip: Dotted rhythms trip up many students. Practice counting them out loud before the exam.
Time Signatures
All simple and compound time
Key Signatures
Major keys up to 3 sharps/flats, minor keys up to 2
Features
Tip: Compound time (6/8) is new. Feel it as 2 beats per bar, not 6. Practice with a metronome.
Time Signatures
All simple and compound time
Key Signatures
Major keys up to 4 sharps/flats, minor keys up to 3
Features
Tip: This is where sight reading gets serious. Regular daily practice is essential from this point.
Time Signatures
All time signatures
Key Signatures
Major keys up to 5 sharps/flats, minor keys up to 4
Features
Tip: Focus on the overall shape and flow rather than every detail. Keep the music moving.
Time Signatures
All time signatures
Key Signatures
All keys
Features
Tip: At this level, your sight reading should be automatic. Trust your training and let the music flow.
Time Signatures
All time signatures
Key Signatures
All keys
Features
Tip: The test expects musical interpretation, not just correct notes. Show musicality in your playing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stopping
The worst thing you can do. Keep playing even if you make mistakes.
Forgetting the key signature
Check it first and keep it in mind throughout. Don't miss those sharps/flats.
Starting too fast
Better to start slower and maintain tempo than start fast and fall apart.
Ignoring dynamics
At higher grades, dynamics and expression are expected. They show musical awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks is ABRSM sight reading worth?
Sight reading is worth 21 marks out of the total 150 marks in an ABRSM piano exam. While not the largest component, a poor sight reading score can affect your overall grade.
How long do you get to prepare for ABRSM sight reading?
You get 30 seconds to look at the piece before playing. Use this time to check the key signature, time signature, tempo marking, and scan for any tricky spots.
What happens if I stop during ABRSM sight reading?
Stopping significantly affects your mark. Examiners want to hear continuous playing that maintains tempo and pulse. It's better to play wrong notes while keeping rhythm than to stop for correct notes.
Can I practice the ABRSM sight reading piece during preparation time?
Yes, you can play through the piece or parts of it during your 30-second preparation time. Many students use this to test tricky passages or establish the tempo.
Prepare for your ABRSM exam
MasterPiano has thousands of pieces graded to ABRSM standards. Practice sight reading with real-time feedback.