Cello Practice Partner lets you play along with real musicians’ performances, exactly as recorded or at a reduced tempo.
Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass exams consist of three pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests. Total marks in all individual Practical exams are 150. You need 100 marks to achieve Pass, 120 marks to pass with Merit and 130 marks to pass with Distinction.
Select a grade using the links below to view the syllabus and supporting materials for that grade.
Bowed Strings syllabus 2020–2023, from Initial Grade to Grade 8
What’s changing?
What's new in our Bowed Strings syllabus 2020–2023.
New Initial Grade
Our new Initial Grade, for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.
Grades: Bowed Strings
Publications and audio
Audio downloads
Download recordings from our Bowed Strings syllabus.
Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023
A selection of pieces from the new Violin syllabus.
Cello Exam Pieces 2020-2023
A selection of pieces from the new Cello syllabus.
Double Bass Initial Grade Exam Pack
Selection of pieces to support Initial Grade Double Bass for 2020–2023.
Viola Initial Grade Exam Pack
Selection of pieces to support Initial Grade Viola for 2020–2023.
Supporting apps
Cello Practice Partner
Aural Trainer
Aural Trainer features interactive challenges to develop your aural skills and make aural practice more engaging.
Music Case
Music Case is a free practice app that helps you to understand the progress you are making over time, increasing your motivation to keep learning.
Violin Practice Partner
Violin Practice Partner makes practising pieces more musical, rewarding and fun. Play along with the piano accompaniment or violin part in isolation.
Piano Scales Trainer
Piano Scales Trainer helps increase fluency with ABRSM scales and arpeggios requirements.
Music Theory Trainer
Music Theory Trainer helps bring music theory to life with fun and engaging challenges at Grades 1–5.