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Piano Grading Systems Explained- ABRSM, RCM & More
Millions of people play the piano around the world. That’s millions of people at different skill levels, learning and improving at totally different stages of their piano journeys. That’s why we at MuseFlow are fascinated by trying to create a system for all levels and experiences.
But how do pianists judge their skill level? And do different countries use different methods?
This is where piano grading systems come in. These are exams that test things like song performance, scales, and knowledge of music theory. When you pass one of these exams, you can move on to the next grade and your piano-learning journey continues!
Let’s break down the most popular grading systems around the world and dig into which one might be perfect for you.
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
The ABRSM is a British music examination board that has been around since 1889. It offers in-person and digital exams and is one of the most commonly used and recognized grading systems worldwide. It is commonly considered a global standard for music education.
The grades start at Initial Grade for beginners, followed by Grades 1-8 of ascending difficulty. There’s no entry requirement for exams for Initial Grade through Grade 5, but exams for Grades 6-8 come with a prerequisite of passing Grade 5 or above in either Music Theory, Practical Musicianship, or Jazz Practical Grade. Beyond Grade 8, ABRSM offers three levels of advanced diplomas: ARSM, LRSM, and FRSM.
The exams focus on comprehensive musical knowledge, skills, and performance. You will be tested on:
- Three performance pieces.
- Scales and arpeggios.
- Sight-reading
- Aural tests.
Because their exams have a strong classical and traditional focus, ABRSM is perfect for students interested in classical piano training. And because ABRSM is the most well-known examination board, the grades you earn from them will be recognized around the world.
Trinity College London
Trinity College London (was established in 1872 with more than 600,000 candidates per year in over 60 countries worldwide. While not quite as popular globally as ABRSM, Trinity College is still widely recognized and respected.
One of the big differences with ABRSM is that Trinity offers a separate pop and rock exam structure as well as their more classical-focused exam. Their exams also offer more flexibility and assessment options to choose from.
TCL has similar grades to ABRSM, with Initial Grade, Grades 1-8, and advanced diplomas ATCL, LTCL, and FTCL. Their exams are performance-focused and have face-to-face and digital options.
Here, you will tested on:
- Three performance pieces (from traditional to modern/pop pieces)
- Technical work, which could include scales, arpeggios, technical studies/exercises, and orchestral extracts.
- For Initial to Grade 5, you can choose two of the four supporting tests: sight reading, aural, improvisation, and musical knowledge. Starting at Grade 6, sight reading becomes mandatory and you can choose between aural and improvisation.
Because of their pop/rock grade track, Trinity College is perfect for someone with a more modern musical focus and sensibility.
Royal Conservatory of Music
The RCM is a Canadian school based in Toronto and was founded in 1886. Its system is also recognized internationally and is popular in North America, used by 500,000 North American students today.
The RCM system starts with Prep A and Prep B, and then moves on to Grades 1-10. This means that RCM has spread its system into more exams than ABRSM and TCL.
Exams are more focused around classical and jazz, but there is an option to substitute some songs from the pop syllabus as well. From Grades 5-10 you must pass a music theory exam before taking that grade’s performance exam.
In an RCM exam, you will be tested on:
- Three to five pieces of repertoire depending on skill level.
- One or two studies/études.
- Scales, chords, and arpeggios.
- Aural and sight-reading tests.
RCM is a popular option for North American pianists who still want internationally recognized certifications. This is one of the more theory-focused systems, so it’s great for those looking to include more theory in their piano education. With more grades, it’s also good for musicians who want a more incremental approach to their musical education.
Conclusion
This is far from an exhaustive list of the piano grading systems, but ABRSM, TCL, and RCM are three of the most popular and widely recognized. The systems may come with different styles of exams, but all can help you set standardized goals, track progress, and offer certifications that can be useful for college applications and ensemble auditions. If you’re looking for a way to structure your piano learning progress, these piano grading systems can help you do just that.
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Why People Quit Learning Music
We here at MuseFlow know that there are as many different journeys to the piano bench as there are players - and just as many away from it, too. Below, we discuss the common reasons why people have trouble sticking with traditional music lessons and how the revolutionary app for learning piano MuseFlow challenges each one to help you learn to play, once and for all.
1. Boredom
THE PROBLEM:
Traditionally, music is taught by a model of rote repetition with limited sight reading development. In fact, many other music apps teach you using this method. While it is entirely possible to learn this way, it takes much longer and can lead to burnout from boredom - especially in fast, intelligent learners. This can also lead to poor retention, slowing progress.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow’s ingenious gamified interface makes learning feel like play, introducing music that never repeats to keep your brain engaged. Our adaptive learning adjusts to your skill level, allowing you to get into a Flow State while learning, promoting deep understanding in the quickest, most fun way possible. Studies show that fun is one of the most important factors for sticking with learning music.
2. Socio-Economic Factors
THE PROBLEM:
The average music lesson in the United States in 2025 ranged from $280-$400 per month, not including access to music rooms throughout the week or purchasing books.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow is a much more accessible piano learning option at $24.99 a month - including a free 14-day trial.
3. Shifting Priorities
THE PROBLEM:
Especially if you initially played as a child, shifting priorities as we get older splits our focus and our time. Many little virtuosos had to choose between music and other extracurriculars.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow helps you learn to play piano in your own time, even if that’s only 15 minutes a day; in your own space, even if that’s the kitchen table. The MIDI integration allows for support of various keyboard sizes.
4. Environment
THE PROBLEM:
Anyone who has ever lived in an apartment, or with someone picking up the recorder, understands the limits of learning a new instrument in almost any home environment.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow’s MIDI keyboard interface allows you to not only learn to play anywhere you can set up the app, but with a pair of headphones, you can play in any environment.
Lack of Feedback
THE PROBLEM:
When alone, it can be frustrating to practice repetitively without any indication whether you’re doing anything correctly or incorrectly. Especially when people are beginning to learn on their own, they can drop the practice due to this frustration. Even in classical piano training, with taking lessons once a week, practicing alone six days a week incorrectly reinforces bad habits.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow provides instant, precise feedback to gently help you correct mistakes in real-time, and instant audio and visual confirmation when you get it right. This is especially useful for complete beginners and self-taught pianists, so you can build confidence and a solid foundation. Seeing the fruits of your labor and success as you go is likely to increase self-confidence and empower you to keep up with your practice.
Time
THE PROBLEM:
I get it - you want to get right to playing your favorite songs ASAP! The traditional method of rote memorization of the basics definitely has its value, but it does put a damper on your Elton John dreams. Progress can feel like a slog through inefficient exercises through traditional exercises.
THE SOLUTION:
MuseFlow’s sight reading first approach teaches you to read your favorite music fluently; not just the ones you’ve memorized, so you can get started once you’ve mastered each lesson. MuseFlow’s adaptive structure also allows you to progress at your own pace.
Conclusion
MuseFlow empowers you, no matter where you are in your music learning journey, to reach your music goals by using revolutionary, research and experience backed design to help you overcome common pitfalls.
Piano Chords for Beginners: The 12 Must-Know Chords to Play Any Song
If you're looking for piano chords for beginners, you've come to the right place. Chords are the building blocks of music, and mastering just 12 essential chords will unlock thousands of songs. With MuseFlow, you can learn these chords in context, not just as isolated finger positions, making your learning faster and more musical.
Let's dive into the must-know piano chords for beginners that will transform you from a note-by-note player into someone who can actually accompany songs.
Why These 12 Chords Matter
Before we list them, let's understand why these specific chords are so powerful. These are the most common chords in Western music, appearing in everything from pop to classical. Once you know them, you'll start recognizing them everywhere. More importantly, these chords form the foundation for understanding music theory, harmony, and improvisation.
The 12 Must-Know Piano Chords
1. C Major (C-E-G)
This is the most fundamental chord. It's all white keys, making it easy to find and play. C Major is the "home" chord in the key of C, and it has a bright, happy sound. You'll find it in countless songs.
2. G Major (G-B-D)
Another bright, uplifting chord. G Major is often used in conjunction with C Major, creating a sense of movement and resolution. It's essential for playing in the key of C and G.
3. D Major (D-F#-A)
D Major introduces your first black key (F#). It has a strong, confident sound and is crucial for playing in the keys of D and G.
4. A Major (A-C#-E)
A Major is warm and resonant. It's a staple in folk, country, and rock music. Learning this chord helps you understand how sharps work in chord construction.
5. E Major (E-G#-B)
E Major is bold and assertive. It's commonly used in blues and rock progressions. This chord is essential for playing in the key of E and A.
6. F Major (F-A-C)
F Major is slightly more challenging because it often requires a different hand position, but it's incredibly common. It has a smooth, mellow sound and is vital for playing in the key of C.
7. A Minor (A-C-E)
Now we enter the minor chords, which have a sadder, more introspective sound. A Minor is the relative minor of C Major, meaning they share the same notes but have a different tonal center. It's one of the most used minor chords.
8. E Minor (E-G-B)
E Minor is hauntingly beautiful. It's all white keys, making it easy to play, and it's used extensively in ballads and emotional pieces.
9. D Minor (D-F-A)
D Minor has a melancholic, dramatic quality. It's often used in classical music and adds depth to chord progressions.
10. B Diminished (B-D-F)
This is a special chord. Diminished chords have a tense, unresolved sound that creates movement in music. B Diminished is the most common diminished chord for beginners and is essential for understanding how chords function.
11. G7 (G-B-D-F)
This is a dominant seventh chord, which means it has four notes instead of three. G7 has a strong pull towards C Major, making it perfect for creating tension and resolution. It's used in jazz, blues, and classical music.
12. C7 (C-E-G-Bb)
C7 is another dominant seventh chord. It creates a bluesy, jazzy sound and is used to transition to F Major. Learning seventh chords opens up a whole new world of harmonic possibilities.
How to Practice These Chords with MuseFlow
Memorizing finger positions is one thing. Understanding how these chords function in music is another. This is where MuseFlow's approach shines. Instead of drilling isolated chords, you learn them in the context of real music through our sight reading exercises and repertoire library.
As you progress through MuseFlow's levels, you'll encounter these chords naturally. You'll see how they connect, how they resolve, and how they create the emotional landscape of a piece. This contextual learning is far more effective than rote memorization. Research on music learning shows that understanding the "why" behind the "what" leads to deeper, more lasting skills.
The Secret to Mastering Piano Chords
Here's the truth: knowing piano chords to play any song isn't just about memorizing shapes. It's about training your ear to hear them and your fingers to find them automatically. This comes from consistent, varied practice.
MuseFlow's never-repeating music generation ensures you're always encountering these chords in new contexts. You're not just playing C Major in one song; you're playing it in hundreds of different musical situations. This builds true fluency.
The benefits of learning piano extend far beyond the technical. It enhances cognitive function, emotional intelligence, and creative expression. And it all starts with mastering these foundational chords.
Ready to put these chords into action? Try MuseFlow for free and start learning piano chords for beginners the right way.. in context, with real music, and with instant feedback that makes every practice session count.
