Special arrangements are in place for candidates who are blind or partially sighted with all the major music examination boards in the UK.
Instrumental /vocal exams
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
ABRSM provides materials in alternative formats, alternative tests in place of the sight-reading, and additional time allowances for blind and partially sighted candidates taking graded, Diploma or Theory examinations.
The specimen Braille memory tests for blind candidates are available to by from RNIB. Visit the
ABRSM musical instrument memory tests page for further details.
Alternatively, in cases where these assessments are not appropriate, candidates may choose to take the Performance Assessment. This gives them the opportunity to have a programme of the candidate's choice assessed by a professional musician. Further details are available from the Associated Board's Access Coordinator on telephone 020 7467 8247 or email accesscoordinator@abrsm.ac.uk.
London College of Music Examinations
LCM Examinations is an international examinations board offering graded and diploma qualifications in Music and in Drama and Communication. Examinations are held at over 250 centres worldwide and are unique in the graded examinations world in being awarded by a university.
To find out more view the London College of Music: policy documents which includes a policy on equality.
Rockschool
Rockschool offers grade exams in guitar, drums, bass, vocals and popular piano, from Grades Debut to 8. In addition, Rockschool offers awards, certificates and diplomas for music practitioners and music educators. These have been developed in collaboration with Access to Music, the UK's largest provider of popular music tuition in the UK.
Registry of Guitar Tutors
The Registry of Guitar Tutors offers examinations in electric guitar and popular music theory which are organised in partnership with London College of Music examinations. These are validated and certified by Thames Valley University.
Trinity Guildhall
Candidates taking trinity Guildhall exams should fill in a special needs form, providing as much information as possible. Find out more about how to
enter for an exam - Trinity Guildhall.
General music exams
Special arrangements are set by the Joint Council for Qualifications. Further information and forms are on their website.
Detailed arrangements are negotiated with access to music examinations via the Music Teachers Support Group (which feeds into the Joint Council policy) and the RNIB Music Advisory Service. Contact Sally Zimmermann, Music Advisor, for details (sally.zimmermann@rnib.org.uk).
The individual examination boards are: