Striking a chord with students!

ABRSM’s new Guitar syllabus and books are out today!

The new ABRSM guitar syllabus from 2019 is out today. For the first time Guitar Exam Pieces books at Grades 1-5 will also be available.

The new syllabus includes a variety of styles and includes duets for Grades 1–5. For the first time, students and teachers will have a wide collection of pieces from the syllabus now contained within one book.

The syllabus features many accomplished composers for guitar, drawn from a range of musical periods, and contains newly commissioned pieces as well as classical favourites. Learners will have the option of having a CD alongside the book. Audio downloads for all syllabus pieces will also be available online.

Gary Ryan, ABRSM Guitar Syllabus Consultant, said: ‘Newly commissioned pieces and arrangements have been added with many of the most popular pieces from the old syllabus being retained to ensure candidates and teachers have a wide choice. Many of the significant composers for guitar feature in the new syllabus, and there are many new duets for candidates to choose from, now at Grades 1–5.’

ABRSM is also publishing Guitar Star and a new Guitar Prep Test book, brought to life with colour illustrations and fun activities. Guitar Star includes engaging pieces from beginner to Prep Test level and beyond, and has solo pieces with optional teacher duet parts and a play-along CD.

The ABRSM Guitar Prep Test has been completely refreshed, now containing five new pieces, fun illustrations and everything you need to prepare for the Guitar Prep Test exam.

Gary Ryan added: ‘The Guitar Prep Test is an ideal introduction to the ABRSM exam experience.’


Learn more about Guitar exams.