Music Exams for One-Handed Pianists

The exam board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has developed the first ever exam repertoire lists for pianists with one hand, making exams more accessible for musicians with upper limb differences or impairments.

The new syllabus covers grades 1 to 5 and features 62 pieces including music by Chopin, Sartorio, Arlen & Harburg and emerging composers.

It was developed by ABRSM to increase accessibility and repertoire choice and also includes seven new commissions after research revealed a shortage in the existing repertoire of pieces written for one-hand.

The syllabus is designed to inspire people who play one-handed to play and progress through a graded exam pathway and was developed for ABRSM’s Performance Grades in conjunction with composers and consultants, including Nicholas McCarthy (pictured above), the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music.

“I’ve loved being the lead consultant on such an exciting project,” said Nicholas.

“As a concert pianist who happens to have one hand, it’s very close to my heart.

“I was particularly interested in creating this syllabus as I don’t want people with limb differences to feel excluded from the piano as an instrument.

“I also hope it opens up musical opportunities and careers for a wider group of musicians. I know people are going to really enjoy getting to know the pieces in the syllabus and I can’t wait to hear students perform them.”

To find out more visit https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb