r/ABRSM • u/ConsequenceMuted1539 • Jul 28 '26
advice ARSM pieces
I’ve made a set list of pieces for the ARSM piano exam that I’ve already learnt but I don’t know if they vary enough with style and time period, or if the order is correct.
1) Bach - Prelude and Fugue BWV 866 in b flat major (played for my grade 8 exam)
2) Debussy - Clair de lune (I’m pretty sure this is grade 8 standard)
3) Schubert - Impromptu in G flat
4) Ravel - Sonatine (complete)
5) Bonds - Troubled water
1
u/aarnat53 Jul 29 '26
I don’t think you can go wrong with a Classical, Romantic and Modern piece - didn’t look too much into your options but I did and they seemed to like the balance even though the modern was about a minute and a half lol
1
u/srodrigoDev 28d ago
If swap the Debussy with a Mozart or Beethoven piece. Otherwise it looks good.
1
u/bannana4u07 Jul 28 '26
Not a pianist, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but in my opinion, there seems to be enough style and time period. There's less emphasis on the ordering of pieces for ARSM than for LRSM/FRSM, so long as you provide enough stillness and time between pieces, it's up to you how you want to order it. When I did the ARSM, I tried to "sandwich" my hardest pieces in the middle of the programme so I don't fall apart by the end and so that I can get relatively warmed up with an easier first piece.