Announcing new exams in Singing for Musical Theatre at Grades 1–3

• 4 October 2018: ABRSM list of songs for Grades 1–3 available online
• January 2019: People can start taking ABRSM exams in Singing for Musical Theatre worldwide
• ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre higher grades will follow from autumn 2019

Learners with a passion for stage and film musicals can now master the power of the West End and Broadway's most iconic show tunes with the newly launched ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre exams – endorsed by industry experts and supported by top global theatre stars. From Gershwin to Sondheim, the West End to Disney, the songs in the new ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre syllabus span the world of musical theatre across stage and screen, giving learners the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, through the established and globally recognised ABRSM graded exam structure.

Award winning global theatre star Kerry Ellis, ‘West End’s favourite leading lady’; Cleo Demetriou, the youngest ever Olivier winner for her role in Matilda, and Ash Hunter of Hamilton fame have given their support to the new ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre exams - to encourage the first cohort of learners to take ABRSM’s Singing for Musical Theatre exams from January 2019. Industry experts, including the Brit School, have worked with ABRSM to create an online-only syllabus: this innovation will ensure that new songs from the latest musicals can easily be added. Musical theatre performer Kerry Ellis said: “Whether you plan to use your Singing for Musical Theatre exam as a springboard for an audition, as preparation for the industry or simply because you love singing songs from musicals, we want to help you build all the skills you need to be a rounded and successful performer.” ABRSM Chief Executive Michael Elliott said: “Industry experts and leading consultants have worked with us to create this appealing new syllabus. These exams will be authentic to the genre and capture the energy and fun of musical theatre, while giving learners a strong, structured environment in which to develop their technical and performance skills through the songs they love. We’ve designed the exam to support learners to be their very best. “We are sure the new and attractive set of singing for musical theatre exams will be very appealing to a wide range of teachers and learners worldwide - both those already familiar with ABRSM, and those for whom our exams will be an exciting new venture.” Singing syllabus and vocal health The songs featured in the ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre exams have been carefully selected by industry experts to reflect the different dramatic contexts and genres within musical theatre. At Grades 1–3, the selected material encourages vocally safe singing for young and developing voices, as well as songs that are age-appropriate in content. Rachel Lyske, Brit School teacher and ABRSM consultant, said: “Vocal health has been a massive consideration when selecting the ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre repertoire - vocal challenges and demands increase at each grade. Due to the nature of ABRSM exams, the syllabus allows for a focus on the understanding of music and the technical aspects of singing.” ABRSM is fully committed to making graded Singing for Musical Theatre exams available right up to Grade 8. Grades 4 and above will be following soon. For more information please visit: Abrsm.org/sfmt Follow Singing for Musical Theatre on social: #ABRSMSfMT