New ABRSM Piano Syllabus 2027-2028 – What Students Need to Know

ABRSM has published its new Piano Syllabus for 2027 and 2028, bringing a completely refreshed selection of repertoire from Initial Grade through to Grade 8.

Whenever a new syllabus appears, one of the first questions from students and parents is:

“Do I need to change the pieces I am already learning?”

The good news is no.

Already learning the 2025-2026 syllabus? Don’t panic

The new 2027-2028 repertoire can be used in exams from 1 January 2027.

However, the current 2025-2026 Piano Syllabus remains valid until 31 December 2027. That gives students a full one-year crossover period during which either syllabus can be used.

So if you are already making good progress with your current exam pieces, there is normally no reason to abandon them simply because the new books have appeared.

There is one important rule during the crossover period: the three set pieces must all come from the same syllabus.

You cannot, for example, choose two set pieces from the 2025-2026 syllabus and one from the new 2027-2028 syllabus.

For Performance Grade candidates, the same crossover period applies. If you are using the 2025-2026 repertoire, the performance must be submitted by 31 December 2027. The three set pieces must come from the same syllabus, although the fourth own-choice piece is treated separately.

For students who are already well into their preparation, this is very reassuring. There is plenty of time to complete the exam using the music you are already studying.

What has changed?

The main change is the repertoire.

The 2027-2028 syllabus introduces new pieces across every level from Initial Grade to Grade 8, with a wide variety of musical styles represented.

Alongside the established classical repertoire are contemporary composers, arrangements from film and stage, popular music and newer works.

That variety gives teachers and students plenty of scope to choose music that is both suitable for the grade and enjoyable to prepare.

For Practical Grade candidates, the supporting tests have not changed. Scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests remain part of the examination in the same way as before.

New books from Initial Grade to Grade 8

There is a new Piano Exam Pieces book for every level:

Each book contains nine pieces selected from the wider syllabus repertoire.

The full syllabus contains more choices than those included in the books, so the published exam books should be seen as a convenient selection rather than the only music available.

Choosing the right pieces matters

A new syllabus brings a large amount of fresh repertoire, but choosing exam pieces is not simply a matter of picking the ones a student likes on first hearing.

A good programme should suit the individual student.

I consider their current technique, musical personality, strengths and stage of development, while also looking for pieces that will help them develop new skills.

The right piece for one student may be completely wrong for another at exactly the same grade.

That is one of the most enjoyable parts of starting a new syllabus – discovering the music and finding a combination of pieces that works particularly well for each pupil.

Practical Grade or Performance Grade?

Both Practical Grade and Performance Grade routes are available from Initial Grade through to Grade 8.

A Practical Grade follows the traditional examination format. Students perform three pieces and also complete scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests.

A Performance Grade focuses entirely on performance. Students prepare a programme of four pieces: three chosen from the relevant syllabus and a fourth own-choice piece. The complete programme is recorded and submitted as a video for assessment.

I prepare students for Performance Grades as well as Practical Grades, and the best route depends very much on the individual pupil, their strengths and how they prefer to perform.

Neither route is automatically “better”. The important thing is choosing the examination format that allows the student to demonstrate their musical ability at their best.

More repertoire for pianists playing with one hand

Another positive development in the new syllabus is the expansion of dedicated one-hand repertoire.

Previously, one-hand options were available across part of the Performance Grade pathway. The new syllabus extends the choice through the higher grades as well.

This means that suitable repertoire is now available throughout the graded Performance Grade route, including Grades 6, 7 and 8.

Students can also combine one-hand and two-hand repertoire within their programme where appropriate.

Should you change to the new syllabus?

There is no single answer that suits every student.

If you are already well advanced with pieces from the 2025-2026 syllabus and intend to take your exam during 2027, there may be very little benefit in throwing away months of work simply because a new syllabus has been published.

On the other hand, if you are just beginning preparation for your next grade, the new 2027-2028 syllabus gives us a completely fresh selection of music to consider.

A pupil may also discover a new-syllabus piece that suits them particularly well.

This is exactly why the crossover period is useful. We can make the decision according to the student’s progress, ability and musical interests rather than feeling forced to change immediately.

Initial Grade to Grade 8 – more to come

Over the next few weeks I will be taking a closer look at every level of the new syllabus, beginning with Initial Grade and continuing all the way through to Grade 8.

For each grade I will look at some of the repertoire that catches my attention, the different musical styles available and what I think may work particularly well for students at that stage of their development.

So there will be much more to come on the 2027-2028 syllabus.

And if you are currently preparing music from the 2025-2026 syllabus, the most important message is simple:

Keep practising.

You still have plenty of time.

The new repertoire becomes available from 1 January 2027, while the existing syllabus can continue to be used until 31 December 2027.