ABRSM Grade 5 Violin Exam

Hello everyone! My name is Ambar Joshi and I am currently in Year 11.

Currently, I play the piano and violin. I have been playing the violin for 3 years (since May 2021) and the piano for 10 years (since June 2014). For the piano, play at Grade 6 level and for the violin at Grade 5 level.

During the long summer holidays, I recorded my ABRSM Grade 5 Violin Exam. After over 10 recordings and 20 takes, I finally came to submit my exam, resulting in a merit! The highest you can score is a distinction, followed by a merit, a pass then a fail. However, for me, going from a beginner to a Grade 5, this result was amazing!

My inspiration to start violin came from the urge to start a new instrument after 7 years of playing piano. Additionally, after watching pop instrumentalist covers on YouTube, the violin stood out the most that I really wanted to learn it. This urge grew especially after my discovery of the electric violin, an unpopular instrument.

For all those playing musical instruments or are looking to get musical qualifications, I recommend starting ABRSM’s syllabus (or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), which offers a variety of opportunities. In ABRSM, you get to learn a plethora of classical and modern songs composed by a diversity of composers, set for each level (or Grades, as it is called in ABRSM), in which you have to pick 4 for your final exam. Not only does it offer challenging certifications, ranging from debut to Grade 8, but it also teaches you beneficial skills such as resilience, musicianship (beneficial to musicians) and to never give up. With the certifications offered and lessons you pick up along the way, it stands out a lot on a university application, opening up more doors to amazing opportunities!

Thank you to all who have supported me throughout this journey, especially to my teachers (shoutout to Ms Nangabo and my violin teacher, Mr Pessa), my parents and my friends!