One of the first questions that comes up when choosing a piano exam board is simple: which one is easier, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or Trinity College London?
The honest answer is that neither is designed to be easy. Both are well respected and both expect a good standard. But in practice, they can feel very different, and that’s where the idea of “easier” really comes in.
What does “easier” actually mean?
For some students, easier means fewer scales. For others, it means feeling less nervous in the exam room. And sometimes it simply comes down to whether they enjoy the music they’re playing.
So it’s less about one board being easier overall, and more about which one suits the student sitting at the piano.
Scales can make a big difference
This is often the deciding factor.
With ABRSM, scales and arpeggios are a core part of the exam. They need to be practised properly and performed confidently. For students who are organised and don’t mind repetition, this is fine. For others, it can feel like the hardest part of the whole process.
Trinity still includes technical work in many exams, but it’s a bit more flexible. And if you take the performance route, scales disappear completely.
For a student who dreads scales, Trinity will almost always feel easier.
The feel of the exam itself
ABRSM exams tend to feel quite formal. There’s a clear structure, and students move from one section to the next knowing they are being assessed throughout. Some students like that clarity. Others find it quite pressurised.
Trinity often feels more relaxed, especially with the performance option. It can feel more like playing to an audience than sitting a test. That shift in atmosphere can make a huge difference, particularly for nervous students.
The music matters more than you think
With ABRSM, the pieces come from set lists. They are carefully chosen, but not every student connects with them.
Trinity offers a bit more freedom, including a wider mix of styles and sometimes the chance to choose your own pieces. When a student enjoys what they’re playing, practice feels easier, and the exam often does too.
Sight-reading and aural
ABRSM includes both sight-reading and aural tests in every exam. These are valuable skills, but they can be a sticking point for some students.
Trinity gives a bit more choice, which can help reduce pressure. That flexibility can make the whole experience feel more manageable.
So which one feels easier?
For many students, Trinity feels easier because it’s more flexible, a bit less rigid, and often less focused on technical elements like scales.
But that’s not true for everyone.
Some students actually find ABRSM easier because everything is clearly laid out. They know exactly what to practise, what will come up, and how they’ll be assessed. For a student who likes structure, that can feel reassuring rather than difficult.
A more realistic way to look at it
Rather than asking which board is easier, it’s often more helpful to ask which one removes the biggest barriers for that particular student.
If scales, sight-reading, and a formal setting are what cause stress, Trinity usually reduces those pressures.
If uncertainty, too much choice, or a lack of structure is the issue, ABRSM often provides a clearer path.
Once those barriers are lowered, everything starts to feel easier, and progress tends to follow much more naturally.
Educational Choices 