How I Prepare Students for ABRSM distinction method

By Dior — Violinist & Instructor, Singapore

Getting a Distinction in ABRSM is not luck.

It’s not “talent.”

And it’s not about forcing students to practice until their fingers fall off.

Distinction is the result of:

• the right method

• the right mindset

• the right preparation

• the right teacher-student communication

Over the years, I’ve developed a structured and brutally effective way to prepare students — both children and adults — for strong ABRSM distinction method results.

This is my exact method.

1. Build Technique First, Music Second

Most students start by memorising pieces.

This is the wrong approach.

I start every exam journey with:

• bow control

• tone production

• clean intonation

• shifting accuracy

• rhythm stability

Because if technique is strong, pieces become easy.

If technique is weak, pieces become stressful.

This is why my students usually finish learning pieces earlier, with cleaner sound and less tension.

2. Choose the Right Pieces (Not Just the “Easiest”)

A lot of parents want the “easiest” piece.

But the easiest piece is NOT always the one that scores highest.

I select pieces based on:

• the student’s natural strengths

• tone quality

• character

• personality

• bowing comfort

• musical style

When a piece matches the student, they can perform it at a higher level — comfortably, beautifully, and confidently.

This leads to Distinction-level musicality.

3. The “5-Point Lesson Structure” (My Signature Method)

Every lesson follows a precise structure designed for exam excellence:

1. Tone check

10–20 seconds warming up sound to reset posture and bow angle.

2. Left-hand accuracy

Quick shifting + scale alignment.

3. Bowing alignment

Fast correction of sound point, bowing path, and weight.

4. Musical shaping

Phrasing, expression, storytelling, breathing.

5. Performance simulation

A short run-through with immediate, high-impact correction.

This structure eliminates wasted time.

It produces extremely fast results.

4. Weekly Video Diagnostics (The Modern Advantage)

Every student records short clips weekly.

This is game-changing because:

• students SEE their posture

• students HEAR their tone

• corrections become permanent

• mistakes disappear faster

This alone speeds up exam preparation by 30–40%.

Most schools don’t do this.

But it makes all the difference.

5. Build Aural Confidence Early (Not Last-Minute)

Many students fear aural tests.

Not mine.

I teach aural from day one — fun, simple, and stress-free:

• singing tone

• identifying cadences

• recognising changes

• echo clap

• musical discussion (for grades 6–8)

By exam day, they walk in with confidence, not fear.

6. Scale Strategy: Smart, Not Endless

Scales are NOT about memorising notes.

They’re about:

• secure intonation

• bow control

• left-hand frame

• shifting stability

I use a targeted method:

• 2–3 scales per session

• laser-focused corrections

• intonation patterns

• bow distribution planning

• rhythmic variation for control

Students improve faster with less stress and clear structure.

7. Mock Exams Are Mandatory

Before the actual exam, my students go through:

• tone mock

• piece mock

• scale mock

• full mock with timing

• psychological preparation mock

Mock exams reveal everything:

• tension

• memory lapses

• bowing habits

• breathing issues

• stage fright

• dynamics weakness

We fix all of it BEFORE exam day.

That’s why my students are usually calm and prepared.

8. Teach Musical Storytelling, Not Just Notes

ABRSM examiners reward:

• shaping

• phrasing

• contrast

• character

• imagination

• expressive bow control

I teach students to think like performers, not “exam robots.”

This is the difference between:

Merit = correct notes

Distinction = expressive music

Examiners LOVE expressive playing.

9. The Final 3-Week Intensification Plan

Before the exam, students get a tight, focused schedule:

Week 1:

• clean up mistakes

• tone polishing

• bow clarity

Week 2:

• musical phrasing

• dynamics

• emotional character

Week 3:

• mock performance

• confidence-building

• mental rehearsals

This 3-week structure produces incredibly consistent results.

Final Thoughts

ABRSM Distinction is not mysterious.

It’s not only for “talented” students.

It’s for any student with:

• a good teacher

• structured method

• consistent practice

• clear musical direction

I’ve seen students with zero music background grow into confident, expressive performers who deliver Distinction-worthy playing.

The formula works — every time.