Top Ten Tips for Using the New ABRSM Piano Syllabus: 2025
It is finally here, the new 2025-2026 ABRSM Piano syllabus. The new piano books are much broader in scope than the previous ones; they involve students in various musical activities during their piano study and can be accessed as a PDF file. The new piano syllabus contains several changes compared to its predecessor. We’ve listed some top tips for supporting your students through this transition in the article below. If you need more information about the new ABRSM Piano Syllabus, check out our blog post here.
Start preparing now for ABRSM piano exams
The new syllabus was introduced on the 9th of June, 2022. You can expect some influence from the old syllabus and pieces from similar composers. The transition between the previous syllabus and the 2025-2026 books is very straightforward.
Encourage yourself to become a self-sufficient piano researcher
Students will no longer be able to access the piano syllabus through ABRSM’s website once the new syllabus has been launched. The old syllabus will still be available, but it will be archived, so you won’t be able to access it yourself. Make the most of the time available by prioritising learning how to become a self-sufficient researcher. You’re sure to find this skill useful throughout your piano-playing career. You can use the new syllabus without looking at the old version.
Make use of the opportunity to focus on fundamentals and technique
The new syllabus puts a strong emphasis on musicality and creativity. However, it also places great importance on fundamentals and technique. You’ll be able to use the fact that you can no longer turn to the old syllabus to find their repertoire. You can focus your lessons on the core skills and techniques that will support your ongoing musical development.
Try out some new pieces from the ABRSM catalogue
The new ABRSM piano syllabus includes a wider variety of pieces. You can use the transition period to explore some of these new pieces. This will allow you to introduce some of the new composers whose works have been added to the syllabus. It will also allow you to see how well the pieces lend themselves to your performance abilities and development goals.
Assign several piano etudes and one piece from the catalogue as well
You don’t have to limit yourself to the materials in the new syllabus. We recommend you supplement the materials with other pieces from the ABRSM catalogue. This will make it easier for you to tailor the material you assign to the specific requirements of your piano playing.
Reinforce good habits with short exercises in finger dexterity and hand independence
The new syllabus includes a lot of musical activities. You can use the opportunity this provides to reinforce good piano habits. You can include a few short exercises in your piano playing whenever appropriate. These should encourage good habits such as finger dexterity and hand independence. These are important skills that you should develop as soon as possible.
Learn the importance of breathing in performance
The new syllabus includes several pieces that require the performer to draw on their breath. You can use the transition period to become familiar with the importance of breathing in performance. Doing so will help you avoid hyperventilating during the performance, resulting in several unpleasant side effects.
Discuss how dynamic markings set up expectations for audience and performer alike
The new piano syllabus includes several pieces for which dynamic markings have been specified. You can use the opportunity provided by the transition period to discuss how these markings set expectations for both audience and performer alike. Doing so will allow you to reinforce the importance of attending to these markings in performance.
To sum up
The new piano syllabus is much broader in scope than the current one; it will involve students in various musical activities during their piano study and can be accessed as a PDF file. The new syllabus contains several changes compared to its predecessor. We’ve listed some top tips for supporting your students through this transition in the article below. If you need more information about the new ABRSM Piano Syllabus, check out our blog post here.
