The String Department at the London School of Arts offers you the most diverse and contemporary string education.

We provide one-to-one lessons in violin, viola, and cello, with professional tutors who are specialists in each discipline. Our coursework is specifically designed to enhance your talents and abilities.

You can choose to learn the violin for fun or prepare for Grade exams conducted by ABRSM. Violin exams consist of three pieces chosen by the candidate from the appropriate lists in the current syllabus, along with scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests.

The total marks for all individual practical exams are 150. To pass, a candidate must achieve at least 100 marks. 120 marks are required to pass with Merit, and 130 marks to pass with Distinction.

Grade exams require a high level of commitment through regular practice, as well as strong parental involvement. It is the parent's responsibility to encourage and monitor the student's practice at home. A minimum of 20 minutes, four times a week, is required. As the grades progress, more practice time is naturally needed.

Examinations can be an extremely motivating and positive experience for students when approached correctly. We understand that exams are important not only for assessing skill levels but also for earning UCAS points that students may need when applying to universities. We do not 'fast-track' students through exams at the expense of developing secure musical foundations.

Preliminary Grade

This stage involves tunes and pieces specially composed to help pupils practise and demonstrate essential musical skills, such as a sense of pitch and rhythm, controlled and even playing, accuracy, and quality of tone.

Grades 1 to 8

The standard graded exams consist of a performance of three pieces—one from each of Lists A, B, and C. Students can select one piece from three options in each list. The performance section is followed by scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests.