Music Exams

We run music exams for students learning with NMPAT: ABRSM and Trinity College London.

Music exams are held at NMPAT, 125 Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4AZ between 9.00am and 4.00pm on weekdays.

When your child is ready to take their exam, you will receive a letter from your child's NMPAT teacher, detailing the grade to be taken, the cost and the entry process.

When entering through NMPAT, we arrange the timetables and provide an accompanist, if required at an additional fee.

Exams are administered through our booking platform, SpeedAdmin. To book an exam, select the grade you require and add to the basket. At the checkout, you will need to login or create an account (for the paying adult) before entering the student's details. 

To apply for either an ABRSM or Trinity College London exam, please click here:

Autumn term 2026:

  • Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th November

Autumn term 2026:

  • Monday 30th November – Friday 4th December

For exams entered through an NMPAT teacher, we are able to arrange an accompanist for your exam, where required.  

An accompanist is required for all exams except piano or guitar exams and you may bring your own accompanist. Drumkit and some jazz exams allow a backing track – your teacher will be able to advise you. Please indicate on the application form whether you require an accompanist. The cost will be added to your invoice.

Grades 1 – 5: £16.00 – the pianist will play the piano in the exam and includes a short run through with the accompanist immediately before their exam.

Grades 6 – 8: £32.00 –  candidates will be also offered a separate 20 minute rehearsal at an earlier date, held at NMPAT.

You will be met at the exam room by a steward who is responsible for the smooth running of the day.  Please aim to arrive at least 20 mins before your appointment.  There will be an opportunity for you to warm up before the exam, once the previous candidate has gone to the exam room.  This will also be your opportunity to meet your accompanist, if applicable. 

The steward will take you to the exam room and introduce you to the examiner.  Each examiner will have a slightly different approach with their intention being to help you perform to the best of your ability. 

Please allow plenty of time to arrive for your exam, this helps you to keep as calm as possible.  If you encounter unexpected delays, please ring NMPAT on 01604 637117 to let us know – we can liaise with the steward and the examiner, and adjust the timings wherever possible. 

To avoid additional stress on the day, please be sure to bring everything you need.  This will probably include: 

  • Your instrument (including keyboards) 
  • Footstools, keyboard standsAll music including piano accompaniments 
  • Your music – including the piano accompaniment
  • Essential maintenance equipment (spare strings, reeds, valve oil etc)
  • ABRSM exams – photographic ID for grade 6 exams and over
  • Trinity College London exams – any copies of music for the examiner

Exam results will be distributed via your teacher. ABRSM results may be available directly if you have an account.

Certificates will be emailed to you directly from each exam board. Paper copies are available directly from each exam board for an additional fee.

If illness or injury prevents you from taking the exam, please contact the NMPAT Professional Services Hub as soon as possible: 01604 637117 / office@nmpat.co.uk 

Theory and Aural classes

Coming Up

Octubafest

October 11 @ 14:30

Saturday Centre Open Morning

November 7

Youth in Concert

November 15 @ 18:00