Associated Board

Donald Francis Tovey's edition of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas
Typical 1950s cover

Contents

History

The ABRSM, formerly the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music until 2009, or simply the Associated Board, is a British music education organisation. The Associated Board was founded in 1889 by Alexander Campbell Mackenzie (1847–1935), then Principal of the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), and George Grove (1820–1900), the founding director of the Royal College of Music (RCM). They decided that the schools should jointly provide local practical examinations. Between 1890 and 1933, only two grades existed (roughly equivalent to the present grades 6 and 7). The present structure of eight grades, from beginner to advanced, dates from 1933. A similar system has been operated by Trinity College London since 1877.

ABRSM first published music in 1918, and its publishing department was established in 1921 to provide not only suitable music for examinations, but also performance editions of popular works and new instructional compositions. Sir Donald Francis Tovey (1875–1940) was an important editor. ABRSM (Publishing) Ltd. became a separate company in 1985.

Editions

Imprints, Addresses, Agencies

Imprints

  • 1921-present: ABRSM
  • 1985-present: ABRSM (Publishing)

Addresses

  • 1921-present: London

Plate Numbers

Plate #Full PlateComposerWorkIMSLP #Full YearYear


Authority Control

Sources