Monthly Archives: September 2021

What You Need To Know About ABRSM Exams

ABRSM stands for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These exams are musical, rather than instrumental or vocal tests, in which examiners assess the quality of music-making. In this, the candidate should be able to use not only his own instrument but other instruments also. ABRSM is one of the 200 largest charitable organizations in the UK and is ranked based on annual expenditure. In this exam, more than 600,000 candidates take part every year in over 93 countries. ABRSM music theory classes provide a publishing house for music that produces course booklets, sheet music, and exam papers and conducts professional development courses and seminars for teachers.

Benefits of ABRSM Exams:

  • The ABRSM exam is held in world-class centers all over the world and the successful candidates are considered to be all-round musicians having interlocking skills needed for each level, respectively. Apart from this, the successful candidates are rewarded with certificates giving them the confidence to practice for higher grade examinations.
  • These exams provide a clear objective and direction to all the students who participate in them.
  • At the end of the exam, each candidate receives positive and helpful comments from the examiner which helps them in developing their skills.
  • The certificates obtained on passing this exam are widely recognized all over the world.

Practical exams: These exams are one of the most commonly taken exams to date and are available for more than 35 instruments. These exams include four different components:

  • Set pieces: The student has to play three pre-made pieces that are selected from the current curriculum for instrumentation and grade, usually one piece from each of group’s A, B, and C. Group A includes Baroque and early classical repertoire, Group B includes late classical and romantic, and Group C includes 20th century and contemporary music. In this, each piece is of 30 numbers of which 20 is the passing number.
  • Scales: According to the grade of difficulty, various scales, arpeggios, dominant, and diminished 7ths and, only for grades 1–4 (grades 1 and 2 for piano), broken chords are examined. To pass this, 14 marks out of 21 are required.
  • Sight-reading: In this, students are given an unseen piece and 30 seconds to prepare, and after those candidates have to play the piece best of their ability. To pass this, 14 marks out of 21 are required.
  • Aural: Various exercises are performed by the examiner and require the student to demonstrate skills in listening and analyzing music, such as, clapping or singing a melody. At higher grades, students are expected to comment on the characteristics of a short piece played by the examiner, including dynamism, phrasing, and style, and duration. To pass this, 12 marks out of 18 are required.

The exam is marked out of 150, where 100 is a pass, 120 is a pass with merit, and 130 is a distinction. Students do not need to pass every component of the test: they only need to have an aggregate score above 100 to receive a grade.

Top Trendy Birthday Cakes That Look Amazing

When it comes to birthday parties, there is hardly one without a birthday cake. In fact, the cake is the center of attraction at a party nowadays. A beautiful birthday cake with some amazing candles can entirely change the feel of the space. The best part is that choosing a birthday cake that looks amazing is so simple and easy nowadays. Thanks to the technology, you get access to the latest updates and designs in a jiffy. If you are on a hunt for a birthday cake, read on to know about the trendiest birthday cakes.

 

  • Ruffle Tower Cakes:

 

These cakes look amazing and taste delicious. The ruffle piping is available in various color combinations. The ruffle tower cake looks startling on a party deck. If you are somebody who loves the buttercream icing, then surely you will enjoy this cake. Ruffle cakes are one of the most trending cakes which are most preferred for special occasions. You can choose the flavors according to your preference.

 

  • Red Velvet Birthday Cake:

 

Wow! That name itself tells it all. Lately, red velvet cakes have been in high demand among cake lovers. If you love the mixed flavors of chocolate and vanilla, then you will surely love this cake. Another attraction of this cake is the yummy cream cheese frosting. A perfect red velvet cake just melts away when you take a bite of it. The striking burgundy color of the cake makes it loved by kids a lot.

 

  • Chocolate Cake:

 

When you consider chocolate birthday cakes, there are numerous options to choose from. , you get to customize each according to your taste and interest, from the flavor and texture to the outer frosting. Sponge chocolate cake, moist chocolate cakes, wet cakes and the list goes on. Again when it comes to frosting, fudge icing, dark chocolates, chocolate curls, toppings are on the trending list. If you prefer white chocolate cake, you may give it a try to white chocolate fudge cake.

 

  • Cheese Cakes:

 

Lately, cheesecakes have been the first choice for many, especially for the kids. The soft and smooth cheese flavor, along with the taste of your favorite berries or even chocolate, is definitely a perfect choice for a birthday cake. Some of the most loved cheesecakes are Mars bar cheesecakes, White chocolate Malteser, blueberry, etc. Cheesecakes topped with sprinkles and cookies makes it looks even more stunning.

 

  • Malteser Birthday Cakes:

 

It looks so good, and it is lip-smacking. The chiffon cake is covered by a rich chocolate icing on which the Maltesers are layered exotically. This delicious cake is loved by kids and adults equally. It’s a perfect party cake for all occasions that looks and tastes the best. This cake can be one of best birthday cake design for girls.

 

  • Pinata Cakes:

 

Wanna try something new for this birthday? Then you can give a try to piñata cake which is the most trending cake on social media. The attraction of this cake is that you are not cutting the cake for the birthday; instead, you are gonna smash it with a cute little hammer that comes with the cake. The cake is filled with surprises that can be customized according to your choice. It is usually filled with different types of chocolates.

 

The 2021 birthday cakes give much detailing on the frosting and icing. Nowadays, people want the cake to look absolutely stunning. Apart from the varieties mentioned above, there are many other cakes like isomalt cakes, art cakes, dried flower cakes which looks stunning at a birthday party.