ABRSM Woodwind Exam Piece from 2026

The new Woodwind Syllabuses are now available providing refreshed repertoire lists for Practical and Performance Grades. They have also updated the ARSM Performance Diploma and Music Medals repertoire lists for all woodwind instruments. 

Discover music from across the world with classics by Mussorgsky and Vivaldi alongside pieces from new composers and popular tunes from Hamilton to Barbie the Movie. 

The new Practical and Performance Grade syllabuses for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone and Recorders are the most diverse ever. They feature 30 pieces for every grade, 400 new pieces, a record number of contributions from female composers, works by composers from other under-represented backgrounds and music from four continents. Highlights include: 

  • The Old Castle from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Saxophone Grade 5
  • Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Bassoon, Oboe, Treble Recorder Grade 1
  • Pula Pula by Rachel Hayter: Flute Grade 4
  • Sonatina Riang by Su Lian Tan: Flute Grade 5
  • I’m Just Ken from Barbie the Movie: Flute Grade 3
  • You’ll Be Back from Hamilton: Clarinet Grade 3
  • Bregeiro by Ernesto Nazareth: Oboe Grade 2 

The new repertoire lists are for Practical and Performance Grades 1 to 8 and you can use them in exams from 1 January 2026. There are no changes to the supporting tests for Practical Grades.  

DOWNLOAD THE NEW ABRSM WOODWIND SYLLABUS


Ali Bowen-Davies, our Head of Assessment and Curriculum said:  

“Our aim was to create a syllabus that reflects the breadth and richness of woodwind playing today – one that offers something for everyone, whatever their musical interests or stage of learning. We’re confident this new syllabus achieves that. The syllabus showcases the extraordinary variety of the woodwind repertoire. We hope it will inspire students and teachers alike – encouraging exploration, supporting progression, and above all, nurturing a lifelong love of music.”