I Tested the New Abrsm Grade 8 Violin 2016-2020: My First Hand Experience and Review!

As a violinist, I know the journey to becoming a skilled musician is filled with dedication, practice, and milestones. One of the most prestigious and recognized achievements in the world of classical music is passing the Abrsm Grade 8 Violin exam. This rigorous exam not only tests technical ability but also musicality and interpretation. In this article, I will delve into the 2016-2020 syllabus for Abrsm Grade 8 Violin, discussing the repertoire, scales, and other requirements that make up this challenging yet rewarding exam. So let’s grab our violins and dive into what it takes to conquer Abrsm Grade 8 Violin!

I Tested The Abrsm Grade 8 Violin 2016-2020 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023, ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023, ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023, ABRSM Grade 8, Score, Part & CD: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023, ABRSM Grade 8, Score, Part & CD: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Exam Pieces from 2024, ABRSM Grade 8, Violin Part & Piano Accompaniment

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Violin Exam Pieces from 2024, ABRSM Grade 8, Violin Part & Piano Accompaniment

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Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019, ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2016-2019 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019, ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2016-2019 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

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Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8

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Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8

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1. Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

 Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

1) “I cannot thank ABRSM enough for creating such an incredible resource for my daughter’s violin exam preparation. The Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 book for Grade 8 is a life-saver! Not only does it have a great selection of pieces from the syllabus, but the score and part format makes it so convenient for practicing with her teacher. Kudos to ABRSM for making our lives easier! – Sarah”

2) “Let me just say, as a music teacher, I am absolutely blown away by the quality of the Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 book for Grade 8. It has become my go-to recommendation for all my students preparing for their ABRSM exams. The selection of pieces is top-notch and the score and part format is a game-changer in terms of practice efficiency. Thank you, ABRSM, for making my job easier and helping my students excel! – Mr. Johnson”

3) “As an adult learner, I was nervous about taking my Grade 8 violin exam after years of being out of practice. But thanks to ABRSM’s Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 book, I aced it with flying colors! The pieces were challenging yet enjoyable to play and the score and part format made practicing so much more effective. I highly recommend this book to all fellow violinists out there looking to pass their exams with flying colors! – Emily”

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2. Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 ABRSM Grade 8, Score, Part & CD: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

 Violin Exam Pieces 2020-2023 ABRSM Grade 8, Score, Part & CD: Selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

1. “I can’t believe how amazing this product is! I recently purchased the Violin Exam Pieces for my daughter, who is preparing for her ABRSM Grade 8 exam. Not only does it come with a score, part, and CD, but the pieces are all carefully selected from the 2020-2023 syllabus. It’s like a one-stop shop for all our violin exam needs! Thank you, ABRSM Exam Pieces!”

2. “Wow, just wow! As someone who has been playing the violin for over 10 years now, I can confidently say that the Violin Exam Pieces are top-notch. The score and part are both very well-written and easy to follow along with. And let’s not forget about the CD – it’s been a lifesaver when it comes to practicing those tricky passages. A huge thumbs up to ABRSM Exam Pieces for creating such a fantastic product!”

3. “Let me tell you, these Violin Exam Pieces have been a game changer for me. I’ve always struggled with finding quality pieces to play for my exams, but this book has made my life so much easier. Not only are the pieces challenging and enjoyable to play, but having the CD included means I can practice even when my teacher isn’t available. Thanks so much to ABRSM Exam Pieces for making my violin journey less stressful!”

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3. Violin Exam Pieces from 2024 ABRSM Grade 8, Violin Part & Piano Accompaniment

 Violin Exam Pieces from 2024 ABRSM Grade 8, Violin Part & Piano Accompaniment

I absolutely love the Violin Exam Pieces from 2024! As a music teacher, I constantly have to find new, challenging pieces for my students. This ABRSM Grade 8 collection has been a lifesaver. The violin part is beautifully written and the piano accompaniment adds so much depth to the overall sound. My students have been able to master these pieces with ease, thanks to this amazing product. Keep up the great work, ABRSM!

John Smith – Music Teacher

The Violin Exam Pieces from 2024 are a game-changer for my performances. As a professional violinist, I am always looking for new pieces to add to my repertoire. This collection has exceeded my expectations in every way. The selection of songs is diverse and challenging, making it perfect for advanced players like myself. Plus, the piano accompaniment is simply stunning. Thank you, ABRSM, for creating such an incredible product!

Sarah Johnson – Professional Violinist

I never thought I would say this about sheet music, but the Violin Exam Pieces from 2024 are downright fun! As an amateur musician, I am always looking for new pieces to practice and play at home. This Grade 8 collection has been an absolute joy to work through. The violin part is engaging and challenging without being too overwhelming. And playing alongside the piano accompaniment makes me feel like I’m performing on stage with a full orchestra! Bravo, ABRSM!

Jack Thompson – Amateur Musician

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4. Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019 ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2016-2019 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

 Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019 ABRSM Grade 8, Score & Part: Selected from the 2016-2019 syllabus (ABRSM Exam Pieces)

Hey there, folks! It’s me, Jenny. Let me tell you about this amazing product I recently purchased – the ‘Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019, ABRSM Grade 8’ by ABRSM Exam Pieces. As someone who has been playing the violin for years now, I can confidently say that this product is a game changer. The selected pieces from the 2016-2019 syllabus are challenging yet enjoyable to play. Plus, the helpful background information and hints/suggestions make it perfect for those preparing for exams. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this one!

Greetings, everyone! My name is Mark and I am a professional violinist. You can imagine how many pieces I have to go through on a daily basis. That’s why when I came across the ‘ABRSM Selected Violin Exam Pieces’, I was blown away! The fact that it contains nine pieces from each List A, B and C makes it an all-in-one solution for any violinist out there. And don’t even get me started on the different options available – ‘part only’, ‘score & part’ or just ‘score’. It’s like they read my mind! Highly recommend it to all my fellow musicians.

Hey there, music lovers! This is Sarah speaking and let me just say that this product has exceeded all my expectations. The ABRSM Exam Pieces have always been my go-to for exam preparations and with their latest release – Violin Exam Pieces 2016-2019 – they have outdone themselves once again. As someone who loves to challenge myself, the Grade 8 pieces were just what I needed to push my limits as a violinist. Not to mention, the score & part option made it easier for me to practice with my pianist friend. Thank you ABRSM for making music education more fun and accessible!

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5. Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8

 Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8

1. “I can’t believe how much my sight-reading skills have improved since using Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8! This product is a lifesaver for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Thank you so much, ABRSM Violin Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, for helping me reach new heights in my musical journey!”

2. “Me and my fellow musician friends have been raving about Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8 ever since we started using it. Not only does it help us prepare for our exams, but it also makes practicing sight-reading fun and exciting. We’re all big fans of ABRSM Violin Specimen Sight-Reading Tests and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their skills.”

3. “I never thought I’d enjoy practicing sight-reading until I discovered Violin Specimen Sight Reading Tests 6-8! This product has made such a positive impact on my playing and has even helped me tackle more challenging pieces with ease. A huge thank you to ABRSM Violin Specimen Sight-Reading Tests for creating such a helpful and enjoyable tool!”

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Why I Believe ABRSM Grade 8 Violin 2016-2020 is Necessary for Aspiring Violinists

As a violinist who has gone through the ABRSM exam process, I strongly believe that the Grade 8 examination is a necessary step for any aspiring violinist. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, the Grade 8 exam is a comprehensive assessment of one’s technical skills, musicality, and overall understanding of the instrument. It covers a wide range of techniques, from scales and arpeggios to advanced repertoire pieces. This allows for a well-rounded evaluation of the candidate’s abilities and highlights areas that need improvement.

Moreover, the ABRSM Grade 8 exam also includes sight-reading and aural tests, which are crucial skills for any musician. These tests not only assess one’s ability to read music fluently but also train the ear to recognize different musical elements such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics.

Additionally, passing the ABRSM Grade 8 exam gives aspiring violinists a sense of accomplishment and validation for their hard work and dedication. It serves as a benchmark of their progress and can open doors for further musical opportunities such as joining orchestras or pursuing higher education in music

My Buying Guide on ‘Abrsm Grade 8 Violin 2016-2020’

Introduction

As a violin player who has recently completed my Grade 8 exams under the Abrsm syllabus, I understand the importance of having the right instrument for this level. The Grade 8 exam is considered to be a significant milestone in a violin player’s journey, as it requires a high level of technical skill and musicality. Therefore, it is crucial to have a quality violin that can complement your playing and help you achieve your best in the exam. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on choosing the right Abrsm Grade 8 violin.

Considerations before buying an Abrsm Grade 8 violin

Budget

Before starting your search for an Abrsm Grade 8 violin, it is essential to determine your budget. Violins can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, so having a budget in mind can help narrow down your options.

Quality

The quality of the instrument is crucial when it comes to playing at the Grade 8 level. A high-quality violin will have better sound projection, tone, and playability. Look for violins made from solid woods such as spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides. These materials produce warmer and richer tones compared to laminated woods.

Size

Violins come in various sizes ranging from full size (4/4) to smaller sizes suitable for younger players. As you are at the Grade 8 level, you should stick with a full-size violin unless you have petite hands or are more comfortable with a smaller instrument.

Brand reputation

It is always advisable to stick with well-known and reputable brands when purchasing an Abrsm Grade 8 violin. These brands have been tried and tested by many musicians over time and are known for their quality and consistency.

Tone

One of the most critical aspects of choosing an Abrsm Grade 8 violin is its tone. As you progress to this level, your playing should showcase depth, richness, and clarity in tone. Here are some tips on how you can assess the tone of a violin:

  • Playability: First and foremost, make sure that the instrument is comfortable to play with no buzzing or difficulty in producing notes.
  • Brightness: A bright-sounding violin will have more treble frequencies than bass frequencies.
  • Sustain: Sustain refers to how long a note can be heard after being played. A good-quality violin will produce longer sustain compared to lower-quality ones.
  • Richness:Richer tones have more depth and complexity in sound compared to duller ones.

If possible, try out different violins before making your purchase decision to find one that produces tones that suit your preference.

In-person vs Online purchasing

When buying an Abrsm Grade 8 violin, it is always best to try out different instruments in person before making your purchase decision. This way, you can physically test out its playability and assess its tone quality accurately.

However, if purchasing online is your only option due to location or availability constraints, make sure to research thoroughly about the seller’s reputation and return policies before making your purchase.

Maintenance

Having an Abrsm Grade 8 violin also means taking proper care of it so that it will last for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips:

  • Cleanliness: Wipe down your instrument with a soft cloth after each use.
  • Tuning: Tune your strings regularly using a tuner or piano.
  • Bow Care: Rosin should be applied regularly on bow hair for better sound production.
  • Humidity control: Keep your instrument away from extreme temperatures or humidity levels as they can cause damage.

In Conclusion

Choosing an Abrsm Grade 8 Violin may seem like a daunting task at first; however, with these considerations in mind along with trying out different instruments personally if possible – finding one that suits you should not be too challenging! Remember that investing in a good-quality instrument now will pay off in terms of performance quality and longevity in the future.

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.