♪Exam preparation
ABRSM Sight-Reading Practice — every grade
Train the sight-reading part of your piano exam with unlimited generated exercises — from Grade 1 basics to the Grade 6–8 level that most exam apps never reach. Instant feedback on every note, on your MIDI piano or on-screen keys.
What each grade asks of you — and where to train it
| ABRSM grade | Typical sight-reading parameters | Where to practice in Notimo |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 4 bars · C, G, F major · hands separately · whole, half and quarter notes | Stage 1–2 of the learning path |
| Grade 2 | 4 bars · adds D major · hands together · slurs and staccato | Stage 2–3 |
| Grade 3 | 4–8 bars · up to 2 sharps/flats · dotted rhythms · position changes | Stage 3–4 |
| Grade 4 | 8 bars · 6/8 time · triplets · chromatic notes | Stage 4–5 |
| Grade 5 | 8–12 bars · up to 4 sharps/flats · syncopation · pedal · octaves | Stage 5 |
| Grade 6 | 12–16 bars · up to 5 sharps/flats · complex rhythms · ornaments | Stage 6 + Score Test |
| Grade 7 | 16–20 bars · all keys · wide leaps · dense textures | Stage 7 + Daily Sprint |
| Grade 8 | 20+ bars · multiple voices · advanced pedalling · musical shaping | Stage 7, Score Test & custom practice |
Notimo is an independent product and not affiliated with or endorsed by ABRSM. Grade parameters are summarised from the published syllabus for orientation only — always check the current official ABRSM syllabus.
The Grade 6–8 gap
ABRSM’s own sight-reading app covers Grades 1–5 with a fixed set of 155 pieces. Above that, you are on your own — exactly when passages get longer, every key is allowed and rhythms get complex. Notimo generates fresh exercises at any difficulty, so you never run out of unseen material: the one thing sight-reading practice needs most.
Common questions
Is Notimo affiliated with ABRSM?
No. Notimo is an independent sight-reading trainer. We reference the publicly documented ABRSM grade parameters purely for orientation, so you can practice at the level your exam requires. Always check the current official syllabus for exam details.
Does Notimo cover Grades 6–8 sight-reading?
Yes — that is our speciality. Notimo generates unlimited exercises at any difficulty, including the parameters typical of Grades 6–8 (all keys, longer passages, complex rhythms), which dedicated exam apps often don’t cover.
Can I practice with my own piano?
Yes. Connect any USB or Bluetooth MIDI keyboard and Notimo hears every key you play, giving instant green-or-red feedback — or use the on-screen piano.
Is it free to start?
Yes. The first 15 levels are free forever, no credit card. Notimo Pro adds all 370 levels and comes with a 7-day free trial.