Students who earn an ABRSM Merit often wonder: what exactly separates them from a Distinction? In ABRSM practical grade exams, the total is 150 marks — 100 is a Pass, 120 a Merit, 130 a Distinction — and you don't need to pass every section; the sections can balance one another. Marks are only the result; behind them lies a difference in levels of ability. This article unpacks the abilities that truly set Merit and Distinction apart. (Note: marks are per ABRSM's official figures.)
First, the Mark Thresholds for the Three Levels
ABRSM practical grade exams total 150 marks:
• Pass: 100 marks
• Merit: 120 marks
• Distinction: 130 marks
Note that you needn't reach the bar in every section (pieces, scales, sight-reading, aural) — weakness in some can be balanced by strength in others. So to reach higher marks, the key is overall balance and polished detail.
From Merit to Distinction, What's the Difference?
Higher marks usually come not from “faster, harder,” but from quality in these areas:
• Musicianship and expression: not just the right notes, but conveying a piece's feeling and style through dynamics, phrasing and tone.
• Stability of control: even tone, steady rhythm, clean pedalling — a more finished performance.
• Handling of detail: whether expression marks, phrasing and ornaments are in place.
• Balance across sections: scales, sight-reading and aural all hold up, rather than scoring on pieces alone. (See What Do Examiners Listen For?)
How to Move Toward Higher Quality?
• Shift the practice focus from “right notes” to “played well”: attend to tone, phrasing and emotional expression.
• Strengthen weaker sections: bring sight-reading, aural and scales to a steady level, so no single section drags down the whole.
• Understand the piece deeply: know its style and background so the interpretation is more convincing. (See Why Listen to Different Recordings of the Same Piece?)
A reminder: marks vary from person to person and with the state on the day — nothing is guaranteed. Solidly polishing ability and musicianship is what's fundamental.
To understand your child's current level and direction more clearly, you are welcome to book a one-to-one piano consultation.
In Closing
From Merit to Distinction, what opens the gap is never speed or difficulty, but the overall quality of musicianship, control and detail. Rather than fixating on marks, focus on making every note and phrase more meaningful — when ability and musicianship are there, the marks tend to follow.
Further Reading
What Do Examiners Listen For? ABRSM Piano Marking Criteria Explained
Why Listen to Different Recordings of the Same Piece?
How to Practise the Piano Effectively: Practising Right Matters More Than Practising Long
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Merit and Distinction marks in an ABRSM practical grade exam?
The total is 150 marks: Pass is 100, Merit 120 and Distinction 130; and you needn't reach the bar in every section, as sections can balance one another. (Marks are per ABRSM's official figures.)
Moving from Merit to Distinction, what mainly needs improving?
Mainly musicianship and expression, stability of control, handling of detail, and balance across scales, sight-reading and aural — not simply playing faster or harder.
Do I need to pass every section to get high marks?
No. ABRSM exams don't require reaching the bar in every section; weakness in some can be balanced by strength in others — but for high marks, overall balance still matters.
Will diligent practice guarantee a Distinction?
Marks vary by person and by the state on the day — nothing is guaranteed. Focusing on polishing ability and musicianship is the most solid direction.
Ms. Kannaz Kwok
30+ years of piano teaching experience. Holder of internationally recognised qualifications from the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire.