New ABRSM Woodwind Syllabuses celebrate music from across the globe

Classics from Musorgsky and Vivaldi, pieces from some of the world’s most exciting new composers and popular tracks from Hamilton and Barbie the Movie, feature in a genre-busting Woodwind Syllabus launching this month.

ABRSM’s Woodwind Syllabuses from 2026 are the most diverse ever, with 400 new pieces, a record number of contributions from female composers, works by composers from other under-represented backgrounds and pieces from across four continents.

The refreshed repertoire lists for Practical and Performance Grades 1 to 8 and the ARSM Performance Diploma are designed as a celebration of music from across the globe. They cover Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon and Recorders.

There are at least 30 pieces for every grade and a total of 2,000 pieces across all woodwind instruments. Highlights include:

• The Old Castle from Musorgsky’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)

Ali Bowen-Davies, ABRSM’s 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.

 

From enduring favourites like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, to works by living composers such as Su Lian Tan, and well-known themes from recent film soundtracks, 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. Whether someone is picking up a woodwind instrument for the very first time or returning to it, we want this syllabus to spark that initial excitement – and help it grow.”

The new syllabuses are supported by a suite of professional audio recordings, available via streaming platforms, as well as new repertoire books and refreshed practice apps.

The ‘from 2026’ syllabuses are valid in exams from 1 January 2026. The 2022 Woodwind Syllabuses remain valid in exams until 31 December 2026 after which players must switch to the new syllabus. Candidates must prepare all three set pieces from the same syllabus.

Full details of the new syllabuses are available here.