The Open Music Assessment becomes the first official ABRSM pathway for fully accessible digital instruments

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has announced an exciting new development for accessible music-making in the UK: Clarion players can now take part in the Open Music Assessment, marking the first time a fully digital, accessible instrument has been formally recognized through an ABRSM evaluation.

A Landmark for Inclusive Music Education

The Clarion® is a pioneering instrument developed by the UK-based charity Open Up Music. Designed specifically for disabled musicians, the Clarion allows performers to control pitch and expression using a wide range of accessible inputs, making it as expressive as traditional acoustic instruments while being uniquely adaptable to a performer’s individual physical needs.

Already widely adopted by ensembles such as the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) and Open Orchestras, the Clarion supports both structured performance and free-form self-expression — even for musicians who don’t read traditional notation.

Now, thanks to a collaboration between ABRSM and Open Up Music, Clarion players across the UK can receive formal recognition of their progress and creativity through the Open Music Assessment.

What Is the Open Music Assessment?

ABRSM’s Open Music Assessment is a flexible, non-graded evaluation that focuses on individual musical expression rather than technical benchmarks. Available for over 30 instruments and voice, it provides an opportunity for musicians of any age or ability to perform a piece of their choice in front of an ABRSM examiner during a face-to-face session.

Before the performance, participants can briefly speak with the examiner about their goals and what they’d like to gain from the experience. The examiner then provides constructive feedback in the form of written comments, and each participant receives a certificate celebrating their musical achievement. There are no pass/fail outcomes and no marks awarded — making it an ideal setting for building confidence and celebrating progress.

Supporting Creativity and Confidence

By extending the Open Music Assessment to Clarion players, ABRSM is taking a significant step toward broader accessibility in formal music evaluation. The opportunity is now available at Private Visits across the UK and is part of ABRSM’s ongoing effort to support diverse musical journeys.

The Clarion itself is available for volume purchase through Open Up Music’s education programmes and continues to be a transformative tool for music education, therapeutic engagement, and inclusive ensemble performance.

Find out more about the Clarion and the Open Music Assessment by visiting the ABRSM website.