How many levels of piano are there?

There is no universally agreed-upon categorization of "levels" in piano playing, as it can vary depending on different teaching methods, examination systems, and individual perspectives. However, many piano education programs and examination boards commonly use a grading system to categorize students' proficiency levels. These grading systems typically range from beginner to advanced levels, with each level representing a progression in skills and repertoire difficulty. For example, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) are two widely recognized examination boards that use graded levels to assess piano students' progress. In the ABRSM system, there are typically eight grades, from Initial to Grade 8, followed by diploma levels. The RCM system also consists of graded levels, starting from Preparatory Level to Level 10, followed by Associate and Licentiate diplomas. Additionally, some teaching methods or institutions may use alternative categorizations, such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, or specific terminology such as elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Ultimately, the number of levels in piano playing is somewhat subjective and can vary depending on the context. However, most structured piano education programs recognize a progression from foundational skills to advanced proficiency, with various milestones and benchmarks along the way. read less