What is after Grade 8 piano?

If you've got to grade 8 (ABRSM or Trinity) in music theory (or in your instrument), you are now at the point where can jump ahead to diploma level study and get some letters after your name for your endeavours.

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Music Theory Diplomas

Grade 8 is just the beginning! If you’ve got to grade 8 (ABRSM or Trinity) in music theory (or in your instrument), you are now at the point where can jump ahead to diploma level study and get some letters after your name for your endeavours.

Which Examination Board Offers the Right Diploma for you?

The ABRSM, Trinity College London and London College of Music (University of West London) all offer post-grade 8 level examinations. These qualifications are split into three or four levels, which have varying names, all depending on the examination board. It can be quite confusing to compare them, but what they all have in common is that gaining a particular diploma qualification is equivalent to a certain level of study at university. This page is about music theory diplomas, and at the time of writing the ABRSM does not (unfortunately) offer diploma level music theory exams, so if you want to further your studies you will have to choose between these two examining boards (this article does not make any attempt to look into non-UK diplomas):

Trinity College London (TCL) or The London College of Music (LCM)?

Trinity offers two levels of diploma and the LCM offers three. In order to compare the levels accurately, I’ll show the QCF level for each exam. (“QCF” is the “Qualifications and Credit Framework” which is used to standardise all academic exams within the United Kingdom.) Trinity Associate (AMusTCL) – Licentiate (LMusTCL) London College of Music Diploma (DipMusLCM) Associate (AMusLCM) Licentiate (LMusLCM) QCF 4 5 6 University equivalent 1st year BA 2nd year BA 3rd year BA (Until recently both exam boards offered a level 7 diploma, equivalent to a Master's degree. Sadly these have now be discontinued). In this article I’m going to compare the entry level diploma offered by each board. Please note that although the information is correct at the time of writing it is, of course, subject to change. Check everything with the individual boards before committing yourself to an exam. Links are provided.

Entry Level Diploma: Cost

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(Prices correct as of 7th March 2019.)

DipMusLCM: £119

AmusTCL: £107

Duration & Format of Exam

Both boards: 3 hours, written exam in one session. 5 questions in total.

Name of Qualification

(This are the letters that you’ll be able to write after your name if you pass). LCM: DipMusLCM = Diploma in Music Licentiate of the London College of Music

Trinity: AMusTCL = Associate in Music Trinity College London

Pre-Requisites

Exams you need to have passed before you can sit these: None.

Pass Marks

LCM: Pass 75%, “Upper Level” 85%

Trinity: Pass 60%, “Distinction” 80%

Syllabus

LCM:

1. Stylistic Composition: Bach Chorale completion (compulsory), plus choose from 2-part counterpoint, harmonising a folk song for piano, classical style string quartet or realisation of chord symbols for any orchestration.

2. Questions on a Score: An unseen chamber, vocal or orchestral score.

3. Comparison of Recordings: Compare and contrast two different recordings of the same piece. 4. Essay: 400-500 words on a topic chosen from a selection of about ten topics.

Trinity:

Five questions chosen from the following:

1. Musical Skills: (choose at least 1 question). Completing a Chorale, Completing an orchestration (1760-1810), Completing a piano piece (1810-1860) or Completing a pop song, melodic composition (20th century). 2. Set works: (choose at least one question). See current syllabus for details http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=1589

LCM:

General Information about the DipMusLCM (Website)

Music Literacy (Theory) Diploma Syllabus (PDF)

Sample Exam Paper for DipMusLCM (PDF)

Fees (Website)

Trinity:

General Information about Trinity Diplomas (Website)

Music Theory Diploma Syllabus (PDF)

Sample Exam Paper for AMusTCL (PDF)

Fees (PDF)

mymusictheory.com - Music Theory Diplomas - MyMusicTheory

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