MORE ABOUT MUSIC DIPLOMAS
I get quite a number of questions from parents
about the titles that
follow my name (FTCL, LRSM),
asking what they are all about.
So I thought
I'd include an article to explain a little about music diplomas,
hope it makes it clear for
all music students and parents.
Music students usually take the graded exams from Grades 1 to 8. What happens after Grade 8?
Diploma - Different Levels
There is a suite of music diplomas offered by the various examination boards that students can go for after Grade 8. These diplomas usually come in three levels, starting from Associate, then Licentiate and finally Fellowship as the highest level.
In the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the name for the entry-level diploma is different - it is known as Diploma ABRSM (DipABRSM for short).
The requirements for each level of diploma may vary from one examination board to another. For example, in the DipABRSM, candidates are required to give a recital, submit programme notes, go through a quick study (somewhat similar to sightreading), and have a viva voce session with the examiners. The viva voce is when examiners "interview" the candidates to evaluate further his/her knowledge of music and the repertoire that he/she has performed. However, in the diploma exams held by Trinity College of London, the quick study and viva voce are not included.
Standard Attained at each Diploma Level
At the Associate level, candidates are expected to have attained a standard of playing equivalent to that of an entry-level music university student. At the Licentiate level, candidates are expected to perform at a level similar to that attained by an music undergraduate. At the Fellowship level, candidates are expected to have reached a standard at post-graduate level.
Diploma - Different Categories
At each of the diploma levels mentioned earlier, candidates can choose to specialise in various categories. There are usually a number of options offered by the various examination boards. For example, candidates can choose to obtain a diploma in performance, or in teaching.
The ABRSM diplomas only offer those in music performance and teaching. The Trinity ones offer additional options, such as written diplomas (Musical Literacy).
Wrapping Up...
Which option should a post-Grade 8 student choose? That would very much depends on his/her strong areas and key interests. Whichever option a student chooses, a lot of study and research is required from the student in order to attain the diploma. Students at this level should bear in mind that they need to know their music a lot more in order to fully express their repertoire accurately and convincingly.
© pianoforte@babeypaws
2007
The above article is written
based on my own opinion and from my own experience, as a former music student
and a current music teacher.
Do NOT reproduce any parts or whole parts of the article in any form or manner.