Classical Guitar

Exam levels

Pre-grade 1: Steps 1&2

Grades 1-8

Performance diplomas at four levels: DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM

Teaching diplomas at three levels: DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM

Exam formats

Alongside traditional graded exams, we also provide alternatives to our standard examination format designed to offer something different to our diverse range of candidates:

Graded exam – performance of three pieces, technical work, sight reading, a discussion and aural tests.

Recital Grade – an exam entirely or predominantly performance-based

Leisure Play – a performance of four pieces, with an optional own-choice piece

Performance Award – a performance-based assessment by video submission

Concert – (diplomas level only) an entirely performance-based exam

New syllabus 2022

The new LCME 2022 Classical Guitar Syllabus and handbooks are now available, featuring new repertoire as well as updates to technical requirements and discussion topics. View the new syllabus here.

The new handbooks contain all the material you need for each component of the exam and can be purchased from our online shop. Please note that candidates will be required to perform at least one piece from the handbook in their exam.

Changes and Updates

LCME's 2022 Classical Guitar Syllabus contains reworked technical exercises and our most varied guitar repertoire to date. Composers from over 30 nationalities are represented in the new syllabus, which includes exciting new discoveries alongside recognised masterpieces and specially commissioned pieces.

Early pre-grade levels are designed to accommodate smaller hands, allowing young candidates to fully explore their instruments right away. Steps 1 and 2 also contain duos and ten exercises to consolidate left and right hand techniques while staying within the first three frets. For the first time, duo pieces are now available from Step 1 through Grade 8.

The 2022 repertoire features pieces from South America, Spain, Africa, Jamaica, North America, and Japan, including many specially commissioned original works and arrangements, as well as compositions by Laura Snowden, Maria Linnemann, Tatiana Stachak, Gloria Villanueva, Helen Sanderson and Ailbie McDonaugh.

Both Technical Work and Sight Reading components have also been reworked. Choosing a study as an alternative to the scales, arpeggios and interval exercises is now an option in all grades. These studies are designed to showcase specific techniques that will be encountered in later components.

The new handbooks also come with additional Sight Reading and Aural sample tests offering greater guidance for candidates and teachers alike. An expanded Discussion section now includes more questions relevant to the instrument, with the goal of broadening the candidate's knowledge of their subject through dialogue with the examiner.

Validity

Please note that the new 2022 syllabus is now valid for examinations. The 2012 Syllabus and 2008 Classical Guitar Grades Repertoire List remain valid and will expire at the end of the Summer 2023 session.

 

Resources

Diplomas

Also available

What’s in the exam

Pre-Grade 1

Exam content

  • Steps 1&2:

    • Exercises
    • Performance (4 pieces)
    • Questions

Download Syllabus

Grades

Exam content

  • Technical work
  • Performance (3 pieces)
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading
  • Aural tests

Download Syllabus

Leisure Play

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)

Download Syllabus

Recital

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)
  • Additional piece/Sight reading/Discussion

Download Syllabus

DipLCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight reading

Concert:

  • Performance

 

ALCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight reading

Concert:

  • Performance
LLCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight Reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight Reading

Concert:

  • Performance
FLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes
DipLCM Teaching

Exam content

ALCM Teaching

Exam content

LLCM Teaching

Exam content