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Electronic Keyboard

About LCME Electronic Keyboard exams

LCME's Electronic Keyboard syllabus offers a modern, digital-first approach to learning and performing, designed to inspire keyboardists at every level. Whether you're taking your first steps or preparing for a diploma, our exams provide a clear pathway to showcase your talent and achieve your musical goals.

 

2026 Electronic Keyboard - Steps and Graded exams

Exam levels (Steps and Graded exams)

  • Pre-grade 1: Steps 1 & 2

  • Grades 1–8

Grades 6, 7 and 8 attract UCAS Tariff points, helping to open doors to university courses in the UK. Find out more about LCME qualifications and UCAS points.

Exam formats (Steps and Graded exams)

We offer two assessment options, both available as in-person or digital exams, to suit different learning styles:

  • Graded exam – Performance of three pieces (one from List A, one from List B, and a third chosen from either list or an own-choice piece), technical work, an accompanying or chord sequence test, discussion, and aural tests.

  • Recital Grades – A performance-focused alternative. Candidates perform four pieces, at least two selected from the set lists. The remaining pieces may be from either list or own-choice selections. Candidates then choose from aural tests, discussion, or performance of an additional own-choice piece.

Download the 2026 syllabus (PDF)

Digital Publications

All supporting materials are available only as digital downloads. Links are provided below.

Steps 1 & 2 

A digital booklet containing the materials needed for both levels is available to purchase from digital retailers: click here to download 

Grades 1 to 8

• Pieces and studies – Almost all prescribed repertoire and all optional studies are available as individual downloads to purchase from digital retailers: click here to download 

• Technical work and sample tests (COMING SOON) – A free booklet with materials for Component 1 (Scales and Arpeggios) and specimen tests for Component 4 (Accompanying and Chord Sequence tests) is available here: click here to download (PDF)

• Aural sample tests – A free booklet with specimen tests for Component 5 (Aural) for all grades is available here: click here to download (PDF)

What's new in the 2026 syllabus

The 2026 Electronic Keyboard syllabus (PDF) was launched on 14 January 2026, introducing several enhancements:

  • Digital-first access – All set pieces are available as individual downloads, with free specimen test booklets covering scales, chords, and aural tests.

  • Refreshed repertoire structure – Explore Lists A and B with curated new pieces and returning favourites. Suggested own-choice pieces based on lead sheets let you arrange music from Beethoven to Taylor Swift.

  • Updated technical work – Chord exercises have been reintroduced to help develop well-rounded keyboard skills.

  • Revised accompanying test – We've updated the requirements to better reflect practical ensemble playing.

  • Streamlined exam formats – Leisure Play has been removed from the syllabus. Recital Grades continue as the performance-focused alternative for candidates who want to concentrate on their playing.

 

The 2021 Electronic Keyboard syllabus remains valid until 31 January 2027, giving candidates and teachers flexibility during the transition period.

The specially commissioned pieces encompass a range of styles from Irish folk to Latin bossa novas, New Orleans jazz and classical piano styles. These pieces focus on developing good keyboard management skills while encouraging a greater knowledge of chords, keys and using advanced keyboard features such as keyboard split, full keyboard/pianist mode and on bass.

List of errata (2021 syllabus)

  • The 2021–2024 Electronic Keyboard Grade 7 Handbook, on page 11, requires 3 octaves of the Chromatic contrary motion scales when it should say 2 octaves. Please refer to the 2021 syllabus for the most up-to-date exam information.

  • In the 2021–2024 Electronic Keyboard Handbook Step 2 (Instrumental Solo), on the song "Roundabout Rang", the bar 8 chord should be G7 instead of C7.

 

Diploma exams

Ready to take your playing to the next level? Our diploma qualifications offer formal recognition of advanced keyboard skills.

Exam levels (Diploma exams)

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

  • Teaching diplomas at three levels: DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM

Download the diploma syllabus (PDF)

Exam formats (Diploma exams)

Diploma exams are available in three formats:

  • In-person – Perform at an approved exam centre with the examiner present in the room.

  • Digital Recorded – Submit a recorded performance for assessment.

  • Live Online – Perform live for our expert examiners from wherever you feel most confident. Our Live Online Diploma exams bring the energy and authenticity of an in-person exam to your chosen space, connecting you with examiners in real time – wherever you are in the world. Live Online exams are available for DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM in Performance, as well as Teaching Diplomas.

 

Resources

2026 syllabus (Steps and Grades)

Diplomas

2021 syllabus (valid until 31 January 2027)

 

Alternative options available

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