Electronic Keyboard
The next steps on your Electronic Keyboard journey
New 2026 syllabus coming very soon
The new 2026 Electronic Keyboard syllabus will be launched on 14 January 2026. Updates in the new syllabus include:
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The reintroduction of chord exercises in technical work
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A refreshed repertoire structure with Lists A and B, plus suggested own-choice pieces based on lead sheets for you to arrange, including well-known pieces from Beethoven to Taylor Swift
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We've also updated the requirements for the accompanying test
Finally, we are moving to digital-only publications, making all pieces available as individual downloads with free specimen test booklets.
Please note that Leisure Play will be removed from the new syllabus, with Recital Grades continuing as the performance-focused alternative route.
You can continue using the 2021 Electronic Keyboard syllabus until 31 January 2027.
To receive updates and a copy of the 2026 Electronic Keyboard syllabus on launch day, please express interest here.
About LCME Electronic Keyboard Exams
The information below relates to the 2021 Electronic Keyboard syllabus.
Exam levels
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Pre-grade 1: Steps 1 & 2
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Performance diplomas at four levels: DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM
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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:
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Graded exam - performance of three pieces, technical work, accompanying or chord sequence test, a discussion and aural tests.
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Recital Grade – an exam entirely or predominantly performance-based
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Leisure Play – a performance of four pieces, with an optional own-choice piece
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Concert – (diplomas level only) an entirely performance-based exam
LCME Electronic Keyboard Syllabus 2021
The LCME Electronic Keyboard Syllabus 2021 and accompanying handbooks come with an exciting repertoire to master at each level, a discussion section, and an accompanying test.
DOWNLOAD THE 2021 SYLLABUS (PDF)
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.
The handbooks contain all the material you need for each component of the exam and can be purchased from our online shop.
Changes and Updates
Along with the repertoire, each handbook contains a pictorial chord dictionary to help with the new chords encountered when learning the pieces.
Discussion topics have been updated to cover instrument functions and techniques – knowledge which is integral to becoming a competent keyboard player.
The revised accompanying test is set to be a popular choice. The test now incorporates the use of the keyboard’s rhythm style, offering the opportunity to try out more of the keyboard’s functions within an ensemble setting.
While all the changes help develop a well-rounded musician, the joy of making music remains at the heart of the syllabus.
Validity
Please note that the 2021 syllabus is valid until 31 January 2027.
List of errata
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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 syllabus for the most up-to-date exam information.
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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.