LCME Music Diplomas

Each level has three options: Standard, Recital, and Concert.

Diplomas	Exam durations	Components and mark weightings
DipLCM in Performance	35 minutes	Performance: 70% (15–20 minutes)	Discussion: 15%	Sight Reading: 15%
DipLCM in Performance (Recital)	35 minutes	Performance: 80% (25–30 minutes)		Discussion or Sight Reading: 20%
DipLCM in Performance (Concert)	40 minutes	Performance: 100% (30–40 minutes)
ALCM in Performance	45 minutes	Performance: 70% (25–30 minutes)	Discussion: 15%	Sight Reading: 15%
ALCM in Performance (Recital)	45 minutes	Performance: 80% (35–40 minutes)		Discussion or Sight Reading: 20%
ALCM in Performance (Concert)	50 minutes	Performance: 100% (40–50 minutes)
LLCM in Performance	60 minutes	Performance: 70% (35–40 minutes)	Discussion: 15%	Sight Reading: 15%
LLCM in Performance (Recital)	60 minutes	Performance: 80% (45–50 minutes)		Discussion or Sight Reading: 20%
LLCM in Performance (Concert)	65 minutes	Performance: 100% (50–60 minutes)
FLCM in Performance	70 minutes	Performance: (50–60 minutes)		Programme Notes

Please note the above and your syllabus with care. Below are some things you should be aware of:

DipLCM in Performance (Recital)

You can choose either Discussion or Sight Reading for component 2.

ALCM in Performance

• Technical Work is not a requirement
• Aural Tests are not a requirement

ALCM in Performance (Recital)

• You can now choose either Discussion or Sight Reading for component 2
• The essay is not a requirement

LLCM in Performance

• Written programme, which is part of the performance component, is required

LLCM in Performance (Recital)

• You can choose either Discussion or Sight Reading for component 2
• Programme notes are part of the Performance component

Please note that Concert has been added to ALCM and LLCM. In piano, we have published a handbook (In Concert: Book 2), of which one piece must be performed. Please see the Piano Diplomas Repertoire List for further details.

Music Diploma Prerequisites

Information about the specific qualifications required to enter for each music diploma can be found here. Requirements should be uploaded using the submission form upon booking.

At all levels, candidates holding other qualifications of a similar standard may still be able to enter for the exam on application to the Chief Examiner in Music.

Regulation information

LCME diplomas in music performance and in music teaching are regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA.

Additionally, LCME diplomas in music are mapped against the BMus and MMus Performance / Composition degree courses at the University of West London, which are validated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Each diploma carries a nominal number of credits (typically 20 credits, representing one degree module or one-sixth of the total number of credits required to complete one year of the degree course).

BMus and MMus students who hold an LCME diploma are, therefore, automatically eligible to bypass the relevant module or modules on the degree course.

Other degree-awarding institutions may, on a discretionary basis, accept LCME diplomas as Approved Prior Learning (APL) on a similar basis.