Changes to Performance Diplomas

The structure of our Music Performance Diplomas is changing significantly from the spring session of 2019. There will not be a crossover period, but candidates will still be able to follow the current syllabus until the end of 2019 by contacting LCME (details below).

There will be three options at each level: Standard, Recital, 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

There are a number of small changes to each diploma and candidates are expected to note the above and the new syllabus with care. Below are the major changes that should be considered:

DipLCM in Performance (Recital)

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

ALCM in Performance

• There is now only one option
• Technical Work is no longer a requirement
• Aural Tests are no longer a requirement

ALCM in Performance (Recital)

• There is now only one option
• You can now choose either Discussion or Sight Reading for component 2
• The essay is no longer a requirement

LLCM in Performance

• There is now only one option
• Programme notes are renamed written programme, which is now part of the performance component and no longer optional

LLCM in Performance (Recital)

• There is now only one option
• You can now choose either Discussion or Sight Reading for component 2
• Programme notes are now part of the Performance component

You will also 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.

There are no changes to the Teaching Diplomas.

If you have prepared your Performance Diploma using the 2011 syllabus structure and would like to follow this syllabus for an exam in 2019, you can do so until the end of 2019 by contacting LCME. Candidates for the ALCM in Performance, who wish to enter under the 2019 syllabus but have prepared a recital which is shorter than the new performance time, may be granted an exemption from the Chief Examiner in Music.

Regulation information

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

Additionally, LCM diplomas in music are mapped against the BMus and MMus Performance / Composition degree courses at 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 LCM 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 LCM diplomas as Approved Prior Learning (APL) on a similar basis.