Music diplomas

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.