Piano
Prepare with confidence
Please note that the LCME 2021 Piano Syllabus and accompanying LCME Piano Handbooks 2021-2024 have been extended until further notice so you can continue using them.
When we launch a new piano syllabus, the 2021 Piano syllabus will remain valid for 12 months to help you achieve a smooth transition.
We're also expanding options for piano candidates in two exciting ways:
- Using 2018 handbook pieces: Candidates may perform studies and up to two pieces from the 2018 series of handbooks, maintaining the original grading and list groupings. Performances can be from original books or alternative editions — see the list here
- Leisure Play options: Any List C piece may be replaced by a piece from the Leisure Play list for the same Grade — see the list here
These extensions can be combined, but please note that at least one piece must be taken from the 2021 handbooks.
About LCME Piano exams
Exam levels
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Pre-grade 1: Pre-Preparatory, 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, sight reading, 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 Piano Syllabus 2021
The LCME 2021 Piano Syllabus and handbooks are valid until further notice.
The 2021-2024 handbooks are packed with all the material you need for each exam component and can be purchased from our online shop. Please note that candidates must perform one piece from the handbook in their exam.
Changes and Updates
LCME’s most varied syllabus yet features remarkable pieces by composers, past and present, from over 37 different countries and showcases an exciting and diverse mix of musical styles, including classical favourites and dynamic new discoveries.
In response to feedback, this syllabus now includes iconic film scores, more popular contemporary tunes, and a greater number of Romantic-era options for candidates to expand their musical repertoire further. Practice and performance tips around each piece and information about the composers have been included.
The popular technical work option has been retained: candidates have the choice to demonstrate their technical skills with traditional scales and arpeggios or within the context of a piece with one of the set studies.
The discussion component of the syllabus has been revised and tailored towards piano players to include topics specific to the piano. Topics such as specific techniques and the development of the instrument through history have been included to broaden the candidate’s expertise in their field.
The handbooks now also include a set of specimen aural and sight reading tests and a handy list of sight reading parameters at each grade, offering greater guidance for candidates and teachers alike.
Validity
The Piano 2021-2024 syllabus has been extended until further notice.
Recorded exams
The current Technical Work and Discussion Questions for recorded exams are valid for 2021-2024 syllabus. These are subject to change, so candidates are encouraged to continue to prepare the full set of scales and arpeggios (if option 1 is chosen) and discussion questions as they would for an in-person exam.
List of errata
In the LCME 2021 Piano Handbook Grade 4, page 30, the mark for the left hand indicating 2nd time 8va (an octave higher) should say 2nd time 8vb (an octave lower) instead.
Resources
- LCME 2021 Piano Syllabus
- LCME 2021 Piano Handbooks
- Piano Anthologies
- Grade 7 Aural Test 1 Candidate Copy
- Grade 8 Aural Test 1 Candidate Copy
- Piano Teaching Diplomas reading list
- Recommended listening: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 8
- Original recordings: selected listening
- Piano 2021 extended repertoire list
Diplomas
All DipLCM. candidates are required to perform at least one piece from In Concert
All ALCM and LLCM candidates are required to perform at least one piece from In Concert Book 2.