Piano

Exam levels

Pre-grade 1: Pre-Preparatory, Steps 1 & 2

Grades 1-8

Performance diplomas at four levels: DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM

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:

Graded exam – performance of three pieces, technical work, sight reading, a discussion and aural tests.

Recital Grade – an exam entirely or predominantly performance-based

Leisure Play – a performance of four pieces, with an optional own-choice piece

Performance Award – a performance-based assessment by video submission

Concert – (diplomas level only) an entirely performance-based exam

New syllabus 2021

The new LCM 2021 Piano Syllabus and handbooks are now available, featuring fresh new repertoire as well as updates to discussion topics. View the new syllabus here.

The new handbooks are packed with all the material you need for each component of the exam and can be purchased from our online shop. Please note that candidates will be required to perform one piece from the handbook in their exam.

Changes and Updates

LCME’s most varied syllabus yet, it 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 new syllabus now includes iconic film scores and more popular contemporary tunes, plus a greater number of Romantic era options for candidates to further expand their musical repertoire. Practice and performance tips around each piece have been included, alongside information about the composers. 

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 new set of specimen aural and sight reading tests and a handy new list of sight reading parameters at each grade offering greater guidance for candidates and teachers alike.

Validity

Please note that the new 2021 syllabus is now valid for examinations. The 2018 syllabus remains valid and will expire at the end of the Summer 2022 session.

Recorded Exams

The current Technical Work and Discussion Questions for recorded exams are valid for both 2018 and 2021 syllabuses. 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

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

Diplomas

All DipLCM candidates are now required to perform at least one piece from In Concert.

All ALCM and LLCM candidates are now required to perform at least one piece from In Concert Book 2.

What’s in the exam

Pre-Grade 1

Exam content

Pre Preparatory:

  • Exercises
  • Performance (4 pieces)
  • Note recognition

Steps:

  • Exercises
  • Performance (4 pieces)
  • Questions

Grades

Exam content

  • Technical work
  • Performance (3 pieces)
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading
  • Aural tests

Leisure Play

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)

Recital

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)
  • Additional piece/Sight reading/Discussion

DipLCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight reading

Concert:

  • Performance

ALCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight reading

Concert:

  • Performance

LLCM

Exam content

Standard:

  • Performance
  • Discussion
  • Sight Reading

Recital:

  • Performance
  • Discussion/Sight Reading

Concert:

  • Performance

FLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes

DipLCM Teaching

Exam content

ALCM Teaching

Exam content

LLCM Teaching

Exam content