The next stage of your piano journey

Piano diploma

About LCME Piano diplomas

LCME Piano diplomas are university-awarded qualifications for advanced pianists — formal recognition of years of dedicated playing and a clear step towards higher study, teaching practice and creative careers.

Choose from four Performance diploma levels (DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM) or three Teaching diploma levels (DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM). Performance candidates can also opt for the Concert option, an entirely performance-based assessment for pianists who want their playing to speak for itself.

All diplomas are awarded by the University of West London and available in three formats: in person at an approved exam centre, digital recorded for submission from your own space, or live online — performing for our expert examiners in real time, wherever you are in the world.

Exam levels (Diploma exams)

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

• Teaching diplomas at three levels: DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM

Performance diploma candidates can also choose the Concert option – an entirely performance-based exam for candidates who want their assessment focused completely on their playing.

Download the diploma syllabus (PDF)

How to take your diploma exam

Diploma exams are available in three formats:

• In-person – Perform at an approved exam centre with the examiner present in the room.

• Digital Recorded – Submit a recorded performance for assessment.

• Live Online – Perform live for our expert examiners from wherever you feel most confident. Our Live Online Diploma exams bring the energy and authenticity of an in-person exam to your chosen space, connecting you with examiners in real time – wherever you are in the world. Live Online exams are available for DipLCM, ALCM and LLCM in Performance, as well as Teaching Diplomas.