Violin

About LCME Violin Exams

Exam levels
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

LCME Violin syllabus 2021

The LCME 2021 Violin Syllabus and handbooks are now available. They feature fresh new repertoire, updates to discussion topics, and revisions to technical work.

DOWNLOAD THE SYLLABUS (PDF)

The handbooks are packed with all the material you need for each exam component and can be purchased from our online shop.

Changes and Updates from previous syllabuses

Updates to scales and arpeggios include changes to slurred bowing requirements, new double stopping tests and the introduction of broken third scales at all grades. New studies have also been selected for candidates who choose the study alternative.

The discussion component has been tailored more closely to violinists to encourage a deeper understanding of the instrument, which is essential to evolving as a performer.

Alongside the specimen tests, the handbook now also offers greater guidance for candidates (and their teachers) around the sight reading part of the exam, with the inclusion of a new set of parameters.

The 2021 syllabus provides a well-rounded programme of study that allows performers to play to their musical strengths whilst encouraging them to explore repertoire they might not otherwise have encountered. 

Resources

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What’s in the exam

Pre-Grade 1

Exam content

Steps:

  • Technical Work
  • Performance (2 pieces)
  • Questions

Download Syllabus

Grades

Exam content

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

Download Syllabus

Leisure Play

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)

Download Syllabus

Recital

Exam content

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

Download Syllabus

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