Irish Traditional Music

About LCME Irish Traditional Music Exams

There are eight LCME Irish Traditional grades, one introductory level, four performance diplomas and three teaching diplomas.

The standard graded exams consist of a performance of three pieces, repertoire and supplementary tests.

We also provide alternatives to our standard examination format designed to offer something different to our diverse range of candidates:

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

Exams can be taken in any one of the following instruments: Banjo, Bodhrán, Button Accordion, Concertina, Electronic Keyboard, Fiddle, Flute, Guitar, Harp, Mandolin, Melodeon, Piano, Piano Accordion, Tin Whistle and Uilleann Pipes. Other instruments will be considered; please get in touch with the LCME office.

Syllabuses

 

Use of scores: Steps

For Irish Traditional Music Step examinations, the use of scores is optional from the Summer 2026 session. Candidates may use standard notation, note names, or instrument-specific systems developed by their teacher, and are not required to provide copies to the examiner. This option applies to Step examinations only; from Grade 1 onwards, all performances must be from memory. Candidates who choose to use written music must bring their own music stand. This provision is being introduced on a trial basis for the Summer and Winter 2026 sessions.

Resources

Book your LCME Irish Traditional Music exam

Become an exam centre

Book your exam in-person

Book your recorded exam

Register for more info

What's in the exam

Pre-Grade 1

Exam content

  • 4 Performances
Grades

Exam content

  • 3 Performances
  • Repertoire
  • Supplementary tests
Leisure Play

Exam content

  • Performance (4 pieces)
DipLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Sight Reading
ALCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Repertoire
  • Notation and Aural Skills
LLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Notation and Aural Skills
FLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme Notes
DipLCM Teaching

Exam content

ALCM Teaching

Exam content

LLCM Teaching

Exam content