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Introducing the LCME 2026 Piano syllabus
29 March 2026 is World Piano Day, which seems like the perfect time to release more information about our upcoming 2026 Piano syllabus — a new syllabus with fresh repertoire, more flexibility and free support materials.
The redesigned LCME Piano syllabus, launching on 13 May 2026, brings fresh repertoire, a clearer structure and more choice to pianists at every level.
Whether you're a teacher, candidate, parent or exam centre, the new syllabus has been designed to support well-rounded pianistic and musical development, with a carefully structured progression from Steps through to Grade 8.
Here's what you need to know.
New handbooks — digital and hard copy versions
For the first time, you will have the choice between digital and printed formats of our books. These will be available through official LCME retailers and partners from 13 May 2026.
Alongside the handbooks, we'll be releasing free digital booklets with specimen tests for Technical Work, Aural and Sight Reading. This will help candidates and teachers prepare with confidence.
Introducing Popular Piano
We're introducing Popular Piano, a brand-new graded repertoire list packed with familiar favourites across genres and styles.
Popular Piano is designed to complement Lists A, B and C, giving candidates more flexibility in building their exam programme. Graded exam candidates may replace up to two pieces with selections from the Popular Piano list (same grade), while Recital Grade candidates may select any number of pieces.
New repertoire across all grades
The 2026 syllabus introduces new repertoire at every grade, supporting stylistic breadth and a stronger technical progression.
Keyboard harmony test
A keyboard harmony test will be available as an alternative to Sight Reading. The test consists of harmonising a simple melody with the correct chords, beginning with tonic and dominant and moving on in very gradual steps. This develops useful transferable skills, creating empowering musicians able to work collaboratively with others.
Two exam formats
The syllabus offers two assessment options, both available as in-person and digital exams:
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Graded exam — performance of three pieces from Lists A, B and C (with up to two Popular Piano substitutions), plus Technical work, Sight Reading, a Discussion and Aural Tests
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Recital Grade — a performance-focused option where candidates perform four pieces from the set lists, plus one additional component (an extra piece, Sight Reading or Discussion)
Leisure Play will is no longer available for the piano syllabus. Candidates who previously used Leisure Play and are seeking a performance-focused option can choose the Recital Grade.
A clearer pre-grade pathway
The pre-grade 1 option is formed by Steps 1 and 2 form, giving a supportive introduction for younger and beginner pianists. The Pre-Preparatory level will be removed, but will remain available under the overlap rules (see more below).
Overlap period
The new LCME 2026 Piano syllabus will be available on 13 May 2026. The current LCME 2021 Piano syllabus will remain valid until 31 July 2027, giving teachers, candidates and centres plenty of time to plan the transition.
Stay informed
Sign up to be among the first to receive updates, support materials and a copy of the syllabus when it launches.