Recording your LCME digital exam: Advice for teachers and students
By Rachel Kilby, Markets Manager at London College of Music Examinations (LCME)
Throughout my years in performance education, both as an examiner and teacher, I've experienced how the recording process can sometimes make students (and even teachers!) feel slightly anxious when getting ready for digital exams. With our new requirement for Digital Recorded exams to be recorded in one continuous take now in effect (as of 1 March 2025), I've had some really insightful conversations with teachers about the best ways to help their students prepare for their recorded exams.
Firstly, I want to reassure you that this approach is standard practice across all major UK examination boards and is encouraged by Ofqual (the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator). There's good reason for this—the one-take format provides a more authentic assessment of performance skills and ensures that LCME qualifications maintain their respected standing in the music and performance education community.
When I explain to students that this is how musicians actually perform—without stopping to fix mistakes—they often understand the value of developing these real-world performance skills. With that in mind, I'd like to share some practical strategies that have helped students adapt successfully to this format.
It's ok to make mistakes
One of the most important things you can tell students is that everyone makes mistakes—even professional performers! What matters is how you carry on afterwards. During practice, encourage students to keep going when they make small errors rather than always starting again.
Remember, examiners don't expect a perfect performance. They're looking for musical understanding, good technique, and confidence. A performance with feeling and expression that includes a few small mistakes will usually score better than one that sounds too cautious or lacks personality.
Building performance strength
Playing, reciting or singing a complete programme needs focus and stamina. Help your students practise performing all their pieces in order without stopping. These ‘practice performances’ can be for family members, friends, or even pets!
It is useful to record these practice runs on a phone or tablet. This helps students get used to performing their complete programme and feel comfortable being recorded.
Moving between pieces
The moments between pieces often make students nervous. You can ask students to practice the ending of one piece and the beginning of the next one. Remind students that it's fine to take a short pause between pieces to prepare mentally for the next piece. There's no rush! Make sure they have their music and/or backing tracks ready and organised in the right order for a smooth performance.
Learning from practice recordings
Recording practice performances is a wonderful learning tool. You should encourage students to watch these recordings to help them think about what went well and what could be better, using questions like "Did you keep the mood you wanted throughout the piece?" or “What could be improved here?”
This helps students develop their listening skills and makes the final recording day feel less stressful.
Supporting all students
For younger students or those with special educational needs, performing a complete programme can be extra challenging. Teachers and parents can help by giving simple reminders about which piece comes next—just remember not to give musical advice during the recording.
LCME offers extra support for students who need it, such as allowing more time between pieces. Don't hesitate to ask for these adjustments if they would help your student. You can find our more on the Equality, Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration page.
Technical tips
The Quick guide to LCME Digital Recorded exams gives excellent advice on the technical side of recording. Here are some key things to always remember:
- Find a quiet room with good lighting
- Test your recording equipment before the big day
- Make sure the camera shows both the performer's face and their instrument (if applicable)
- Check that the sound is clear and not too loud or too quiet
- Use a tripod or a stable surface for the camera
- Record at 720p resolution for good-quality videos that aren't too large to upload
Final thoughts
Remember, the one-take rule doesn't mean you only get one chance! Students can make several recordings on different days and choose their best one to submit—just make sure there are no cuts or edits in the recording you choose.
In my experience, I've seen how the one-take approach helps students become more confident performers. When students learn to present a complete programme and handle small mistakes that happen in any live performance, they develop valuable skills that will help them in many situations. By seeing this requirement as an opportunity rather than a problem, we can help our students build performance skills that will benefit them throughout their musical journey, whether they become professional musicians or simply enjoy playing for friends and family.
At LCME, we believe in empowering people through performance, and this approach to assessment helps prepare students not just for exams but for a lifetime of enjoyable performance experiences.
Wishing you and your students all the best with your recordings!
Rachel Kilby, MA (Lon), BMus (Hons), PGCE