diplomas at a glance - ABRSM

Diplomas at a glance
A guide to the Diploma Syllabus from 2005
Music Direction Music Performance Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

About this guide
This guide to the Associated Board’s Diplomas is designed to help you decide which
diploma is right for you. It does not replace the full Diploma Syllabus.
Before you start to prepare for your Diploma, you should read the relevant syllabus so
that you are aware of what is required of you both before and during the exam.
The Diploma Syllabus from 2005 is published as three separate syllabus documents,
one for each subject:
● Music Direction
● Music Performance
● Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
All syllabus documents are available at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas or by request
from the Associated Board.
Introducing the Diplomas
Entry requirements
The Associated Board’s Diplomas provide assessments for a wide range of musicians
whether studying for a career in music, working as a professional musician, or just looking
for a new challenge.
There are three Diploma subjects:
● Music Direction
● Music Performance
● Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
For each subject there are three levels of Diploma:
● DipABRSM Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
● LRSM Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music
● FRSM Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music
The Associated Board’s Diplomas are recognised by musicians around the world and they
are compatible with systems of assessment used in higher education.
All Associated Board Diplomas are letter-bearing. With DipABRSM, LRSM or FRSM after
your name, musicians, employers, pupils and their parents will know that you have a
professional qualification from a respected organisation.
By studying for and taking an Associated Board Diploma you will gain skills, knowledge
and recognition in your chosen field. We hope that you find the experience stimulating,
challenging and worthwhile.
When you enter for a Diploma you will need to show that you have reached the minimum
standard needed to attempt the exam – we refer to this as a ‘prerequisite’.
We allow a range of substitutions, or alternatives, for these prerequisites. You can also
offer appropriate professional experience such as experience as a regular concert
performer or as a successful instrumental teacher.
Further information about prerequisites, substitutions and appropriate professional
experience can be found in the relevant syllabus and at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas

DipABRSM: Music Direction
For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Music Direction
page
Prerequisite ● ABRSM Grade 8 in any Practical subject or a substitution
18
Section 1 Rehearsal and 30-35 minutes A rehearsal and performance using an instrumental 7-8
Performance
or choral ensemble provided and directed by you.
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 18 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Rehearsal and
Performance, Programme Notes and Arrangement,
and other aspects of directing.
8-9
Programme 1,100 words (+ – 10%) Programme notes relating to your Rehearsal and 24-26
Notes
Performance repertoire.
Section 2.2 Arrangement
An instrumental or choral arrangement for your 24 &
ensemble.
28-29
LRSM: Music Direction
Prerequisite ● DipABRSM (Music Direction) or a substitution
Section 1 Rehearsal and 40-45 minutes A rehearsal and performance using an instrumental
Performance
or choral ensemble provided and directed by you.
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 20 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Rehearsal and
Performance, Programme Notes and Arrangement,
and other aspects of directing.
Programme 1,800 words (+ – 10%) Programme notes relating to your Rehearsal and
Notes
Performance repertoire.
Section 2.2 Arrangement
An instrumental or choral arrangement for your
ensemble.
FRSM: Music Direction
Prerequisite ● LRSM (Music Direction) or a substitution
Section 1 Rehearsal and 55-60 minutes A rehearsal and performance using an instrumental
Performance
or choral ensemble provided and directed by you.
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 25 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity
to demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Rehearsal and
Performance, Written Submission and
Arrangement, and other aspects of directing.
Written 4,500 words (+ – 10%) A written submission relating to issues connected
Submission
with your Rehearsal and Performance repertoire.
Section 2.2 Arrangement
An instrumental or choral arrangement for your
ensemble.
page
18
10
11-12
24-26
24 &
28-29
page
19
13
14-15
24 &
26-27
24 &
28-29

DipABRSM: Music Performance
For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Music Performance
page
Prerequisite ● ABRSM Grade 8 Practical in the instrument presented or a substitution
20
Section 1 Recital 35 minutes (+ – 10%) A recital with optional free choice of repertoire. 7-8
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 12 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Recital and Programme
Notes, and other aspects of performing.
9
Programme 1,100 words (+ – 10%) Programme notes relating to your Recital
24-26
Notes
repertoire.
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen 10
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 6
preparation time) repertoire.
LRSM: Music Performance
Prerequisite ● DipABRSM (Music Performance) in the instrument presented or a substitution
Section 1 Recital 40 minutes (+ – 10%) A recital with optional free choice of repertoire.
Specialist Option
You may choose to present one third of your Recital
within one of the following specialist areas:
orchestral musician; chamber ensemble member;
keyboard accompanist.
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 15 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Recital and Programme
Notes, and other aspects of performing.
Programme 1,800 words (+ – 10%) Programme notes relating to your Recital
Notes
repertoire.
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 7
preparation time) repertoire.
page
20
11-12
13
24-26
FRSM: Music Performance
page
Prerequisite ● LRSM (Music Performance) in the instrument presented or a substitution
21
Section 1 Recital 50 minutes (+ – 10%) A recital with optional free choice of repertoire.
Specialist Option
You may choose to present at least half, and no
more than two thirds, of your Recital within one of
the following specialist areas: orchestral musician;
chamber ensemble member; keyboard accompanist.
14-15
Section 2.1 Viva Voce Up to 20 minutes A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge, approach and
understanding.
Questions will cover your Recital and Written
Submission, and other aspects of performing.
16
Written 4,500 words (+ – 10%) A written submission relating to issues connected 24 &
Submission
with your Recital repertoire.
26-27
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen 17
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 8
preparation time) repertoire.
13

For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
DipABRSM: Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
page
Prerequisites ● ABRSM Grade 8 Practical in the instrument taught or a substitution
and ● ABRSM Grade 6 Theory (1992 syllabus) or a substitution
and ● you must be 18 or older at the time of entry
22
Section 1 Teaching Skills Up to 40 minutes A discussion with the examiners including
7-10
Viva Voce
demonstrations of teaching approaches and
performance of extracts from ABRSM Grade 6
repertoire.
You should be prepared to discuss your Written
Submission.
Section 2.1 Written 1,800 words (+ – 10%) A written submission on a topic chosen from the 28-31
Submission
syllabus.
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen 11
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 6
preparation time) repertoire.
LRSM: Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
Prerequisites ● DipABRSM (Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) in the instrument taught
or a substitution
and ● ABRSM Grade 8 Theory (1992 syllabus) or a substitution
and ● you must be 20 or older at the time of the exam
Case Study You must submit these two sections at least three months before the closing date for
Portfolio & entry. You must pass these sections before you can proceed with the rest of the LRSM.
Video of
Teaching
Case Study Portfolio: written case studies based on your work with three pupils.
Practice Video of Teaching Practice: a video featuring at least two pupils, one of whom must be
covered in the Case Study Portfolio.
Section 1 Teaching Skills Up to 50 minutes A discussion with the examiners including
Viva Voce
demonstrations of teaching approaches and
performance of extracts from ABRSM Grade 8
repertoire.
You should be prepared to discuss your Written
Submission.
Section 2.1 Written 4,500 words (+ – 10%) A written submission on a topic chosen from the
Submission
syllabus.
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 7
preparation time) repertoire.
FRSM: Music Education
Prerequisite ● LRSM (Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) in the instrument taught or a substitution
Section 1 Teaching Skills Up to 60 minutes A discussion with the examiners including
Viva Voce
demonstrations of teaching approaches and
performance of extracts from DipABRSM (Music
Performance) repertoire.
You should be prepared to discuss your Written
Submission.
Section 2.1 Written 11,000 words A written submission on an approved topic of your
Submission (+ – 10%)
choice.
Section 2.2 Quick Study Up to 10 minutes Performance of a short piece of previously unseen
(including 5 minutes’ music of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 8
preparation time) repertoire.
page
23
28 &
32-34
12-15
28-31
15
page
23
16-18
28-30
19

Next steps
Your questions
This guide provides an outline of the various Diploma requirements. Before making any
decisions about which Diploma to work towards, and before entering for a Diploma,
please read the relevant Diploma Syllabus.
The Diploma Syllabus from 2005 is available in three parts, one for each subject:
● Music Direction
● Music Performance
● Instrumental/Vocal Teaching
The syllabuses provide comprehensive information on all aspects of the diploma exams
including requirements, repertoire lists, guidance for candidates and the criteria against
which you will be assessed.
You can obtain copies of the syllabuses in one of the following ways:
● at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas
● from your local Associated Board Representative or Contact, or Honorary Local
Representative (UK and Ireland)
● from your local music retailer
● from the Associated Board’s office in London (see below)
If you have any questions about the Diploma Syllabus from 2005 please contact us in one
of the following ways:
UK and Ireland
telephone +44 20 7467 8829
email diplomas@abrsm.ac.uk
All other countries
Get in touch with your local Associated Board Representative or Contact
(listed at www.abrsm.org and in the Examination Regulations & Information,
International Edition).
Alternatively, contact the International Department at the Associated Board’s
office in London:
telephone +44 20 7467 8818
email internationaldiplomas@abrsm.ac.uk

Free support materials
Available at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas or by request from the
Associated Board’s office in London.
Reading List
A regularly updated list of written resources listed by subject and instrument.
Writing Programme Notes: A guide for diploma candidates
A practical guide to writing programme notes, by Nigel Scaife,
the Associated Board’s Syllabus Principal.
Support materials from ABRSM Publishing
Available from music retailers or at www.abrsmpublishing.com
Performer’s Guides
A Performer’s Guide
to Music of the
Baroque Period
1-86096-192-4
Book and CD
Music in Words
Trevor Herbert
1-86096-236-X
A guide to researching and writing about music, from programme notes
to dissertations. It includes a ‘how to’ section and an introduction
to using the internet for research.
Achieving Success
Preparing for your Diploma in Music Performance
DVD PAL 1-86096-399-4; DVD NTSC 1-86096-596-2; VHS PAL 1-86096-540-7
Essential preparation material for anyone entering for a Diploma in
Music Performance. Introduced by Clara Taylor, Chief Examiner,
Achieving Success includes exemplar performances on a variety of
instruments, interviews with a diploma examiner and past candidates,
and guidance on how to prepare for the exam.
The DVD contains optional Chinese subtitles and Cantonese dubbing.
A Performer’s Guide
to Music of the
Classical Period
1-86096-193-2
Book and CD
A Performer’s Guide
to Music of the
Romantic Period
1-86096-194-0
Book and CD
These stimulating guides are a valuable resource for students preparing
programme notes for diploma exams. They will also help students achieve
stylistic performances of music of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
Each book contains a full-length CD of excerpts referred to throughout the text.

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