Diplomas at a glanceA guide to the Diploma Syllabus from 2005

Music Direction Music Performance Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

About this guideThis guide to the Associated Board’s Diplomas is designed to help you decide whichdiploma 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 sothat 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 requestfrom the Associated Board.

Introducing the DiplomasThe Associated Board’s Diplomas provide assessments for a wide range of musicianswhether studying for a career in music, working as a professional musician, or just lookingfor 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 theyare compatible with systems of assessment used in higher education.

All Associated Board Diplomas are letter-bearing. With DipABRSM, LRSM or FRSM afteryour name, musicians, employers, pupils and their parents will know that you have aprofessional qualification from a respected organisation.

By studying for and taking an Associated Board Diploma you will gain skills, knowledgeand recognition in your chosen field. We hope that you find the experience stimulating,challenging and worthwhile.

Entry requirementsWhen you enter for a Diploma you will need to show that you have reached the minimumstandard 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 alsooffer appropriate professional experience such as experience as a regular concertperformer or as a successful instrumental teacher.

Further information about prerequisites, substitutions and appropriate professionalexperience can be found in the relevant syllabus and at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas

DipABRSM: Music Direction

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Music Direction

● ABRSM Grade 8 in any Practical subject or a substitution

Rehearsal andPerformance

Viva Voce

ProgrammeNotes

Arrangement

30-35 minutes

Up to 18 minutes

1,100 words (+– 10%)

A rehearsal and performance using an instrumentalor choral ensemble provided and directed by you.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity todemonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Rehearsal andPerformance, Programme Notes and Arrangement,and other aspects of directing.

Programme notes relating to your Rehearsal andPerformance repertoire.

An instrumental or choral arrangement for yourensemble.

page

18

7-8

8-9

24-26

24 &28-29

LRSM: Music Direction

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● DipABRSM (Music Direction) or a substitution

Rehearsal andPerformance

Viva Voce

ProgrammeNotes

Arrangement

40-45 minutes

Up to 20 minutes

1,800 words (+– 10%)

A rehearsal and performance using an instrumentalor choral ensemble provided and directed by you.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity todemonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Rehearsal andPerformance, Programme Notes and Arrangement,and other aspects of directing.

Programme notes relating to your Rehearsal andPerformance repertoire.

An instrumental or choral arrangement for yourensemble.

page

18

10

11-12

24-26

24 &28-29

FRSM: Music Direction

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● LRSM (Music Direction) or a substitution

Rehearsal andPerformance

Viva Voce

WrittenSubmission

Arrangement

55-60 minutes

Up to 25 minutes

4,500 words (+– 10%)

A rehearsal and performance using an instrumentalor choral ensemble provided and directed by you.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Rehearsal andPerformance, Written Submission andArrangement, and other aspects of directing.

A written submission relating to issues connectedwith your Rehearsal and Performance repertoire.

An instrumental or choral arrangement for yourensemble.

page

19

13

14-15

24 &26-27

24 &28-29

DipABRSM: Music Performance

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Music Performance

● ABRSM Grade 8 Practical in the instrument presented or a substitution

Recital

Viva Voce

ProgrammeNotes

Quick Study

35 minutes (+– 10%)

Up to 12 minutes

1,100 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A recital with optional free choice of repertoire.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity todemonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Recital and ProgrammeNotes, and other aspects of performing.

Programme notes relating to your Recitalrepertoire.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 6repertoire.

page

20

7-8

9

24-26

10

LRSM: Music Performance

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● DipABRSM (Music Performance) in the instrument presented or a substitution

Recital

Viva Voce

ProgrammeNotes

Quick Study

40 minutes (+– 10%)

Up to 15 minutes

1,800 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A recital with optional free choice of repertoire.

Specialist OptionYou may choose to present one third of your Recitalwithin one of the following specialist areas:orchestral musician; chamber ensemble member;keyboard accompanist.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity todemonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Recital and ProgrammeNotes, and other aspects of performing.

Programme notes relating to your Recitalrepertoire.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 7repertoire.

page

20

11-12

13

24-26

13

FRSM: Music Performance

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● LRSM (Music Performance) in the instrument presented or a substitution

Recital

Viva Voce

WrittenSubmission

Quick Study

50 minutes (+– 10%)

Up to 20 minutes

4,500 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A recital with optional free choice of repertoire.

Specialist OptionYou may choose to present at least half, and nomore than two thirds, of your Recital within one ofthe following specialist areas: orchestral musician;chamber ensemble member; keyboard accompanist.

A discussion with the examiners – an opportunity todemonstrate your knowledge, approach andunderstanding.

Questions will cover your Recital and WrittenSubmission, and other aspects of performing.

A written submission relating to issues connectedwith your Recital repertoire.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 8repertoire.

page

21

14-15

16

24 &26-27

17

DipABRSM: Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

Prerequisites

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● 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

Teaching SkillsViva Voce

WrittenSubmission

Quick Study

Up to 40 minutes

1,800 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A discussion with the examiners includingdemonstrations of teaching approaches andperformance of extracts from ABRSM Grade 6repertoire.

You should be prepared to discuss your WrittenSubmission.

A written submission on a topic chosen from thesyllabus.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 6repertoire.

page

22

7-10

28-31

11

FRSM: Music Education

Prerequisite

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● LRSM (Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) in the instrument taught or a substitution

Teaching SkillsViva Voce

WrittenSubmission

Quick Study

Up to 60 minutes

11,000 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A discussion with the examiners includingdemonstrations of teaching approaches andperformance of extracts from DipABRSM (MusicPerformance) repertoire.

You should be prepared to discuss your WrittenSubmission.

A written submission on an approved topic of yourchoice.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 8repertoire.

page

23

16-18

28-30

19

LRSM: Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

Prerequisites

Case Study Portfolio &Video of Teaching Practice

Section 1

Section 2.1

Section 2.2

● 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

You must submit these two sections at least three months before the closing date forentry. You must pass these sections before you can proceed with the rest of the LRSM.

Case Study Portfolio: written case studies based on your work with three pupils.

Video of Teaching Practice: a video featuring at least two pupils, one of whom must becovered in the Case Study Portfolio.

Teaching SkillsViva Voce

WrittenSubmission

Quick Study

Up to 50 minutes

4,500 words (+– 10%)

Up to 10 minutes(including 5 minutes’preparation time)

A discussion with the examiners includingdemonstrations of teaching approaches andperformance of extracts from ABRSM Grade 8repertoire.

You should be prepared to discuss your WrittenSubmission.

A written submission on a topic chosen from thesyllabus.

Performance of a short piece of previously unseenmusic of a standard similar to ABRSM Grade 7repertoire.

page

23

28 &32-34

12-15

28-31

15

For further information refer to the Diploma Syllabus, Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

Next stepsThis guide provides an outline of the various Diploma requirements. Before making anydecisions 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 examsincluding requirements, repertoire lists, guidance for candidates and the criteria againstwhich 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)

Your questionsIf you have any questions about the Diploma Syllabus from 2005 please contact us in oneof the following ways:

UK and Irelandtelephone +44 20 7467 8829

email diplomas@abrsm.ac.uk

All other countriesGet 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 8818email internationaldiplomas@abrsm.ac.uk

Free support materialsAvailable at www.abrsm.org/exams/diplomas or by request from the Associated Board’s office in London.

Reading ListA regularly updated list of written resources listed by subject and instrument.

Writing Programme Notes: A guide for diploma candidatesA practical guide to writing programme notes, by Nigel Scaife, the Associated Board’s Syllabus Principal.

Support materials from ABRSM PublishingAvailable from music retailers or at www.abrsmpublishing.com

Music in WordsTrevor Herbert1-86096-236-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 SuccessPreparing for your Diploma in Music PerformanceDVD 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 ofinstruments, 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.

Performer’s Guides

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.

A Performer’s Guideto Music of theBaroque Period1-86096-192-4

Book and CD

A Performer’s Guideto Music of theClassical Period 1-86096-193-2

Book and CD

A Performer’s Guideto Music of theRomantic Period 1-86096-194-0

Book and CD

24 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1LUUnited Kingdom

www.abrsm.org

Registered Charity No. 292182