How Jessica Achieved Distinction in Her DipLCM Piano Exam with Trinity Repertoire: A Story of Smart Choices and Musical Excellence
Achieving a Distinction in a Diploma in Piano Performance is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects not only musical skill but also maturity, strategic thinking, and artistic sensitivity. For Jessica Bao Ru Chan, her recent success in the DipLCM Piano Performance exam, with an outstanding score of 90/100, is a testament to her thoughtful preparation, excellent repertoire choices, and refined musicianship. What makes her achievement even more special is that her entire programme was originally chosen from the Trinity College London diploma piano syllabus, yet she chose to pursue the qualification under the London College of Music (LCM) — a university that awards prestigious, internationally recognised piano diploma certification.
Jessica’s journey shows how smart academic and musical decisions can lead to higher recognition and better future opportunities.
Choosing the LCM DipLCM for Greater Prestige and Recognition
Although both Trinity College London and LCM offer performance diplomas at similar levels, there is a key difference. Trinity diplomas are awarded by an exam board, while LCM diplomas are issued by the University of West London, a recognised UK university. This makes the DipLCM a Level 4 university qualification, equivalent to the first year of a UK bachelor’s degree, and more respected by higher education institutions and employers.
Jessica discovered that many students who had completed Trinity diplomas faced limitations when applying to music degree programmes overseas. Wanting her hard work to count towards a qualification recognised in academic and professional contexts, she made the smart decision to register her diploma performance under LCM, while keeping the rich and stylistically varied programme she had prepared using the Trinity syllabus.
The result? A university-recognised diploma with a Distinction grade that now opens doors for further music studies and career opportunities in teaching and performance.
A Programme that Showcased Maturity and Versatility
Jessica’s recital featured an elegant and well-balanced selection of repertoire spanning four major musical periods:
• Bach – Prelude & Fugue in D Major, BWV 850
• Beethoven – Sonata in G Major, Op.14 No.2
• Chopin – Nocturne in E Major, Op.62 No.2
• Fauré – Barcarolle No.1 in A Minor, Op.26
This diploma piano exam programme demonstrated a clear understanding of contrasting styles — from Baroque counterpoint to Classical form, Romantic expressiveness, and French Impressionist lyricism. Such thoughtful diploma programming allowed Jessica to display a wide range of interpretive skills, a key factor in achieving high marks in diploma exams.
Examiners Loved Her Performance
According to the examiner’s report, Jessica performed with poise and musical intelligence throughout. Her Bach Prelude and Fugue opened the recital with confidence and clarity, showing an even rhythmic flow and well-controlled articulation. The Fugue was described as thoughtful and dignified, with clear entries and refined texture — a sign of strong polyphonic understanding.
Her Beethoven Sonata was praised for its expressive contrasts and stylistic awareness. The examiner highlighted the deliberate tempo, accurate rhythm, and clear dynamic variation across all three movements, noting especially the charm and humor captured in the lively final rondo.
In Chopin’s Nocturne, Jessica revealed sensitivity and elegance, exploring a wide range of tone colours and sonorities. The examiner noted the beautiful phrasing and the fragility in her delicate embellishments, which brought a poetic quality to the performance.
Finally, the Fauré Barcarolle provided a graceful conclusion, with lyrical phrasing and gentle rocking rhythms that reflected calm serenity. The examiner commended her commitment and understanding of Fauré’s flowing style, which left a lasting impression of maturity and control.
It was this combination of technical precision, stylistic understanding, and emotional depth that earned Jessica her Distinction mark of 90/100 in her diploma piano exam.
The Importance of Rare and Thoughtful Repertoire
Many diploma piano candidates tend to select popular works that are frequently performed, such as Chopin’s Ballades or Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata. Jessica, however, chose a more sophisticated and less common programme, which immediately captured the examiner’s attention. Her Fauré Barcarolle and Chopin’s late Nocturne are both nuanced works requiring subtlety and sensitivity — qualities that distinguish a mature performer from a merely capable one.
By performing pieces that are rarely chosen in diploma piano exams, she demonstrated not only breadth of knowledge but also confidence in her artistic identity. Examiners often reward such thoughtful programming, as it reflects intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of musical styles.
LCM Piano Diploma Exam is the Smarter Choice For Candidates
In addition to the performance itself, the DipLCM places emphasis on the candidate’s programme notes, which are assessed for clarity, historical accuracy, and analytical insight. Jessica’s notes were praised for being well written, informative, and balanced, offering valuable context for listeners. This academic component adds another layer of professionalism to the qualification — one that Trinity’s performance diploma does not always emphasise as strongly.
The London College of Music is known for its holistic evaluation, combining performance artistry with written presentation and interpretive insight. This approach aligns closely with what universities and employers look for in professional musicians: well-rounded individuals who can perform, teach, analyse, and communicate about music effectively.
A Distinction in Diploma Piano Exam Opens Future Opportunities
Earning a Distinction at diploma piano level is a powerful milestone in a pianist’s journey. It signals a high level of artistry and technical command, as well as a disciplined approach to study and preparation. With her DipLCM (90/100) result, Jessica now holds a university-recognised qualification that strengthens her portfolio for:
• Admission into music degree programmes in the UK or internationally
• Applications for teaching positions in music schools or private studios
• Establishing a profile as a qualified performer and educator
• Future advancement toward ATCL, LTCL, or even FLCM diplomas
This achievement reflects not only her talent, but also the value of choosing the right syllabus and guidance.
Train for Distinction with Our Diploma Piano Lessons
Jessica’s success story is an example of how strategic planning, careful repertoire selection, and expert coaching can lead to top results. With Jenny’s diploma piano courses, we specialise in preparing candidates for DipLCM, ATCL, and ARSM piano diplomas, guiding every student to understand the stylistic demands of each piece, write impressive programme notes, and perform with confidence and personality.
Under the mentorship of Master-Degree Piano Teacher Jenny Soh, students receive personalised support to achieve Distinction-level performances that open doors to academic advancement and professional recognition.
If you’re ready to take your piano journey to the next level, start your diploma piano lessons in Singapore today with teacher Jenny.
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