Piano players who want to advance their education and career in music can earn a distinguished certification by passing the London College of Music (LCM) Diploma piano exam. While there are many benefits of choosing LCM for your Diploma piano exam, those unfamiliar with the process can feel intimidated and overwhelmed.
In this article, we’ll address some of the most prevalent questions concerning the LCM Diploma piano exam.
1. What is the LCM Diploma piano exam?
The LCM Diploma piano exam is a performance-based qualification for pianists who have achieved a high level of technical proficiency and musicality. It is an internationally recognised professional credential and qualification.
2. What are the qualifications for taking the exam?
You must have passed the Grade 8 piano exam in order to sit for the LCM Diploma piano exam. A musical programme that satisfies the exam’s standards must also have been created. The programme must showcase a high degree of technical competence and musicianship, as well as music from many genres and time periods.
3. What sets LCM apart from other Diploma piano programmes?
The LCM exam allows students to record exam pieces as separate videos, which is great news for students who have difficulties making it through 20 to 30 minutes of piano playing without mistakes.
Additionally, the LCM certificate is widely recognised. Individuals who have been awarded a certification from LCM are often employed by local music schools and piano agencies. LCM Music Diplomas are also automatically granted credit value and are mapped against the BMus and MMus degrees offered by the University of West London. In other words, it serves as an excellent stepping stone for students looking to pursue Degrees in Music programmes after the ‘O’ Level examinations.
In fact, according to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), the DipLCM in Music Performance and Teaching is equivalent to a first year undergraduate degree module.
For a more detailed breakdown of the broad equivalences between UWLQ qualifications and other qualifications, you may refer to the table below:
Source: London College of Music Examinations Music Diplomas Syllabus document
4. What do you need to submit for the exam?
When submitting your recording, besides the video files and programme notes, you also need to upload a copy of your identity card (IC) so that they know it’s you who is taking the exam. Be sure to include both the front and back of your IC in your submission!
5. What repertoire should you choose?
You are required to choose 1 piece from the concert repertoire for the Diploma concert programme. Generally, students enjoy Bach’s prelude and Fugue in D Major BWV 850.
Besides choosing the pieces from the repertoire list, candidates are also allowed to have their own choice of a piece that is out of the syllabus. Of course, the chosen piece must be equivalent to the Diploma standard.
6. Can you repeat those sections with the repeat sign?
According to the LCM website, da capo and dal segno signs should be observed, which means that you need to repeat the passage if you see these signs. Short repeats like 2 systems or lower should also be observed but longer repeats should not be performed, unless otherwise stated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pianists seeking to advance their education and profession in music may consider taking the LCM Diploma piano exam. We hope that our comprehensive article has answered your questions surrounding the examination and will help ease your nerves.
Among the many piano schools in the country, Wowpianowo diploma music courses stand out as one of the best, offering a range of piano lessons in Singapore, including DipLCM courses. Our diploma music courses have also been awarded the Most Engaging Piano Teacher of 2023 Award.
Here at Wowpianowow, our piano teacher, Jenny, helps our Diploma students record their exam pieces at her recording studio, which is equipped with an excellent microphone that can eliminate background noise and capture sensitivities like contrasts of dynamics, tone colours and more.
To learn more, feel free to contact us today.
