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ABRSM and Trinity Piano Diplomas
There are 3 levels of diplomas for both ABRSM and Trinity and two streams of specialisation for piano: performance and teaching.
In all three levels of piano diploma, much focus, stamina and commitment is needed to complete each level and more from one level to the next. The 3 levels of diplomas offered by ABRSM and Trinity are at associate, licentiate and fellowship levels:
|
ABRSM |
Trinity |
NQF Comparison* |
|
ARSM (previously DipABRSM) |
ATCL |
First year of bachelor degree or Certificate of higher education (Level 4) |
|
LRSM |
LTCL |
Bachelor degree (Level 6) |
|
FRSM |
FTCL |
Master's degree or Postgraduate qualification (Level 7) |
*The UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) comparison shown reflects the demands of the diplomas only.
The ARSM now replaces the DipABRSM diploma. Requirements of the performance-only ARSM remain unchanged and is available digitally as well as in person.
The new LRSM and FRSM Music Performance diplomas released in November 2023 are digital assessments, moving away from the face to face format.
Prerequisites
Grade 8 practical is a prerequisite to ARSM, LRSM and FRSM. All three diplomas would be available as digital assessments.
There are no prerequisites for ATCL and LTCL performance diplomas. These are available as digital assessments. LTCL is a prerequisite to FTCL. FTCL is only available as a face to face exam.
Both ABRSM and Trinity diplomas are highly regarded. I would highly recommend that all who enjoy playing piano pursue a performance diploma to improve their skills and widen their understanding and experience with bigger piano works (with more beautiful melodies and harmonies!).
Those interested to teach may also (meeting the minimum age requirement and teaching experience) choose to work towards a teaching diploma. This will help hone your skill to understand the student, explain concepts and impart skills.
Why take a piano diploma after grade 8?
Besides attaining a higher qualification, learning and playing performance piano at this level is highly rewarding.
In my diploma lessons, while tackling the beautiful works of great composers, students learn:
- techniques to enable well-crafted expression of musical ideas;
- to enjoy more deeply playing in an expressive and communicative manner;
- the interesting and varied styles of different composers;
- music to a high level, playing an instrument which continues to be loved and appreciated in this age of AI.
ABRSM v. Trinity Diplomas
To know more about ARSM or to find out if an ARSM or ATCL suits you better, please click here.
At the Associate level, both ARSM and ATCL are performance only exams, both are digital assessments, but ARSM may be taken face to face as well. ARSM allows some grade 8 level pieces to be played while ATCL only allows Associate level repertoire. This is the main difference.
In my opinion ARSM is set at a level that is attainable for most grade 8 students with 1 to 2 years of diligent work; ATCL is slightly more challenging. Compared to a grade 8 level, both are highly rewarding pursuits and would expand the learning, understanding and enjoyment of the pianist.
Though slightly different in exam requirements, the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) level (level 4) recognised for both diplomas is the same.
LRSM/LTCL v. FRSM/FTCL
|
LRSM |
LTCL |
|
Unit 1: Performance
Unit 2: Performance in Context 2000-word written submission or 10-minute (±10%) video submission on a topic selected from given options |
From the LTCL repertoire list; any own-choice repertoire must be of comparable level and not found in any current grade, certificate or lower diploma; programme with own-choice repertoire should submitted for prior approval |
|
FRSM |
FTCL |
|
Unit 1: Performance
Unit 2: Research and Reflection 3500-word written submission or 17-minute (±10%) video submission on a topic selected from given options |
From the FTCL repertoire list; any own-choice repertoire must be of comparable level and not found in any current grade, certificate or lower diploma; programme with own-choice repertoire should submitted for prior approval |
From the Licentiate level, ABRSM is more wholistic but Trinity provides a much-needed opportunity to students who want to focus on playing alone. In both diplomas, with the heart to deepen understanding, improve skill and further enjoy piano playing, much will be accomplished.
With the changes in the ABRSM diplomas from 2024, ABRSM and Trinity diplomas are differentiated in requirements and you may choose according to your learning preference.
In terms of playing, at least 50% of the LRSM (FRSM) pieces should be from the Licentiate level while the remaining may be pieces of minimally ARSM (LRSM) level. However, the playing time is longer
ABRSM diplomas go beyond playing the pieces. A second section (written or spoken) in the exam is about performance-related topics. This section is interesting and makes learning the music more meaningful and there is no longer a compulsory pass in this section to pass the whole exam.
Do you have the time, interest and research-writing/speaking skill to go beyond just playing the music OR would you just like to focus on playing the piano to a high level? You decide.
Kudos for getting to this advanced level already!
For greater detail on piano performance diploma exams, see:
Writing Diploma Programme Notes
Thinking of Teaching Piano?
Teaching diplomas are very useful for those thinking of teaching piano. Knowing how to play the piano does not always translate to being able to teach it well. Each student is different and also different from you (the teacher) so learning to work with each student appropriately is essential.
Teaching diplomas test musical knowledge, teaching approach and effective teaching skills in addition to performance competence. Candidates need to be at least 18 years of age and meet the prerequisites.
Click here for more on ABRSM Teaching Diplomas.