Your guide to

ABRSM diplomas
Introduction

ABRSM diplomas offer varied routes to professional qualification

for a wide range of musicians, including performers, teachers
and directors. 
Whether you are intending to pursue a career in music, are currently
working as a professional and wish to broaden your qualifications, or are
purely after the satisfaction of achieving a personal goal, then one of our
diplomas is right for you.

We offer diplomas Benefits of taking an ABRSM diploma:

in three subjects: • Receive an internationally
• Music Performance recognised letter-bearing
• Instrumental/Vocal Teaching qualification.
• Music Direction • Broaden your musical horizons.
• Gain feedback on your skills
and abilities before choosing an
Each subject has three levels of award:
advanced specialism at a higher
• DipABRSM: Diploma of the education institution.
Associated Board of the Royal
Schools of Music
Diploma syllabuses are available
• LRSM: Licentiate of the Royal
for each subject. They provide
Schools of Music
comprehensive information on all
• FRSM: Fellowship of the Royal aspects of the exam:
Schools of Music
• Content
• Prerequisites and substitutions
• Guidance for candidates
• Marking criteria

Download your syllabus at www.abrsm.org/diplomas.

To read about the transition between Grade 8 and our

diplomas go to www.abrsm.org/diplomasupport.
Music Performance
DipABRSM | LRSM | FRSM

The three levels of Music Performance diplomas are designed

to reflect your day-to-day experience as a performer, whether
amateur or professional.

Requirements:

Instrumental or Vocal Recital Written assignment

You will need to compile and present DipABRSM and LRSM:
a balanced recital programme and Programme Notes relating to
demonstrate your understanding your Recital programme.
of and sensitivity to the demands of FRSM: Written Submission relating
different types of repertoire. to matters connected to your
Recital repertoire.
Viva Voce
A discussion with the examiner(s) Quick Study
to demonstrate your knowledge, A performance of a short piece of
approach and understanding. unaccompanied and previously
unseen music.

As you move up through the diploma levels the repertoire becomes more
demanding, the Recital time lengthens, and the challenge of the Quick Study
and the scope and length of your written work increase.

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 Instrumental / Vocal Teaching
DipABRSM | LRSM | FRSM

Our teaching diplomas are designed for candidates who are intending
to take up or have already begun instrumental or vocal teaching.

At each level of diploma your skills as a teacher of individuals and/or groups

are explored and assessed in increasing depth.

DipABRSM: Assesses LRSM: Calls for a FRSM: Requires you

your knowledge and practical application to apply higher-level
understanding of the of your knowledge academic skills to
teaching of your chosen and understanding aspects of music
instrument. of teaching pupils. education.

The focus of these diplomas is the teaching of music as a practical activity.

Through live and written sections, you will be examined in your approaches to
teaching, your ability to give competent practical demonstrations in lessons and
your understanding of repertoire.
Our teaching diplomas also cover educational theory and philosophy, curriculum
studies and aspects of educational administration.

Requirements:
Teaching Skills Viva Voce
A discussion with the examiner(s)
including demonstrations of teaching
approaches. This section will encourage
you to think about your methods and
reassess your teaching technique.

Written Submission
DipABRSM and LRSM:
A topic chosen from the syllabus.
FRSM: An approved topic of
Case Study Portfolio & Video of
your choice.
Teaching Practice (LRSM only)
Quick Study Written case studies of three pupils and
A performance of a short piece of a video of teaching practice showing
unaccompanied and previously your work with at least two pupils to be
unseen music. submitted on entry.

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Music Direction
DipABRSM | LRSM | FRSM

The Music Direction diplomas are available to directors of instrumental

groups or choirs and are designed to reflect your day-to-day
experience as a director.

These diplomas balance the demands of the repertoire against the musical,
technical and interpersonal skills needed by successful directors.
Through live and written sections, you will be examined on your command of
directing technique in rehearsal and performance, your understanding of the
repertoire, and your knowledge of the instruments or voices in your ensemble.

Requirements:
Rehearsal and Performance
Using an instrumental or choral
ensemble provided and directed
by you.

Viva Voce
A discussion with the examiner(s)
to demonstrate your knowledge,
approach and understanding.
This section will encourage you
to think about your methods and
technique, and justify your choices.

Written assignment Arrangement for your ensemble

DipABRSM and LRSM: Programme This section encourages you to learn
Notes relating to your Rehearsal more about your chosen ensemble
and Performance programme. and gain a better understanding of
harmonisation, orchestration and style.
FRSM: Written Submission relating to
matters connected with your Rehearsal
and Performance programme.

As you move up through the diploma levels the repertoire becomes more
demanding, the Rehearsal and Performance time lengthens, and the challenge
of the Arrangement and the scope and length of your written work increase.

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 Resources
DipABRSM Piano Specimen Quick Studies

LRSM
FRSM

All Together! Piano

The Music Teacher’s
Companion
Teaching music in groups
Specimen A Practical Guide

Quick Studies
ABRSM Diplomas
DipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM

P a u l H a r r i s a n d R i c h a rd C ro z i e r
the

FORM
of music

WILLIAM COLE

Diploma publications Online resources

• Piano Specimen Quick Studies www.abrsm.org/diplomasupport
• An Extraordinary Life • Diploma reading list (PDF)
Composer biographies of • Diploma Specimen Quick Study tests
Bach, Beethoven, Britten, (PDF)
Elgar, Mozart and Purcell • Guide to writing programme notes,
• Music in Words: A guide to Nigel Scaife (PDF)
researching and writing about music, • Guide to the Viva Voce requirements
Trevor Herbert (PDF)
• A Performer’s Guide to Music • Diplomas at a Glance (PDF)
Books on the Baroque, Classical
• Speedshifter – tool to slow down
and Romantic periods
practice tracks
• The Form of Music, William Cole
• ABRSM forums
• Achieving Success (DVD)
• All Together!
Teaching music in groups
• The Music Teacher’s Companion:
A Practical Guide

You can buy ABRSM publications from your local

music retailer and www.abrsm.org/shop.

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Teacher support
We provide regular workshops, seminars and courses for teachers.
Our annual conferences in the UK and South East Asia feature a range
of practical and thought-provoking sessions for instrumental and
vocal teachers at all stages of their careers.

In addition, our examiners

present workshops and meetings
for teachers as part of their
international examining tours.
We also work closely with Music
Services and Music Education
Hubs in the UK to provide
INSET days and seminars.

To keep up-to-date with

events and courses near you,
visit www.abrsm.org/events.
 Find out more:
#ABRSMDiploma
T +44 (0)20 7467 8240
E [email protected]
www.abrsm.org/diplomas
www.abrsm.org/contacts

M: the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music Supporting and

promoting the
highest standards
ABRSM is the exam board of the Royal Schools oflearning
of musical
Music. We are committed to actively supporting
and assessment
high quality music making, learning andsince 1889.
development
throughout the world, and to producing the best
possible resources for music teachers and students.
ABRSM: the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music Supporting and
promoting the
highest standards
of musical learning
and assessment
since 1889.
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