ABRSM’s new diplomas offer inspiring pathways for musicians
ABRSM’s redeveloped Music Performance diplomas provide musicians with exciting opportunities for recognition and reward, with a focus on the specialist skills needed in the performing arts sector today, on-demand access and the freedom to present a performance that reflects their musical passions.
The qualification specification for the new LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Music Performance is available now with assessments starting in April 2024. Details of new Teaching and Directing diplomas will follow later in 2023 (for Teaching) and 2024 (for Directing).
The new Performance diplomas are the result of a wide-ranging consultation process involving teachers, learners, sector experts and ABRSM’s Royal Schools partners. They offer clear progression routes and give musicians at an advanced level the flexibility to play to their strengths. The new diplomas feature expanded repertoire lists, a greater variety of accompaniment options and increased scope for own-choice music, as well as more choice of subject matter and format for the supporting evidence.
The new LRSM and FRSM diplomas will be digital assessments with evidence submitted online. They will be available on-demand, giving candidates worldwide complete choice over when to book and take a diploma.
Ali Bowen Davies, ABRSM’s Head of Assessment and Curriculum, said :
“We’re delighted to be launching our new LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Music Performance, which will give a wide range of performers the opportunity to study for and achieve a high-quality, advanced-level music qualification. The education landscape has changed considerably in recent years and we’ve worked hard to make the new diplomas relevant to today’s musicians and their experiences.
“We’re particularly excited to be publishing newly-expanded LRSM and FRSM repertoire lists which, following a thorough review, now include almost a thousand additional pieces with more music from female, BBIPOC and living composers. We hope this increased choice and diversity will inspire musicians by giving them the autonomy to create and deliver a programme that showcases their own musical interests and skills.”
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Note to editors
- The new LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Music Performance (from 2024) will replace the previous LRSM and FRSM (ending 2024). There are no changes to the existing ARSM diploma in Music Performance, which continues to be available as a digital or face-to-face exam.
- The DipABRSM in Music Performance is being withdrawn.
- ABRSM’s new suite of Music Performance diplomas and their Regulatory Qualification Framework levels, will be:
- ARSM (Associated of the Royal Schools of Music) Level 4 – no change from current
- LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) Level 6 – new
- FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music) Level 7 – new
- The qualification specification for the new LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Music Performance is available now. Booking and digital assessment will be available from April 2024.
- The new LRSM and FRSM will be assessed through a performance and supporting evidence. Candidates video-record their performance in one continuous take and submit this online with their supporting evidence for assessment by specialist diploma examiners. Supporting evidence can be either written or spoken (video recorded).
- ABRSM is The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and a global music education charity. At the heart of everything they do is a belief that music enriches lives. Building on their heritage, they offer face-to-face and digital exams, sheet music, recordings, apps and courses for students and teachers across the world. In partnership with four Royal Schools of Music, they carry on a long legacy of musical excellence. More than an awarding organisation, ABRSM supports learners from the first note they play, and empower teachers who help build musical skills and encourage progress around the world.
