Diplomas

Introduction | Music Performance | Music Direction | Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

Music Direction

The Music Direction diplomas are available to directors of instrumental groups or choirs. Through live and written components, 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 within your ensemble.

The tasks are designed to reflect your day-to-day experience as a director and include organising a venue and rehearsal, arranging a piece for your ensemble, compiling a programme and rehearsing the repertoire.

The Music Direction diploma syllabus from 2005 is now only available online. This can be printed from the Adobe PDFs below, where you can download the complete syllabus or the relevant sections for each level. 

If you have difficulty accessing these PDFs please contact us for further advice:

UK and Ireland

All other countries

Browse the syllabus booklet

Select the cover image below to view the booklet in full-screen mode.

Download the full syllabus

• Music Direction diploma syllabus from 2005 (reprinted in 2010)

Download the syllabus by section

• Syllabus Updates
• Contents, Introduction, Overview
• Prerequisites and Substitutions
• Submissions
• Practicalities
• DipABRSM - General Information, Summary
• LRSM - General Information, Summary
• FRSM - General Information, Summary
• Appendices - Specimen Questions & Indicative Responses, Marking Criteria, Application Form For Appropriate Professional Experience, The National Qualifications Framework (UK)
• Index

Entry forms and supplementary information

To download a copy of the entry form and supplementary information for a diploma in Music Direction, select the links below.

UK and Ireland

• 2011 Diploma Entry Form
• 2011 Diploma Supplementary Information

All other countries

• Diploma in Music Direction Entry Form - international centres
• Diploma in Music Direction Supplementary Information - international centres

Appropriate professional experience

At all three levels of diploma you may apply to offer appropriate professional experience as a substitution for the standard ABRSM prerequisite. This is done by filling in the application form and sending it to the Syllabus Director for consideration.

• Application form

Resources

• Reading List: a regularly updated list of written resources listed by subject and instrument.
• Writing Programmes Notes: a guide to preparing Programme Notes for Performing and Directing candidates, written by Dr Nigel Scaife, ABRSM's Syllabus Principal.
• A guide to the Viva Voce requirements

Introduction | Music Performance | Music Direction | Instrumental/Vocal Teaching