Diplomas

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

Music Performance

The three levels of Music Performance diplomas are designed to reflect your day-to-day experience as a performer, whether amateur or professional. The tasks include compiling a balanced recital programme and finding editions that best suit your interpretation, talking with confidence about the music, and putting on the best possible performance on the day.

As well as demonstrating your skills as a soloist, from LRSM level there is the opportunity for you to specialise as an orchestral player, chamber ensemble member or keyboard accompanist. There are also options, at all three levels, to perform on an instrument related to your main instrument for a part of your Recital and to perform repertoire of your own choice.

The Music Performance diploma syllabus from 2005 is available below in Adobe PDF format, together with entry forms and supplementary information, information about appropriate professional experience, and other resources.

Browse the syllabus booklet

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

Download the full syllabus

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

Download the syllabus by section

• Syllabus Updates
• Contents
• Introduction, Content of the Diplomas, Prerequisites and Substitutions, Submissions, Practicalities
• Repertoire Lists
• Appendices (including: specimen questions and indicative responses; marking criteria; application form for appropriate professional experience approval; music publishers; the National Qualifications Framework)
• Index
• Syllabus corrections

Entry forms and supplementary information

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

UK and Ireland

• 2011 Diploma Entry Form
• 2011 Diploma Supplementary Information

All other countries

• Diploma in Music Performance Entry Form - international centres
• Diploma in Music Performance 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