Diploma and beyond., Why do certain boxes need to be ticked before sitting it? Options

[BerkshireMum]

I also wonder if a minimum age limit should be required when sitting the diploma. DS teacher sat the diploma at 13 but by the time she was 18 she realised that her attempt (she passed) at 13 was poor in comparison to what she could offer at 18 due to maturity allowing her to perform more musically.

Surely by then she would be sitting the LRSM. The DipABRSM is very much a first diploma, whereas the LRSM is thought of as a professional qualification. Children who sit GCSEs or A-levels early also find that they don't always get the A* they might have done if they'd waited, but since the qualifications are a stepping stone to the next stage, it hardly matters as long as they pass reasonably well.

The dipABRSM may be a first diploma but it is still recognised as a 'professional' qualification.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) You obviously have first level, second level and third level diplomas, but all are recognised as professional (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Surprised to hear this. I thought it was equivalent standard to the end of first year at a conservatoire, and I wouldn't call that a professional standard. Professional in what respect? I know several youngsters (including my son) with DipABRSM and none of them thinks of themselves as a professional musician.

[lilly763]

Surprised to hear this. I thought it was equivalent standard to the end of first year at a conservatoire, and I wouldn't call that a professional standard. Professional in what respect? I know several youngsters (including my son) with DipABRSM and none of them thinks of themselves as a professional musician.

What on earth does "professional standard" mean anyway? I have a Dip and would never dream of considering myself of professional standard, but I would not consider many of the people I know with LRSM qualifications to be of professional standard either, though of course it is a much higher standard than a first level diploma.

[corenfa]

...

What on earth does "professional standard" mean anyway? I have a Dip and would never dream of considering myself of professional standard, but I would not consider many of the people I know with LRSM qualifications to be of professional standard either, though of course it is a much higher standard than a first level diploma.

My perception (which may be wrong) is that the boards would like to see the Diplomas viewed as "professional" in the sense of a "professional qualification" - similar to doctors, accountants, lawyers - that if you have passed the exams, you have been evaluated and found to be of a certain standard. It wouldn't then mean that you would then be able to just go and land a job as a musician - similar to how if I really wanted to, I could go and sit the actuarial science exams and be "professionally qualified" which would in no way guarantee me a job as an actuary.

[Maizie]

I suspect 'professional' simply means 'beyond school level', in the sense that you've chosen to do it (and quite possibly for career-related reasons)

[Chris H]

My son's teacher has told him that as soon as he starts conservatoire he is a professional musician and if the dip is equivalent to the end of the first year of conservatoire (which the boards say it is) then it is a professional qualification. However, I would have thought most people entering conservatoire are at dip level, as they play diploma pieces in their auditions.

[barry-clari]

However, I would have thought most people entering conservatoire are at dip level, as they play diploma pieces in their auditions.

Certainly these days, yes.

[floboe]

Hi I am new to this forum I just thought I would start off here!
I completed my DipABRSM on flute last year, and wouldn't have been able to do it without grade 8. it is a lot more challenging than people think, that is why the pass rate is so low. many people put themselves up for the exam but really dont know how difficult it is.