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I am thinking to take diploma piano performing in 2005, so i have to start perpare now. I am wondering which syllabus I refer to? I don't understand the revised version, does the 2004 syllabus change? Can anyone here pls help me? thank you

You can download the current diploma syllabus from here; it is valid from 2000 onwards (it won't be changing any time soon: they have no plans to change it at the moment and it probably won't be changed for at least 10 years if not longer). Hope that helps.

I've received notification from the ABRSM this morning that the diploma syllabuses will change from 2005. The new syllabuses (now three separate ones for teaching, performing and directing) will be available late 2004. There will be an overlap period of 1 year. Hope this helps.

Typical! The day after I say they're not changing it they announce they're changing it

Do you have any information on how much/in what way it will be changing i.e. is it just a reshuffle to make the syllabuses seperate with not much change to the pieces allowed or exam structure? Or is it a complete overhaul?

Well, it seems to be a tinkering rather than a major overhaul. They're including helpful things like sample viva voce questions and answers. They're making a few changes to recital lengths and repertoire for performance diplomas, and making the recital and viva more independent, so candidates will be able to retake one section without the other. There aren't any details of the changes yet, just an indication of the areas they will be in.

The main changes seem to be in substitutions: no substitutions for DipABRSM and LRSM programme notes, and CT ABRSM is no longer accepted as a substitution for LRSM Teaching, although it will continue to be a substitution for parts of DipABRSM.

Issues such as child protection, equal opportunities and maintaining a safe learning environment may be tested in the viva for Teaching and Directing diplomas.

There are other changes, but this is a quick resume of the ones which caught my eye. There are references to the diploma section of the website - it might be worth checking there.

I now have to decide whether to go ahead with my (still vague) plan of taking LRSM Performance in December, or whether to wait for the new syllabus in case it's more appealing

Thanks for that information; I had a look at the website and it does seem that they're not really changing much: it appears it's just a few tweaks they have had to make to comply with the recommendations of QCA and get accreditation; so it shouldn't be too disruptive to people studying for the diplomas at the moment .

That is the new syllabus I am asking. When can I get the new syllabus from the website? Is it on the website already?

The information on the diploma syllabuses is here. They're not actually changing the repertoire lists much and are making mainly additions rather than removing things from what I can gather. The actual syllabus hasn't been published yet it won't be available 'until late 2004'.

I think that you'll be fine to begin your preparation using the old syllabus: the pieces you select are unlikely to be removed (certainly not all of them; maybe one if you're really unlucky: perhaps you could select your pieces and ask the board if the pieces you've chosen will still be on the new syllabus, I don't know if they'll tell you though...) and the standard of the quick study will remain the same. It seems the only change to programme notes will be that you're allowed within +/- 10% for the word count.

Good luck!

ABRSM actually made available a leaflet outlining the major changes in the 2005 Syllabus. You may point your browser to the "Download" page for more information:-

http://www.abrsm.org/?page=downloads

Cheers,
Tannie

hi i'm currently pursuing my diploma next year. Wonder if anyone have any recommendations on the study of the pieces, composers and related stuff..

meaning any website, books or references should i look for?