As far as I understand you are allowed to choose a piece of your own choice of up to 7 minutes duration on the Diploma syllabus. Having recently dug up a copy of "Four Dances from Merrie England" by Edward German, I am seriously considering doing these pieces for the simple reason that I like them and I they have a nostalgic interest for me as I was in a production of the show a few years ago with an Amateur Operatics Company. I have timed the four Dances and they come in exactly on the 7 minute mark when played at virtuoso speed, but a bit longer otherwise, although probably no longer than 8 minutes I'm sure. How strict is the 7 minute duration? Is it just a guideline or will the examiner be sitting there with a stop watch? Would it be better to just play 3 of the Dances and come in under 7 minutes to be on the safe side? It would be a shame to break the dances up from their set of Four. Any advice would be appreciated.

Gae

Gae,

I can only suggest that you take this question to someone at the AB? This is a great place to run ideas for programmes and so on, but when it comes down to the exam regulations you're really best going to the source.
Hope you get the answer you're after, it's nice to have some own choice in there.

Fen

To throw my 2p worth in, I would have thought if 7 minutes max is explicitly mentioned, then 7 minutes max it must be. Why be prescriptive in the syllabus unless they are going to enforce it? I appreciate it causes you problems now, but perhaps you can save the dances for LRSM?