Hey all,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I think I'll do a Diploma this year as academically, it's going to be very relaxed because my AS results were good, but I'm not sure which diploma to do, and when. My options are...

1) DipABRSM this Winter
2) ATCL this Winter
3) DipABRSM next Summer
4) LTCL next Summer

Thing is, I don't really want to do a first level diploma as I'm playing repertoire which is on the LRSM and FRSM lists, and by next summer I think I could be playing it at a good enough level for a Diploma exam (I know the standards), on the other hand I will have A2 exams at the same time if I wait until the summer. My other option is to take ATCL or DipABRSM this Winter, which means I could double up music college audition repertoire to a large extent, so a sort of double incentive But it would also mean I would have to play quite undemanding pieces for a term which I find boring, I want to keep progressing and playing pieces which are challenging.
I've covered enough repertoire already that I wouldn't have to learn anything new (although I could choose to) for any of the above Diplomas, although I have covered more from the ABRSM lists, but for Trinity I could compile completely my own programme so learning time isn't an issue.

Suggestions, please!

Many thanks,
Bohemian

Why don't you try the LTCL this winter?

Hey Bohemian!!!

It's nice having you here choosing dips!

I don't know very well the TCL system, so I would choose to do DipABRSM this winter and then LRSM on the summer, what do you think? if you say you're playing pieces that are on LRSM and FRSM lists, should be no problem. And one thing: there are never undemanding pieces!!!!

Hugs!!!

As far as I am aware you have little choice but to do a first level diploma such as DipABRSM before you can progress to the next level. You will have to read the prerequesits carefully. I know this is the case with ABRSM but i'm not sure about the other boards.

It is also an option to choose your own repetoire for DipABRSM that is not on the list as long as you get it approved. Should this be from a high level diploma then I don't see no reason why they would not let you play it.

Good luck whatever you choose to do but don't forget that there are other things in the diplomas apart from just the recital which take a lot of preparation time such as the viva/programme notes and quick study.

Not the case for Trinity which is why doing LTCL is a possibility


Yep, is there not a limit for how much can be own choice? For some reason I thought there was. Here's another problem - it is too late for me to choose my own repertoire for the Winter session, not a problem for DipABRSM but possibly for ATCL, whereas for the Summer session I would have time to submit possibilities to the exam boards.


LTCL/ATCL are recital certificates. But yes, I know about the DipABRSM requirements and again it's not a problem.


Organ dummy - too scary! I have to do 5 rounds of music auditions this term, as well as a very challenging recital in 4 weeks time, so I can't start on Dip repertoire til then, so LTCL would be too much in that time!!


LO, I like that idea actually. It would also give me a good idea of whether LRSM is attainable in the Summer as I would have my DipABRSM result. I'll certainly suggest that to my teacher on Sunday The only problem then is expense

Just go for the best that you think you can manage - as long as you're realistic about your abilities. Perfecting stuff for any diploma is time-consuming; you never know what will happen in your life to stop you from doing another one after the first.

Definitely do the Dip. I know you have a very high distinction at grade 8 but there is a HUGE difference between an end of first year recital and an end of third year recital. Why put yourself under the added pressure of jumping straight in at third year level?

Liz

We're kind of saying the opposite, but hearing that you got a high distinction at Grade 8 makes me even more inclined to say what I said! A time-consuming job, time spent commuting, a demanding relationship, children (? ) are all things that might stop you from doing one dip and then another (been there ) If I could go back in time I'd have gone straight for a Licentiate diploma.

I'm 17 so children and a job aren't on the cards for a good few years! The thing that would stop me doing both is money, they're so expensive...but yes I understand your point, it might be better to give myself more time in case something comes up, and take a higher diploma later rather than a lower one sooner. Makes sense, especially at boarding school where they have this amazing knack of asking you to do a recital with a month's notice...


Elida, I totally agree about the difference, but the thing is that DipABRSM requires all the extra bits, whereas LTCL doesn't, it's just a recital, and performance is my strength, so in a way it might suit me better than the DipABRSM, which is why I thought it might be roughly equally demanding to take DipABRSM in the Winter or LTCL in the Summer - my teacher is confident that I'm above the standard of performance needed for DipABRSM but my sight reading is appauling, whereas I'm still below the standard for LTCL but in 8 months or so that might not be the case. Or it might be. Argh it's all very confusing

The more reason for taking things more slowly - you'll want straight As at A level, there's no point in risking that.

I speak from experience - I attempted LTCL viola the same session as my BEd finals. It was not a good move. I failed the diploma and got a 3rd for the degree

Isn't there an ATCL recital?

liz

Five auditions and a dipabrsm... well you may find they help each other out... the same is true with your A2 music.

I'd try for the DipAbrsm this session. Deliberately choose pieces that overlap the auditions and the dip and use all of them as performing opportunities to reinforce the other.

Sure you've got time on your side, and its a heavy year at school, but at the same time if you're ready and have the desire then go for it.