I was just wondering what you have to do for the abrsm diploma? I know grade 6 theory is involved....

Look at the syllabus on the website. You do not need grade 6 theory, just a grade 8 distinction in the instrument you will be performing using as the prerequisite.

Roughly, it involves a 35min recital, 1100 word programme notes with a spoken viva exam and a piece of sight reading of grade 6 standard.

It depends what sort of diploma you're doing.

Sags_3 is almost correct in his description of what prerequisites you'd need if you wish to take the performance diploma (although you don't actually need a distinction in your grade 8 to be eligible to take the exam)

Similarly if you wish to take the directing diploma, the prerequisite is grade 8 in a relevant instrument.

On the other hand, if you wish to take the teaching diploma, you do need grade 6 theory in addition to grade 8 in the instrument concerned.


Either way, your starting point has to be the diploma syllabus. Details are here.


Best of luck with whichever path you choose to take.

Woops what was I thinking! Katjay is right, you do not technically need a grade 8 distinction, but I wouldn't say it was wise to be working for a diploma until you have well passed the expectations of a grade 8 distinction in your playing standard.

Nevertheless, you do need to have passed Grade VIII, and to have progressed beyond the standard required for it. DipABRSM is much more than Grade IX.

As for the theory, you need to have passed Grade VI for the teaching DipABRSM, and Grade VIII for the teaching LRSM.

Of course, you'll know all of this already from having read the information in the link which katyjay provided

Or do you? Answer - no you don't: The board will accept "permitted substitutions", of which there is quite a list.

thanks.