I'm just wondering here - I know each diploma is recorded. But is this just for eventual moderation/training purposes, or does it play a part in the result received for each candidate in normal circumstances? Is the result decided on after the recital, or would the examiners listen again?

I'm curious, because I know that frequently a live performance sounds and comes across better than a recorded one.

Well I'm not sure about every exam but it is my understanding that they are, or at least some of them listened to by a panel.

The person who moderated my exam said <quote> These are all carefully assessed in London, with an additional number of examiners listening to the digital recording and making further
assessment, on top of xxxxxxx (examiner present) own detailed report.


If you only have 1 examiner present they are definitely re-examined. And I agree - I wish my diploma had been all assessed at the time - way better live IMO

well I took my teaching dip overseas and I know the examiner failed my QS. However when it went for moderation I was passed with a mark of 6! So it can often be of benefit to have a second opinion. I did much better on the other 2 sections though

I believe it is especially scrutinised when the exam has taken place overseas and only one examiner was in attendance. In the UK, with two examiners, I suspect the role of the recording has rather less significance - unless an appeal is instigated.

my LTCL organ exam was recorded and there's only one examiner present. the whole thing, including the comments and recording, were all sent to london to the chief examiner for ratification and other things, before the results came out

I think the recording of exams when only one examiner is present is a good thing; I only wish that Trinity did the same with the ATCL as they do with the LTCL.
My wife did an ATCL Piano exam in Spring, 2007; she had played to a number of people who 'knew what they were about' prior to her exam and they all felt that she didn't have anything to worry about. (She also got a high pass in her LRSM Violin exam a few years ago, so has a good idea what is required to pass a diploma exam!) We were gobsmacked when she failed the A.T. by 13 marks; the examiner's comments bore little resemblance to my wife's view of how things had gone. We wrote a letter of appeal, asking that the recording may at least be listened to again, in order to get a second opinion; they weren't even prepared to do that as the appeal was based on us questioning the judgement of the examiner - i.e. not grounds for an appeal. What is the point of recording the exams if the recording is not to be listened to?!
In Spring, 2008 she passed a DipLCM Piano Diploma with distinction, learning a completely new programme in a few months. Given that both qualifications are accredited at the same level, isn't there something a bit weird going on with Trinity assessment procedures?
By all means record exams, but at least be prepared to listen to them!
For Associated Board candidates, maybe the extra few weeks waiting for the result is well worth it - at least you know you will have had a fair hearing!