Hi,
I've just done grade 8 singing (today) and am doing grade 8 flute next term. I don't know anything about diplomas, and i was wandering what they envolve? what different types are there? and how long does it take (realistically) to complete one. I don't want to rush and want to do the best I can, but would it be possible to do one in a year?? I'm going to uni in 2009, so it would be better if i could do one before.
Thanks,

It involves all sorts of things and there are various hoops of different sizes to jump through together with some pre-requisites, so you're better off looking at a syllabus. Basically it's a recital with programme notes and a viva. You probably could do it in a year, although it will be a lot of work on top of A-levels.

i seriously don't see the point of rushing your diploma. diplomas are not grade exams, the whole approach is different (i think). there are different exam boards, just find the one that suits you best. Talk to your current teacher to see what he or she thinks about diplomas.

ABRSM: http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/diplomas
Trinity Guildhall: http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=230
LCM: http://mercury.tvu.ac.uk/lcmexams/Performa...omaSyllabus.pdf

i cannot think of any more exam boards off my head at the moment. i'm sure fellow forum members will gladly give some advice.

I agree with the advice already given and would emphasise the importance of studying the various syllabuses to find out what suits you best; eg. if you are confident with sight-reading and viva, then an Associated Board or London College of Music Diploma might be worth considering. On the other hand, if you hate supporting tests such as sight-reading etc., then a Trinity/Guildhall Diploma which concentrates purely on Performance and Programme notes may be more what you want. (Doesn't mean it is any easier to pass, though!)
I reckon it would be possible to achieve a DipAbrsm/ DipLCM or ATCL in a year as long as you have enough time spare to prepare for it. But speak to as many people as possible eg. students who have done a diploma recently, discuss different syllabi with your teacher(s) before making any decision. I think the most important thing is to enjoy the experience of preparing for and taking a diploma exam, without undue pressure of time etc. There's no rush! (I left 19 years between diploma exams - but then I'm quite lazy! )
Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Dont forget Victoria College of Music!
http://www.vcmexams.com/index.html

- I don't recmmend this one, I havn't heard goo things about them...

Have a look at this thread http://forums.abrsm.org/index.php?showtopic=8346&hl


As for the qestion as to if you will manage in that time, Well, it all depends on how you do in grade 8. I notice that so far you have just 'passed' your exams. If you get a distinction after lots of hard practice and work on technique etc, then a Diploma could definitely be on the cards in a year, however, if you just pass, then there is obviously alot of hard work that needs to be done. If you are desperate to get a diploma before uni next year then I would recommend the DipLCM. I did one before doing an ALCM and it is a lovely stop gap before doing an assoiciate level exam which is what the DipABRSM exam is. Then at least you will have a diploma under your belt.

Thats my suggestion anyway.

It depends why you want to do a diploma. If you want one which needs to be acredited, the AB, TG or LCM are the only options. If not, then I don't see why the VCM, or indeed the National College of Music should be any less worthy of consideration. Whilst they are small in comparison to the 'big three', they have been around a long time: the NCM since 1894 I think, and the VCM grew out of the College of Violinists which was eminent in its day. I'd be interested to hear what you found negative about the VCM?

David