I have been advised to do the Trinity performance Dip as a bridge to going for the ABRSM Dip - is this a good idea ? Any opinions would be welcome - and all those I know - HI

Hi,
I would definately recommend one of these certificates. I did the London College DIPLCM a couple of years after doing my Grade 8, which was really worthwhile. I do think it is important to enjoy your playing as well though, otherwise you end up getting bogged down by exam preparations and never really play pieces you want to learn. I also started playing with others as well - I have duet partner and now I have found violinst to play with - both of which broaden the musical horizons.

Pianocrazy

Yes I have spent the last two years playing just about everything - ordering music from every means
I have just come to a "where am I going" stage I regularly play with two orchestras and have flute playing friends for duet playing - but it is the solo clarinet that gives me the buzz and that is the hardest part !!

Why do you think a Trinity diploma (are you considering the ATCL?) would be easier? The recital part is about the same as for DipABRSM, so you would still have to play for 35 minutes.

The exam is shorter (40 minutes) because there is no viva and no quick study, but you still need to do programme notes - fewer words allowed, but that could be more challenging in a way.

There have been various threads on the forums about the equivalence or otherwise of diplomas from different boards, and most people seem to think that playing standard for the recital has to be similar for them all. What varies is the additional components needed to pass the exam.

As well as looking the whole thing up on the internet - I am putting out feelers here, the response is usually pretty rapid and I get a good idea from those who know and have experienced the whole thing - I have heard that the Trinity Dip is less demanding and less expsensive ??????

The Trinity diplomas certainly are not easier, just different. If you are concerned about either the Viva Voce or the Quick Study elements of the DipABRSM, but are a secure and confident performer, the Trinity diplomas may suit you better. If you feel your performance skills are OK but nothing special, but are a good sight reader and a thorough knowledge (or an interest in gaining one) of your instrument and its repertoire then the DipABRSM may be more up your alley.

I've just looked at the repertoire lists for clarinet and the first few items are identical. This shows the similarity of the standard required. I'd not even consider using the ATCL as a stepping stone to the DipABRSM; that would be pointless as the two are at the same level - a bit like taking two Grade 8s from different boards.

Having some Trinity dips, as well as a Royal College and London Colleges ones, I can assure you that Trinity dips are as hard as any other!
I would recommend the Trinity Performance Certificate, which is pitched standard-wise between grade 8 and the first level diploma. This is well worth doing, makes a nice stop gap, and gives you an indication of how you are doing towards your goal.

The Dip.L.C.M. is a useful step after grade 8 also. It has the advantage that it may be taken at your local centre, unlike others, and that makes it so much easier getting an accompanist there. That is the route that most of my post grade eight students take. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Unfortunately the Performance Certificate has been discontinued for all but a handful of instruments, and to the best of my knowledge, clarinet isn't one for which it remains an option.