Hi! I have a 15 year old male singer thinking about doing a musical theatre exam in November with LCM.
He has already passed grade 5 ABRSM with merit last year, and is part of a musical theatre company.
The main problem I have is that I have never used LCM before, although know a couple of people who have done easier grades. I've read the syllabus several times, and feel confident that he could do very well at it, but I'm looking for some advice as to which grade to go for, his programme, and what they are looking for?
He does drama at school, and his teacher is happy to help him with his acting, as I am in no way dramatic!!!!

I was thinking grade 5, as I know he is technically competent at this level, but am not sure? So far he is thinking of doing a Les Mis song for the modern choice - possibly Stars or Master of the House. He likes Tonight from West Side Story for the 1920-70's, but is really struggling to choose a pre 1920's... so far he has sung Modern Major General and I am a Pirate King, and seems to enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan, but wondered if anyone had any better ideas or advice?

Many Thanks!!

I am surprised that none of the regulars have picked up on this. Rep is such an important part of teaching. Music theatre singing needs a different style and technique as I am sure you know. Props are expected to be used too but just suggestions of costumes; hats. sticks etc rather than a full outfit. For the pre 1920 song perhaps look at something from Offenbach or J Strauss rather than music hall song or vaudeville repertoire as it might suit his singing style better. Best of luck.

Theo

Thanks Theo for your reply, and the suggestions! Props sound fun! Ill have a look at the Offenbach and Strauss, thanks for the ideas! We are working hard on the style and technique, which is why i'm thinking of only entering him for grade 5, even though he has done ABRSM grade 5 as I know it is a different type of technique, and that the marks are also for acting... Hoping I get some other ideas too!!! Its so difficult using an exam board you are not used too!! especially because LCM dont have set pieces to choose from!! I know there are loads of suggestions, but most of the songs he enjoys, and is good at performing are higher graded ones! I'm too used to the stricter guidelines from the ABRSM I guess! Maybe I should do the exam too and see what its all about myself!

My daughter did Grade 4 earlier this year and I've had kids do grade 3.

Make sure you pick songs that are right for a 15yr old boy to sing, so nothing overly emotional concerning love, they are not keen on kids singing stuff that they can't possibly have experienced and therefore can't put the right characterisation on.

They should be a confident performer, not just a great singer but an all rounder.
I have tended to do one song with choreographed moves, though one of mine is by no means a dancer, but she can move in time and with style, the rest have been more static but with great facial expressions.
They should use the space effectively but not just for the sake of it.
Engage the audience.
You can use costumes, but this has to be factored into your timings. Mine tend to wear blacks and use props or pretend props.
Music Hall stuff has some fun things, 'head tucked underneath her arm, Lee Weston' is good, . G & S have some great stuff which is easy to transpose if necessary. I have a great book by Coral Gould which has a list of pre 1900 songs and 1900-1920, if you don't find anything suitable, PM me and I'll type them all out for you.
Make sure he is prepared for any questions at the end regarding his songs or just general stuff about music theatre. Does he go to watch shows, what's his favourite, what does he see himself doing with his music. Anything like that.
Good luck.
Oh I forgot to say that in the front of their syllabus book there is a guideline for ages and what grades to do.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply!! That has helped a lot!
I have a much clearer idea of what they are looking for now, which is
great! He is a very confident performer, and attends a stage school too
so he should have no problem with that part of the exam! Do you think
Modern Major General would be an appropriate pre 1920's song for
grade 5? Also, last question! Do you tend to use backing tracks or live
accompaniment?

Many Thanks

My personal preference is for a good accompanist. Backing tracks are OK, but are in essence "mechanical" because they cannot respond to the singer. Being a typical tenor, I have been known to hold my top notes a little longer than written (if I'm on form ) . And, dare I say it, a good accompanist can cover up any minor fluffs!

Yes I was thinking along these lines myself, especially for pieces with dramatic pauses etc!!!! however that now means I need to learn how to play the modern major general up to speed competently!!

Do they allow backing tracks?
Anyway, def an accomp and if I can play Modern Major General, anyone can!
It's a great song, and he can add alot performance wise

In my experience of LCM the results vary greatly depending on whether you get an examiner with musical theatre background or an examiner with a popular music background. They are supposed to take into consideration students that are more biased towards acting or singing but that cannot be judged objectively if the examiner does not have the background himself. I have a grade 1 student who has a dance and drama bias, who gained a distinction last year and this year she only just passed her grade 2. She was the only one who had an accompanist. I guess you have to take pot luck!!