QUOTE(SteveHopwood @ Sep 21 2005, 12:45 PM)
I think of the DipABRSM as a 'starter' diploma (I accept I might be wrong in so thinking and mean no disparagement of those attempting it), based on what I have read of the repertoire and a 'general impression', along with the fact that it replaced the original Advanced Certificate in Performance.
I think the jump in standard of playing that is required is there but, as you observe, most of the 'standard repertoire' is reserved until LRSM level. Reading the syllabus gives some insight into the relative standards: although it's practically impossible to state a standard of playing in words, the description for one level of pass at dipABRSM is the same as that for the next one down at LRSM, so clear pass at dipABRSM is the same description of playing level as pass at LRSM (obviously with different pieces). Whilst we are again at the mercy of words describing playing standard; I'm guessing that we can assume identical words mean an identical playing standard, although I could of course be wrong.
It also seems to me, dare I say it
?, that the dipABRSM now is harder than the performer's certificate was, simply because those entering LRSM through that route seem to have struggled more (okay so this is mainly one specific person...) than those doing it through the dipABRSM route.
QUOTE(SteveHopwood @ Sep 21 2005, 12:45 PM)
I wonder whether the failure rate is so high because the standards are high, or because candidates are attempting it prematurely. I have contributed to a few dip threads with advice about how to play\interpret\express pieces, posted by some fairly young students - some as young as 16. I wonder how many candidates make the mistake of thinking of it as a 'grade 9'. Only speculating.
I think that it's a bit of both, there's a jump in playing standard required and people just don't realise it's there. Also the requirement to pass all sections gets a lot of people: some people who have gone through a lot of the grade exams failing their sightreading suddenly fail the whole exam for doing that (well the quick study). What I do find worrying is the number of people taking the exam, and failing with comments clearly telling them what's wrong, and then they swear blind that their playing was excellent, I think a much greater deal of understanding of one's own playing is required (although these people are often keen to criticise the playing of the people on the Achieveing Success DVD, but not particularly eloquently, just I'm better than them, not there playing was bed because they could have done X, Y and Z better). Then there's the really quite frankly worrying lack of knowledge that seems to come across sometimes in the preparation, and answers given, to the viva questions. I think there's just a leap in musical understanding to the way one
should have done grade 8 and anyone abusing the exam system in any way will fall down at this point (of course I don't mean to imply that anyone who does fail has abused the exam system previously). In getting between a pass at grade X and grade X+1 one needs to do a certain amount of work; but to get from a pass at grade 8 to diploma level requires more than the amount of work to get from grade X to distinction at grade X+1.
I do think, though, that a major problem is the unknown and do expect that the pass rate will increase in the future due to better knowledge of when to enter; without the standard of the exam being lowered (although, of course, when the pass rate does increase everyone who has done the exam now will insist it has got easier
).
Of course all my experience of this is based on seeing YAP go through this process and talking to people on here who have done it; not doing it myself.
Since the programme is just as demanding, i feel like i am wasting a year for the PC, instead of taking DipABRSM or ATCL (both seems more "professional"). Also, one more year to prepare for Dip means one more year of piano tuition's fees $$$ 
.
. I like this about the diplomas and really hope it continues.
). People seem to have a better idea of what an associate is, and if I'm not mistaken there are some other DipExamBoard qualifications out there which aren't as difficult so from a labelling point of view I think the AB could have done better.