Music Directing
Diplomas in Music Directing
Our diplomas in Music Directing provide opportunities for conductors, directors and music leaders to gain recognition for their specialist skills, knowledge and understanding.
New diplomas from 2024
We are introducing new diplomas in Music Directing. Our new suite of diplomas and their Regulatory Qualification Framework levels will be:
- ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 4
- LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 6
- FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 7
We will be providing information about the new Music Directing diplomas in 2024.
See below for final dates for taking our current DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas.
In preparation for introducing new Music Directing diplomas from 2024 we are withdrawing the current DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas. Deadlines for taking or re-taking these diplomas are:
- DipABRSM Directing – 31 October 2024
- LRSM Directing – 31 October 2024
- FRSM Directing – 31 October 2024
If you have passed part of a diploma and do not retake and pass the failed section(s) during the withdrawal period, any passed sections will no longer be valid.
We are withdrawing the DipABRSM in Music Performance completely. However, this diploma will continue to be a valid and highly respected qualification and recipients can still use the letters DipABRSM after their name.
Overview
We have three levels of Direction diploma designed to reflect your day-to-day experience as a director, including activities such as organising a venue and rehearsal, arranging a piece for your ensemble, compiling a programme and rehearsing the repertoire.
- DipABRSM (Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
- LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music)
- FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music)
What’s in the assessment
- Rehearsal and performance
- Viva voce
- Programme notes (DipABRSM and LRSM) or written submission (LRSM)
- Arrangement for your ensemble
Full details are available in the Direction Diploma Syllabus 2022, available to download on this page. We also have a number supporting materials to download, a reading list, and guides to writing programme notes and the viva voce.
