Music Teaching
Diplomas in Music Teaching and Education
Our new diplomas in Music Teaching and Music Education provide opportunities for a wide range of teachers to gain recognition for their specialist teaching skills, knowledge and understanding at an advanced level.
The new diplomas and their Regulatory Qualification Framework levels are:
- ARSM in Music Teaching (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 4
- LRSM in Music Teaching (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 6
- FRSM in Music Education (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music) - Level 7
The qualification specification is available to download below in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese, along with Candidate Resources for ARSM and LRSM.
Booking and assessment, from digitally-submitted evidence, will be available on demand and worldwide from October 2024.
DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM ending 2024 - we are withdrawing these diplomas. Deadlines for taking or retaking them are available under Previous diplomas ending 2024, below.
Our new Teaching diplomas encourage diverse approaches to music teaching and the development of skills, knowledge and understanding.
- The ARSM and LRSM provide options for a wide range of music teachers.
- The FRSM is for experienced music educators and provides the opportunity to make an original contribution to the music education sector through a piece of research or a new resource.
All three diplomas:
- are open to teachers working with any instrument or voice and in any setting
- include the option to submit evidence in any language (with English translations)
- are assessed by specialist examiners
Qualification specification – the qualification specification is available to download on this page in English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
Candidate Resources – if you are taking an ARSM or LRSM you must also read the Candidate Resource documents. These provide detailed guidance and templates for submissions. Available in English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
Additional guidance – please read this guidance for information about booking, recording videos, formatting your work and submitting evidence.
Qualification Specification
Candidate Resources
ARSM
LRSM
Our Teaching diplomas have a focus on teaching skills and knowledge, and your ability to successfully communicate with and support learners.
They assess your:
- Skills in leading musical work with others, including planning and strategies to inspire and motivate musicians
- Understanding of the underlying principles and values of teaching music
For ARSM and LRSM you:
- Submit a video of teaching with a supporting commentary, plus a piece of written or spoken evidence.
- Take part in an online Professional Discussion with the examiner.
For FRSM you:
- Submit an original piece of research or teaching resource.
- Take part in online Professional Discussion with the examiner.
For full details, please read the qualification specification and the Candidate Resources available to download above.
Select a link below for a summary of the entry requirements for each diploma. Full details, including alternatives to ABRSM Grade 8 for LRSM, are available in the qualification specification.
You can also apply to offer Appropriate Professional Experience (APE) or Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) as a substitute for entry requirements.
- Recommended minimum age of 16
- Six months’ teaching experience
- Recommended minimum age of 21
- ARSM in Music Teaching or Grade 8 in the instrument being taught (or a closely related one)
- Demonstrable experience as a teacher, typically for at least one year
- Recommended minimum age of 24
- LRSM in Music Teaching or ARSM Performance in the instrument being taught (or a closely related one)
- Demonstrable experience as a teacher, typically for at least three years
We are withdrawing the current DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Teaching. Deadlines for taking or re-taking these diplomas are:
- DipABRSM Teaching – 30 June 2024
- LRSM Teaching – 30 June 2024
- FRSM Teaching – 31 October 2024
If you have passed part of a diploma and do not retake and pass the failed section(s) by the deadline given above, any passed sections will no longer be valid.
We are withdrawing the DipABRSM in Teaching 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.
Downloads
- Teaching skills viva voce
- Written submission
- Quick study
- Case study portfolio/ video of teaching practice (LRSM only)
Full details are available in the Teaching Diploma Syllabus 2022, available to download on this page (above). We also have a number supporting materials to download, including a reading list and guide to the viva voce.
Download a sample quick study test to find out more about the technical level required and what to expect in the exam. For further practice, you can explore the repertoire lists for your instrument at Grades 6, 7 and 8.
