Music Directing
Diplomas in Music Directing
We're introducing new ARSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas in Music Directing. These will be digital assessments, available on demand.
We'll be publishing the qualification specification for the new diplomas soon. Assessments will be available in 2025. We'll provide more information about dates as soon as we can.
Introducing our new diplomas
Our new 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
These diplomas will provide an opportunity to demonstrate your music directing in a live environment, supported by a piece of written or spoken work and an online professional discussion with an examiner.
As these are digital assessments, you'll need to arrange a video recording for the music directing element.
These diplomas are open to music directors of any group. Select a link below for a summary of the entry requirements for each diploma.
You can also apply to offer Appropriate Professional Experience (APE) or Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) as a substitute for entry requirements.
ARSM and LRSM
A demonstration of skills in music directing – such as preparation, planning, choosing repertoire, communication strategies – and the ability to adapt to the musicians you’re working with.
FRSM
We assess your expertise and wide knowledge of the field of music directing through the creation of a significant and original piece of work. This is either through a live Public Performance (Option A) or Extended Research (Option B).
ARSM | |
| Marks available | |
| Distinction | 45 - 50 |
| Merit | 40 - 44 |
| Pass | 34– 39 |
LRSM and FRSM | |
| Marks available | |
| Distinction | 68 - 75 |
| Merit | 60 - 67 |
| Pass | 50– 59 |
We've withdrawn our previous DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM diplomas.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 Directing completely. This diploma will continue to be a valid and highly respected qualification and recipients can still use the letters DipABRSM after their name.
