ABRSM and Trinity Piano Diplomas

There are 3 levels of diplomas for both ABRSM and Trinity and two streams of specialisation for piano: performance and teaching.

Important ABRSM Update (2023)

The ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) now replaces the DipABRSM diploma which is being phased out.  Requirements of ARSM remain unchanged.  This exam is available digitally as well as in person.

Launched in 2017 to offer a performance-only diploma qualification, the ARSM is different from the old format ABRSM diplomas being phased out in 2024 in that it does not include viva voce or programme notes as part of the exam.

The new LRSM and FRSM Music Performance diplomas released in November 2023 are digital assessments, moving away from the face to face format.


To know more about ARSM, please click here.

In all three levels of piano diploma, great focus, stamina and commitment is needed to complete each level and even more from one level to the next.  The 3 levels of diplomas offered by ABRSM and Trinity are at associate, licentiate and fellowship levels:

ABRSM

Trinity

NQF Comparison*

DipABRSM

ATCL

1st year bachelor degree or Certificate of higher education 

LRSM

LTCL

Bachelor degree 

FRSM

FTCL

Master's degree or Postgraduate qualification

*The UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) comparison shown reflects the demands of the diplomas only.

Prerequisites

For ABRSM, grade 8 practical is a prerequisite to the DipAB, DipAB a prerequisite to LRSM, and LRSM a prerequisite to FRSM.  This will soon change.

In July 2023, ABRSM announced that Grade 8 practical will be a prerequisite to ARSM, LRSM and FRSM.  All three diplomas would be available as digital assessments starting from April 2024. 

There are no prerequisites for ATCL and LTCL performance diplomas. These are available as digital assessments.  LTCL is a prerequisite to FTCL. FTCL is only available as a face to face exam.

Which diploma to take after grade 8?

ABRSM or Trinity?

Both ABRSM and Trinity diplomas are highly regarded.  Unless you are at least 18 years old (in which case you could choose to do a teaching diploma), you would be looking at the performance/recital diplomas. 

The main difference between the ABRSM Performance and Trinity Recital diplomas is that ABRSM diplomas have a Viva Voce and Quick Study section while Trinity diplomas do not.  The ABRSM requires a pass in all sections in order to pass the exam.  There is also a grade 8 prerequisite for DipABRSM but no prerequisite for ATCL. 

The ABRSM diploma format is set to change following an announcement by ABRSM in July 2023.  It will examine only practical performance skills and supporting evidence of the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the programme/performance, details of which will only be released in November 2023.  There will no longer a requirement to pass every component to pass the exams.

Written before the July 2023 ABRSM Update:

As a piano teacher, I like ABRSM for being more well-rounded.  However, I appreciate Trinity very much as it gives students the chance to play really well without having to focus on weaker areas.

ABRSM diplomas go beyond playing the pieces to knowledge of the pieces and composers.  For the Viva Voce, you need to know the composer's style, the structure of the piece, its modulations and harmony. Also, knowledge of the instrument the piece was composed for and how it affects performance.  These are very interesting and make learning the music more meaningful.  

However, I would recommend taking Trinity to those who are not strong in sight reading, answering questions or hard-pressed for time and would like to just focus on the playing (which is challenging enough) on the exam day.  Trinity is well-recognised and it would be easier to focus without worrying about the Quick Study and Viva Voce.

While many are able to pass the Viva Voce in ABRSM diplomas, Quick Study is quite a challenge for a some students.  As such, it is not uncommon for diploma candidates to retake this section to complete their music diploma exams. 

For greater detail on piano performance diploma exams, see:

ABRSM Performance Diplomas

Trinity Recital Diplomas

Writing Diploma Programme Notes

Thinking of Teaching Piano?

Teaching diplomas are very useful for those thinking of teaching piano.  Knowing how to play the piano does not always translate to being able to teach it well.  Each student is different and also different from you (the teacher) so learning to work with each student appropriately is essential.

Teaching diplomas test musical knowledge, teaching approach and effective teaching skills in addition to performance competence.  Candidates need to be at least 18 years of age and meet the prerequisites.

Click here for more on ABRSM Teaching Diplomas.


› ABRSM and Trinity Piano Diplomas

› ABRSM and Trinity Piano Diplomas