London College of Music Examinations
Encyclopedia
London College of Music Examinations (LCM Examinations) is an examinations board offering graded and diploma qualifications in music
, and in drama & communication. The board is a department of the University of West London Faculty of Arts, based in Ealing
, west London
.
LCM Examinations was founded as the external examinations department of the London College of Music
(LCM), a music conservatoire which was founded in 1887. In 1991, the LCM and its external examinations board became part of the Polytechnic of West London (which became Thames Valley University in 1992 and was renamed the University of West London in 2011).
LCM Examinations is one of three examination boards in the United Kingdom
accredited by Ofqual
to award graded and diploma qualifications in music as part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework
(along with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
and Trinity Guildhall). It is also one of three boards accredited to award qualifications in speech and drama (along with Trinity Guildhall and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
).
The mapping of LCM Examinations onto the QCF means that candidates applying to UK universities through the UCAS
system can increase their points tariff if they have been awarded a Pass or higher at grades 6-8 in accredited subjects.
In addition to its work throughout the UK and Ireland
, LCM Examinations has a significant international operation, particularly in South-East Asia.
The current Director of Examinations is Professor John Howard (appointed 2000). The Chief Examiner in Music is Philip Aldred (appointed 2008), and the Chief Examiner in Drama & Communication is Dr Stephen Hazell (also appointed 2008).
Additionally, Early Learning exams are offered, both individually and for groups.
Graded exams are numbered 1-8, with 8 being the highest standard. An exceptionally wide range of subjects is available, including piano, all orchestral instruments, jazz (wind, brass and piano), singing, classical guitar, electronic keyboard and organ, drum kit, percussion, popular music vocals, Irish and Scottish traditional music, church music and chamber ensemble.
Examinations in electric, bass and acoustic guitars are offered in partnership with the Registry of Guitar Tutors.
b. Drama & Communication
A range of exams in drama & communication includes speech & drama, acting, public speaking, verse speaking, oral communication and spoken English in religion.
Examinations in music theatre represent a partnership between the music and drama subject areas.
Graded examinations in composition are also available.
Diplomas are offered at four levels:
These qualifications permit the holder to append the qualification's letters after their name (for example, "Forename Surname LLCM").
b. Music
Diplomas in music performance and teaching are accredited at levels 4-7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, and are available in a wide range of subjects covering classical, jazz and traditional music genres.
Three levels of written theoretical diplomas are offered: DipMusLCM, AMusLCM and LMusLCM.
Additionally, LCM offers diplomas in composition and conducting, and by thesis.
c. Drama & Communication
A range of diplomas in drama & communication subjects is offered, at DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM levels. These include performance, teaching, acting, verse speaking, reading and public speaking. An FLCM by thesis is also available.
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, and in drama & communication. The board is a department of the University of West London Faculty of Arts, based in Ealing
Ealing
Ealing is a suburban area of west London, England and the administrative centre of the London Borough of Ealing. It is located west of Charing Cross and around from the City of London. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It was historically a rural village...
, west London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
LCM Examinations was founded as the external examinations department of the London College of Music
London College of Music
The London College of Music is a music school which is part of the University of West London in England.The LCM was founded in 1887 and existed as an independent music conservatoire based at Great Marlborough Street in central London until 1991...
(LCM), a music conservatoire which was founded in 1887. In 1991, the LCM and its external examinations board became part of the Polytechnic of West London (which became Thames Valley University in 1992 and was renamed the University of West London in 2011).
LCM Examinations is one of three examination boards in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
accredited by Ofqual
Ofqual
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.-Role:...
to award graded and diploma qualifications in music as part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework
Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework is the national credit transfer system for education qualification in England, Education in Northern Ireland and Wales. The QCF replaces the National Qualifications Framework which closed for accreditations at the end of 2010...
(along with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
ABRSM is an internationally recognised educational body and charity that provides examinations in music The organisation, based in London, UK, runs exams in centres all over the world...
and Trinity Guildhall). It is also one of three boards accredited to award qualifications in speech and drama (along with Trinity Guildhall and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art is a leading British drama school in west London. LAMDA's president is Timothy West and its new principal is Joanna Read, who recently succeeded Peter James...
).
The mapping of LCM Examinations onto the QCF means that candidates applying to UK universities through the UCAS
UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the British admission service for students applying to university and college. UCAS is primarily funded by students who pay a fee when they apply and a capitation fee from universities for each student they accept..-Location:UCAS is based near...
system can increase their points tariff if they have been awarded a Pass or higher at grades 6-8 in accredited subjects.
In addition to its work throughout the UK and Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, LCM Examinations has a significant international operation, particularly in South-East Asia.
The current Director of Examinations is Professor John Howard (appointed 2000). The Chief Examiner in Music is Philip Aldred (appointed 2008), and the Chief Examiner in Drama & Communication is Dr Stephen Hazell (also appointed 2008).
Introductory Examinations
Pre-Grade 1 exams are offered in various subjects, including piano, electronic keyboard, percussion, guitar, recorder, violin, clarinet, saxophone and speech & drama.Additionally, Early Learning exams are offered, both individually and for groups.
Graded Practical Examinations
a. MusicGraded exams are numbered 1-8, with 8 being the highest standard. An exceptionally wide range of subjects is available, including piano, all orchestral instruments, jazz (wind, brass and piano), singing, classical guitar, electronic keyboard and organ, drum kit, percussion, popular music vocals, Irish and Scottish traditional music, church music and chamber ensemble.
Examinations in electric, bass and acoustic guitars are offered in partnership with the Registry of Guitar Tutors.
b. Drama & Communication
A range of exams in drama & communication includes speech & drama, acting, public speaking, verse speaking, oral communication and spoken English in religion.
Examinations in music theatre represent a partnership between the music and drama subject areas.
Leisure Play Examinations
Leisure Play options are offered in all music subjects, intended for candidates who wish to take a more performance-based, less 'academic' route. Typically, candidates will perform 4 pieces rather than the standard 3, but with no additional tests.Theory Examinations
Written theory examinations are offered at nine levels (Preliminary and Grades 1-8), in both Theory of Music and Popular Music Theory (in association with the Examinations Registry). Written examinations are held three times per year.Graded examinations in composition are also available.
Diplomas
a. Diploma LevelsDiplomas are offered at four levels:
- Diploma of the London College of Music (DipLCM)
- Associate of the London College of Music (ALCM)
- Licentiate of the London College of Music (LLCM)
- Fellow of the London College of Music (FLCM)
These qualifications permit the holder to append the qualification's letters after their name (for example, "Forename Surname LLCM").
b. Music
Diplomas in music performance and teaching are accredited at levels 4-7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, and are available in a wide range of subjects covering classical, jazz and traditional music genres.
Three levels of written theoretical diplomas are offered: DipMusLCM, AMusLCM and LMusLCM.
Additionally, LCM offers diplomas in composition and conducting, and by thesis.
c. Drama & Communication
A range of diplomas in drama & communication subjects is offered, at DipLCM, ALCM, LLCM and FLCM levels. These include performance, teaching, acting, verse speaking, reading and public speaking. An FLCM by thesis is also available.