# London College of Music Examinations

London College of Music Examinations (LCME) Established in 1887, is one of the UK's longest-established and biggest creative arts exam boards and the only one that is part of a leading British university, the University of West London. It is an examinations board offering graded and diploma qualifications in music, drama, and communication. The board is a department of the London College of Music (LCM), a school within the University of West London. LCM Examinations was founded as the external examinations department of the London College of Music (LCM), a music conservatoire and is one of eight separate Schools which make up the University of West London in the Greater London Area.
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).
Former principals of London College of Music include William Lloyd Webber (the father of English composer and impresario of Musical Theatre Andrew Lloyd Webber and renowned British cellist, conductor and music educator Julian Lloyd Webber), composer and pianist John McCabe and Professor Colin Lawson (who took up the posts of Dean of LCM and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University at Ealing in 2002 continuing there until his appointment as Director of the Royal College of Music in Kensington in 2005). Past visiting professors at LCM have included Guy Woolfenden, Nick Ingman and (following his retirement from the role of Principal) John McCabe.
Professor John Howard is a long-time director of examinations and currently assumes the role of ambassador for LCME.
Ben Norbury currently holds the position of head of examinations, while Hugh Sutton serves as the chief examiner in music, and David Henson fulfills the role of chief examiner in speech and drama.

## Accreditation

LCM Examinations is an examination board in the United Kingdom accredited by Ofqual to award graded and diploma qualifications in music as part of the (RQF) Regulated Qualifications Framework. It is also accredited to award qualifications in speech and drama.
The mapping of LCM Examinations onto the RQF means that candidates applying to UK universities through the UCAS (University and College Admission System) can increase their points tariff if they have been awarded a Pass or higher at grades 6-8 in accredited subjects.

## LCME International Exam Centres and Representatives

In addition to its work throughout the UK and Ireland, LCME is available in most part of the world.
LCME is proud to have exam centres and representatives in over 45 countries across Europe, North America, South America & the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia.
In Europe, it is available in Belgium, Bosnia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Portugal and Romania.
In Americas, it is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Barbados, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
In the Middle East, it is available in Qatar, Dubai, Oman & Saudi Arabia.
It is also available in Australia, New Zealand, many countries in Africa and most Countries in Asia like, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and many more.

## Introductory Examinations

Pre-Grade 1 exams ('Steps') are offered in various subjects, including piano, jazz 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. Music
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 ensemble.
Examinations in electric, rock, bass and acoustic guitars are offered in partnership with the Registry of Guitar Tutors.
Examinations in musical theatre represent a partnership between the music and drama subject areas.
b. Drama & Communication
A range of exams in drama & communication includes speech & drama, acting, public speaking, verse speaking, oral communication, group performance and spoken English in religion.
Examinations in musical theatre represent a partnership between the music and drama subject areas.

## Recital Grades

A range of 'recital grades' is offered, allowing candidates to enter for a graded exam focusing entirely (or predominantly) on performance. Candidates are required to perform four pieces, plus either a fifth piece or viva voce or sight reading.

## Leisure Play Examinations

Leisure Play exams are offered in all music subjects, and are intended for candidates who wish to take a more performance-based, less 'academic' route. Typically, candidates will perform 4 pieces (including 1 own choice piece) rather than the standard 3, but with no additional tests. Leisure Play exams are offered at Levels 1–8.

## Performance Awards

Performance Awards are assessed via DVD submission, rather than attendance at an examination centre. Candidates submit a DVD recording; requirements are generally the same as the Performance component of the equivalent graded exam. Performance Awards are offered at Levels 1–8.

## 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 twice per year. Graded examinations in composition are also available.

## Diplomas

a. Diploma Levels
Diplomas are offered at four levels:
* RQF 4: Diploma of the London College of Music (DipLCM)—Equivalent Standard: UK First-year undergraduate Degree Module
* RQF 5: Associate of the London College of Music (ALCM) - Equivalent Standard: UK Second year undergraduate degree module
* RQF 6: Licentiate of the London College of Music (LLCM) - Equivalent Standard: UK Final-year undergraduate degree module
* RQF 7: Fellowship of the London College of Music (FLCM) - Equivalent Standard: UK Master's degree Module
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 regulated by Ofqual and placed at levels 4-7 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. They are offered in a wide range of subjects covering classical, jazz, popular and traditional music genres.
Three levels of written theoretical diplomas are offered: DipMusLCM, AMusLCM and LMusLCM.
Additionally, LCM offers diplomas in composition and conducting, by thesis, and by professional achievement.
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.

## Publications

A range of publications is available, including all-inclusive handbooks (containing everything required for the examination) for selected instruments, CD recordings, theory workbooks, specimen test books, and an anthology for drama & communication candidates.
Downloads of recordings and theory papers are available from http://www.lcmebooks.org