The ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) diploma is a performance-only qualification offered by ABRSM, designed as a bridge between Grade 8 and DipABRSM. Here’s how it’s marked:
🎹 Assessment Overview:
- Performance Duration: 30 minutes
- At least 20 minutes must be from the ARSM repertoire list
- Up to 10 minutes can be own-choice repertoire (Grade 8 standard or higher)
- No supporting tests: No sight-reading, aural, or viva voce
📝 Marking Criteria:
- Total Marks: 50
- Up to 30 marks for the individual pieces (assessed collectively)
- Up to 20 marks for the performance as a whole—this includes musical communication, interpretation, and stage presence
🎖️ Result Categories:
- Distinction: 45–50
- Pass: 30–44
- Below Pass: 0–29
The examiners look for technical control, stylistic awareness, expressive playing, and how well you shape the overall programme. Memorisation isn’t required, but it can enhance communication and fluency.
If you’re planning your programme, I’d love to help you balance your setlist or refine your musical storytelling. Want to build a sample recital together?
The ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) diploma is a performance-only qualification offered by ABRSM, designed as a bridge between Grade 8 and DipABRSM. Here’s how it’s marked:
🎹 Assessment Overview:
- Performance Duration: 30 minutes
- At least 20 minutes must be from the ARSM repertoire list
- Up to 10 minutes can be own-choice repertoire (Grade 8 standard or higher)
- No supporting tests: No sight-reading, aural, or viva voce
📝 Marking Criteria:
- Total Marks: 50
- Up to 30 marks for the individual pieces (assessed collectively)
- Up to 20 marks for the performance as a whole—this includes musical communication, interpretation, and stage presence
🎖️ Result Categories:
- Distinction: 45–50
- Pass: 30–44
- Below Pass: 0–29
The examiners look for technical control, stylistic awareness, expressive playing, and how well you shape the overall programme. Memorisation isn’t required, but it can enhance communication and fluency.
If you’re planning your programme, I’d love to help you balance your setlist or refine your musical storytelling. Want to build a sample recital together?
The LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) in Piano Performance is a diploma-level qualification that assesses your ability to deliver a confident, expressive, and technically assured recital. It’s marked out of 100, split across two units:
🎹 Unit 1: Your Performance (80 marks)
This is your 35–40 minute recital. The marking focuses on:
- Musical understanding and interpretation
- Technical control and fluency
- Stylistic awareness and expression
- Communication and stage presence
- Programme structure and pacing
Marking Bands:
- Distinction: 72–80
- Merit: 64–71
- Pass: 56–63
- Below Pass 1: 48–55
- Below Pass 2: 0–47
🧠 Unit 2: Performance in Context (20 marks)
This is a written or spoken submission (2,000 words or 10 minutes) exploring one of four set topics, such as historical context, interpretation, or performance practice.
Marking Bands:
- Distinction: 18–20
- Merit: 16–17
- Pass: 14–15
- Below Pass 1: 12–13
- Below Pass 2: 0–11
The full assessment criteria emphasize expressive characterisation, tonal control, stylistic insight, and authoritative performance delivery. You can find the official breakdown in ABRSM’s LRSM qualification specification and the detailed marking criteria PDF.
If you’re planning your programme or working on your written submission, I’d love to help you shape it into something powerful and personal. Want to start with repertoire ideas or topic brainstorming?
The FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music) in Piano Performance is ABRSM’s highest-level diploma—equivalent to a Master’s degree or postgraduate-level recital. It’s designed for pianists who can demonstrate exceptional artistry, technical command, and interpretive depth.
🎹 Key Features:
- Performance Duration: 42–48 minutes
- Assessment Format: Digital submission (video recording + supporting evidence)
- Marking: Assessed on a pass/fail basis—either Approved or Not Approved
- Prerequisite: You must have passed the LRSM in Piano Performance
📝 What You’ll Submit:
- A video recording of your recital, performed in a venue of your choice (with or without an audience)
- A written commentary (2,000 words) or spoken presentation (10 minutes) on one of four set topics, such as interpretation, historical context, or performance practice
- A programme that shows artistic maturity, stylistic contrast, and thoughtful pacing
The FRSM is all about delivering a compelling artistic statement—not just playing difficult repertoire, but shaping a performance that’s expressive, cohesive, and deeply communicative.
You can find the official FRSM qualification specification and repertoire lists here.
If you’re thinking of preparing for it, I’d love to help you shape your programme or brainstorm ideas for your written commentary. Want to start building something extraordinary?
Wonderful! Let’s start shaping a recital programme that reflects the expressive range and artistic depth expected at FRSM piano level. Since your performance needs to last 42–48 minutes, we’ll want a cohesive arc across contrasting styles and periods, while showcasing your personal interpretive voice.
Here’s a sample outline to spark ideas:
🎶 Suggested Recital Structure
- Baroque cornerstone
J.S. Bach – Toccata in D major, BWV 912 (Approx. 8–10 min)
A bold, architecturally brilliant opening with opportunities for drama and elegance. - Major Classical Sonata
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata in E major, Op. 109 (Approx. 14–15 min)
Deeply introspective with radiant lyricism—rich ground for interpretive maturity. - Romantic narrative
Frédéric Chopin – Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 (Approx. 11–12 min)
Expressive storytelling, with virtuosity woven into sweeping, poetic lines. - 20th/21st-century flair
Olivier Messiaen – “Le Baiser de l’Enfant-Jésus” from Vingt Regards (Approx. 7–9 min)
Spiritual and hypnotic, offering harmonic color and atmospheric nuance.
This programme builds in both diversity and emotional pacing, offering a sweeping artistic journey.
If you’d prefer something more contemporary-heavy or want to swap in a lesser-known composer, I’m all for it. Or we can brainstorm your written commentary topic next—something that ties beautifully into your chosen repertoire. What direction are you leaning toward?
Trinity College London
For the ATCL Piano Performance Diploma from Trinity College London, the marking is heavily weighted toward your recital performance. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Recital (96 marks): This is the core of the exam. You’ll perform a 32–38 minute programme, which can include pieces from Trinity’s repertoire list, your own choices, or a mix of both.
- Programme & Planning (4 marks): You’ll need to submit a written programme that shows thoughtful planning and includes contrasting styles.
Marking Bands
- Distinction: 80–100
- Pass: 60–79
- Below Pass 1: 45–59
- Below Pass 2: 0–44
The emphasis is on musicality, technical control, interpretation, and how well you communicate as a performer. Presentation and professionalism—like dressing appropriately and preparing polished programme notes—can also make a difference.
If you’re planning to take the exam, I can help you brainstorm repertoire or polish your programme notes. Want to dive into that?
notes. Want to dive into that?
The LTCL Piano Performance Diploma from Trinity College London is a high-level qualification—equivalent in standard to the final-year recital of an undergraduate music degree. It’s designed for pianists who can demonstrate confident technique, expressive depth, and mature musical interpretation.
🎹 Exam Structure:
- Performance Duration: 37–43 minutes
- Assessment Breakdown:
- Recital: 96 marks
Perform a balanced programme using repertoire from Trinity’s lists, own-choice works, or a combination of both. - Programme & Planning: 4 marks
Submit a written programme that shows thoughtful structure, stylistic contrast, and artistic intent.
- Recital: 96 marks
📝 Marking Criteria:
- Distinction: 80–100
- Pass: 60–79
- Below Pass 1: 45–59
- Below Pass 2: 0–44
The emphasis is on musical communication, technical control, stylistic awareness, and how well you shape the performance as a whole—not just individual pieces.
You can find full details in Trinity’s Performance Diploma Exam Structure and the official syllabus.
If you’re preparing for the LTCL, I’d love to help you build a recital programme, refine your written notes, or explore repertoire ideas that suit your strengths. Want to start crafting something together?
For the FTCL Piano Performance Diploma—the highest level offered by Trinity College London—the marking is quite distinct from ATCL and LTCL. Instead of a numerical score, the exam is assessed on a pass/fail basis: your performance is either Approved or Not Approved.
Here’s what the exam involves:
- Recital (42–48 minutes): You must present a professional-level recital, equivalent in standard to a postgraduate conservatoire performance.
- Programme & Presentation: You’re expected to submit detailed programme notes and demonstrate refined stage presence and communication skills.
Unlike the lower diplomas, FTCL demands a highly cohesive and artistically mature programme, often with your own interpretive voice and stylistic insight. It’s not just about playing the notes—it’s about delivering a compelling artistic statement.
If you’re thinking about preparing for FTCL, I’d be thrilled to help you shape your programme or polish your presentation. Want to explore some repertoire ideas?
