Music Diploma?

Hello!
As of last Christmas, I have achieved my Grade 8 with distinction on viola with ABRSM. I am working towards Grade 8 piano, and grade 6 flute. I also play violin.
I'm in Year 10 and music is definitely something extra-curricular for me- I play in a lot of orchestras etc, but academics is what I'm really good at.
Should I do a diploma? I've been getting mixed advice from various people laced with certain degrees of bias, I was hoping someone here might be able to help.
Cheers!
PixelatedOwl x

Diploma is a whole different thing to a grade really. Have you actually looked at what you need to do for it? If not I'd really look at the ABRSM spec for it - it is a lot! As far as I'm aware you need about 35 mins of performing diploma level stuff which is a lot in itself, need to know your instrument inside out and your knowledge of music needs to be on point. I think there's an element of preprepared written stuff as well, essentially coursework, but that is the bit I haven't looked into too much. There's also the cost - it's a hell of a lot more than grade 8!

I'd say go for it, particularly if you enjoy it, but make sure it's not going to clash with your GCSEs or anything like that - ultimately these have to come first. Just don't underestimate the amount of effort it will need and good luck!!

ps - well done to getting to that level at only year 10, that's awesome

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Ive known people to do diplomas alongside school when music is a hobby, sure its a lot of work but if you really enjoy it I'm sure it will be worth it (and really impressive).

First, WELL DONE! Those grades are amazing! I thought I was doing well getting grade 7 viola at the end of S4 (year 11).
Second, I'd encourage you to go for diploma. You have a time before you leave school to work on it and it would be an amazing thing to achieve. It would be hard work, but music is obviously something you enjoy, so you might as well try.
P.S. Glad to have found someone else who plays viola

THANK YOU, for your advice as well. Yes, we violists are a rare species but we are clearly the best

Hi,

I have completed grade 8 theory in Trinity and i would like to do Composition diploma ALCM or LTCL pls suggest and help with informations.

Ask a music tutor who specialises in this for some one to one lessons. Composition diplomas can be really interesting and enjoyable.

Thank you if u suggest anything!!

Diplomas are hard.
I got 142 distinction in grade 8.
However three years after grade 8, last year I got a low pass on my dipABRSM.
It was worth taking and practicing for, just be careful to make sure you're actually good enough

I can support learners through the ALCM thesis diploma but am less familiar with the requirements for the composition route.

Hi ,

Thank you for your reply, could you please let me know in which youo have done your diploma? and we are not going to do in ABRSM we are going to do in LCM any idea about that?

I did my diploma in the piano.
All diplomas are hard, the exam boards see grades as something they want to award anyone who tries. Diplomas are seen as more of something you have to earn - you really have to know what you are doing.
My piano teacher who is an examiner for trinity always told me that unlikes grades, if she feels like someone could do better in their diploma she will simply fail them on the basis that maybe next year will be their year. Kindness and sympathy is over looked I guess

Hi,

Thank you for reply so your saying that it is very hard to complete a diploma?