Great points, Bob. I completely agree that the new diplomas are now quite a lot simpler than the previous ones. I think the one great thing they did was reducing the qualification fee. The new diplomas cost around half what their predecessors did. ARSM (digital) - 195; old DipABRSM - 347 New LRSM - 400; old LRSM - 768 New FRSM - 600; old FRSM - 1115 (GBP) It seems to me that reducing the fee was a big motivation behind having just one examiner, probably a generalist as you said, watching a recorded video performance asynchronously. For comparison, ABRSM's previous diploma syllabus said that you could get one or two examiners, in the latter case a generalist and a specialist. They must have looked at Trinity, who have just one generalist examiner for their diploma exams. It would be nice to have an additional specialist examiner, but I am going to be honest, I am not really sure I would pay nearly double the fee for them to listen, who would wind up making generalist comments on the mark form anyway. I concur, it's hugely disappointing to allow 50% repertoire from the level below. Frankly, they should have stressed that the repertoire chosen from the level below would be assessed at the higher level. About the repertoire that has moved up, I will say that some (not all) of the pieces that have been upgraded are pretty musically difficult, though -- I'm preparing the Polonaise-Fantaisie for the new FRSM, and it's really comparable to, for instance, Funerailles, which has always been FRSM (and is apparently now also on the LRSM repertoire list). It's curious that the LRSM written work is longer (from 1800 to 2000 words), but the FRSM written work is much shorter (from 4500 to 3500 words). As you said, the durations of the spoken presentation alternative aren't close to commensurate with the word counts of the written alternative -- the durations should have been at least doubled. I do like that they have beefed up the topic options for FRSM -- the previous FRSM Written Submission requirement came with scarcely any guidance. Also, the FRSM marking criteria are much expanded. Good riddance to Quick Study, I hated it.
ABRSM have one of the worst websites I've ever seen. The design is visually slick, but my god is it a mess. Tabs inside tabs, important info hidden inside PDFs, redundant and broken links everywhere. Half the info is confusing or out of date. It's laughable, and I honestly can't even be bothered to fight through it to read their vague waffle about these changes. Still, it's nice to see they have a new logo for the 5th time in 18 months.
I cried when I saw what they have done to them :( I stopped using them in 2020 when they dumbed down theory grades. I emailed asking why they were so money grabbing! They used to be fantastic too :(
I am starting to look at doing a diploma. What is your advice what I should do? Should I still do an ABRSM diploma or go to a different exam board? I would have MUCH preferred to do the older version of the ABRSM diplomas
I can agree to many of your points you pointed out. I also was surprised when I heard they would accept up to 50% of the programme for LRSM to be pieces of own choice that are ARSM Level in difficulty and FRSM would be own choice pieces that are LRSM in difficulty level. Also thanks for explaining the gaps between the Diploma levels. From Grade 1 to Fellowship Diplomas, I know every single jump except Licentiate to Fellowship Diplomas because Ive never known or felt it since Im not even at Licentiate level. My playing skills is only 1st year to 2nd year degree level since I passed ARSM with Merit and my Music college Diploma is a Level 5 qualification and is 2nd year degree level. My piano teachers and my family also said my music college Diploma is much more impressive than even DIPABRSM Diploma. Do you agree with this. Its because they said you have to audition to get in which is not easy at all and you have so much more you learn in a music college. One of my piano teacher's said nothing in DIPABRSM measures up to my dreaded courses at my music college or any music college obviously and is way better than a DIPABRSM. I think if I compare ABRSM and Trinity Diplomas now, I would say the LRSM is easier for playing than LTCL even LRSM has longer playing time but LTCL does not have the essay component like LRSM. FRSM has longer playing time than FTCL but is easier because you can play own choice repetoire that is 1 level below in difficulty. For ARSM and ATCL, both of them dont have essay writing. So I agree with you that ABRSM Diplomas are overall easier than other exam boards now compared to Trinity, LCM etc especially now you dont have to pass every component to pass overall unlike the old Diplomas. If you looked carefully at both Mervyn Cousins and Ali Bowen Davies during the webinar(I watched it too). Do you realise they did not talk about playing Repetoire that is like 1 level below in difficulty until at the end when asking questions, someone asked about why could they play in FRSM exam repetoire that is LRSM in standard. If you saw carefully, their reaction to me was a bit shocked or uneasy and I think they didnt know what to say Because they were nervous. And they never mentioned this in the webinar introducing the new Diplomas until someone asked at the end. I think ABRSM now are very hungry for Money now. For Me, im also a Pianist. I passed the ARSM Diploma with Merit and I also graduated from a Music college with a 3 year full time Diploma which is a Level 5 qualification(2nd year Degree) since its like a HND/DipHE. For their new Teaching Diplomas in ABRSM, do you know why for FRSM Teaching, ARSM Performance is accepted as a prerequisite. But not the other Associate Diplomas from other exam boards like ATCL, AMusa, DIPLCM, ALCM, ARCT etc. Is it like ABRSM trying to tell you that ARSM is better than other exam boards Associate Diplomas and they purposely want you to do ARSM so they can earn more money. Because people with other exam boards Associate Diplomas cant enter FRSM Teaching. I agree with you again that ABRSM have done this to make money and because students will see it as easier than other exam boards, they will want to do ABRSM Diplomas and not the other exam boards like Trinity, LCM, AMEB, RCM etc. I enjoyed your video, I also feel like doing a Licentiate Diploma in Performance one day too and maybe a Degree in Music one day. I feel for me, the Licentiate level is infinitely more challenging than the Associate Diplomas. Pieces are so much harder. Ive tried to tackle Chopin Scherzo no 2 op 31 in particular and I know its a Licentiate level piece. Ive been playing it for a long time and I cant play it well at all. There is another benefit about the new Diplomas. You only need to pass Grade 8 to enter them. You can even enter a FRSM Diploma exam with Grade 8. I prefer this way unlike the old Diploma system which made you pass LRSM to enter FRSM and the old DIPABRSM for LRSM. Because my grandmother is also a pianist and in 1955, she passed the LRSM Diploma and she said in her time there was only LRSM after Grade 8 so everyone had to jump from Grade 8 to LRSM. So in this sense, removal of DIPABRSM is not that bad and replacing it with ARSM. Because I believe that music qualifications doesnt really define how good someone is as a pianist. Someone with a Grade 6 may have more potential than a Grade 8 Pianist for example. So thats why Im very happy now the prequisite for LRSM and FRSM is only Grade 8. I think the ARSM to LRSM jump is very big but since they removed the DIPABRSM and replaced it with ARSM, they were forced to make the new LRSM and FRSM easier so the jump from ARSM to LRSM would be not as hard. Did you see they also recently added new pieces to the ARSM Repetoire list: www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/ARSM%20Repertoire%20%28June%202024%20-%20Piano%29%20PROOF4%20%28Final%29%20%281%29.pdf What do you think of the new list? Just curious about your opinion, for this new LRSM, you know the part where you can play up to 50% of the programme that can be own choice pieces that are ARSM Standard in difficulty. These pieces can be outside the ARSM List right since they say own choice. For instance, Do you think they would allow Fantasie Impromptu op66 by Chopin to be played in an LRSM exam. I think its ARSM Standard to me and ive seen people use it in DIPABRSM exam and they passed and DIPABRSM's rule was own choice repetoire of 7 minutes at pieces being ARSM/DIPABRSM level or above. What do you think? It was very interesting to see your thoughts on the new ABRSM Diploma system. This is the link to their Diploma webinars: vimeo.com/939460164/cff8c8e7a0?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR151psmWaBZneyiUG9egh6LynTCNPCGQlG8kLnsk7FvGhgDNaH3wdPniyg_aem_Afi2zcL897Up3jzg6i3kzJJ_vCjvNdHgy3fJbbEyG7xK-IT2UsVwUuji5LLRzR78zXDurHlbseW9rxBbA0WSlsXp (LRSM and FRSM) vimeo.com/965734062/3f5534964b?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0X8vYBxn4-9p8ghbnCx2wVWWtNSzvzZ1_q37VBgQgVA74bW7HEHSMeF58_aem_S5VxWw1YrW360WH16iJCZg (ARSM Diploma webinar by Andrew Dibb) What do you think?
Our whole education system has been dumbing down for the past 30 years. Not really a big surprise that ABRSM have adapted to market forces i.e. lesser standards for more remuneration. This is about pleasing the affluent in society, who have children in the private sector and want to get their post-nominals at the age of 12/13. This new model will ensure they can all get diplomas now. Can't see examiners failing anyone.
I was quite sad when they abolished(?) the diploma;; When I took the exam I failed because my quick study was lacking by 2 marks and I thought I could just retake the quick study but since they chose to abolish it I would have to retake the whole thing again - may take a while since I just moved schools and all. It's quite disheartening.
I took dipABRSM in 2022, and I am preparing LRSM. After watch this video, I am thinking to switch to other system. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Understanding that ABRSM lower their requirements by much (probably to attract more candidates from Trinity or others), but don't know why they need to abandon the past diploma. Have viewed that in 2024, both diploma (LRSM/ new LRSM, or FRSM/ new FRSM) can be chosen, with clearly one more prestigous than the other in terms of difficulty (and even, in terms of entry fees). More advanced candidates can choose the old diplomas (and ABRSM still can earn "more expensive" entry fees from them), while others can choose the new. Adding new items with lowered barriers is nice, but entiring wiping the old certifications are not wise at all. Likewise in their new "grade 8", students may escape from the Baroque contrapuntal styles, or even escape from the Classical Sonatas. Turkish March is also grade 8 now. What a shame.
I'm just at the point of completing Grade 8 and want to move onto something higher. It's very regrettable that they abolished DipABRSM. Anyone who had that qualification meant serious stuff. I agree it's all about money now, with rigourous standards being compromised so they can get as many people as possible paying for their exams. ABRSM are very much capitalising on their previously earned (and justified) kudos. I'll look into LCM or Trinity for my Diplomas.
With due respect, Trinity is even easier. There are no "music in context" (written analysis or description), only a very short written programme which worth 4%. What is more, for the rest 96%, Trinity's examiner are mostly not your instrument specific. Had exams (also feedback from my friends) that for the Piano diploma, they assigned a Brass or Woodwind musician as the examiner. The generalist examiners do not have much in depth knowledge of the repertoire to be performed, and therefore the comments are all largely based on the sheet music (to check for your notes or even the fingerings), but not the music performance and the essences of the pieces at the whole. Agreed that ABRSM has compromised, but that compromise is from A/ A - to B- / C+, but Trinity diploma is definitely a D. Choose the less evil, or choose LCM.
@@AndrewChunghi When I do a performance exam, I want it to be Performance, and not overly written, as you stated before. Where did you get your information about who examines for Trinity, with all the points that you highlighted? Was it from the actual exam board? I have found Trinity’s exams to be highly rigorous, in the past and in todays exams. Having took a mixture of both Abrsm and Trinity exams they both offer the opportunity to make massive progress in one’s playing.
@@Soundscape123 Those are from my actual experience in my diploma exam and from my friends in Church (we both serve as pianists in church). My friend did a piano diploma, sought the examiner online, and found that the examiner plays trumpet. My situation is even worse. I did an LTCL last year and played the tempest sonata and Chopin Ballade No. 1. The examiner seemingly did not know the contrasting nature of the tempest sonata, though commented in the "fluctuation" in the tempo (although the piece itself is in varying tempos - and the tempest sonata in already a sonata in the middle of Beethoven's works, which is already in post-classical period and early romantic period, that strict observance of tempo is not necessary). The comments for Ballade No. 1 is even worse. The examiner commented "the opening sound heavy for the piece", while the score stated "pesante" which means heavy. Any one who has knowledge on the writing of the Ballde No. 1 will know the background of the piece, which the opening mustn't be played lightly and delightfully. The examiner commented further that the minim for the pinky fingers wasn't held for 2 beats. This is, to my opinion, a despicable way to comment for the Ballade. Let alone the fact that the pedals (the right pedal or the sustenduo pdeal) can help sustaining the notes, the essences of the Ballade No. 1 is to portray the "story" which needs to be narrated, the connection between the parts of the Ballade (e.g. whether the dexterity of the hands are in evidence for the "Mini-coda" or Coda, whether the melodic lines and tone colours are played well in the "nocturne" section, and whether the fingerworks are secure in Waltz Section). None of those were marked in the comments. Just superificial comments (e.g. the pedal use was intrusive, minim not held for 2 beats) were given. What is the worst, no information from the examiners (names, signature, or examiner codes) were given, and even when I tried to do a result review, they replied that the examiner information are kept anonymus in the result report. What a shame. Just a simple Google online search shows tens and hundreds of marksheets from Trinity are with examiner signature and examiner codes. I did 2 grade exams with ABRSM and all of them showed identity of the examiners. To be honest, I had an appalling experience with my Trinity diploma exam, and from my own experience, I definitely prefer the ABRSM (though, I agree, is definitely compromising) over Trinity.
@@AndrewChunghi Sorry to hear that you were not happy with your experience. Why didn’t you appeal if you felt that the result was wrong? If you do digital exams, check the recording with the exam criteria before sending it off, to see which mark is possible from the examination. As for the trumpet-player examiner - I am a pianist and violinist, hence examiners can play more than one instrument too. Having passed Associate and Licentiate diplomas from Trinity and Abrsm, I totally agree with both boards comments and now look forward to completing fellowship from both.
I tookk a shotot evrey tim youu said it wass "dumbbin downn'. Beest nighgyt i hasd in a whille. Cheerss! Greeretinhgs fromm th emergenency rooms (Editt for typoo)
ABRSM is a joke now....they downgraded the standard of the pieces....shrinking the size of the scales.....just because wanted to attract more people to take their exam, in fastfood culture nowadays, people tend to do so many things within 24hours, they wanted their child to learn so many enrichment class, tuition especially at SEA , leave so little time for practice, so ABRSM indirectly created a false phenomenon , you don't have to practice much, still can play well....But the real serious learner won't bother, left only those SEA people happily showing off their invaluable certificate, and of course now took away by ABRSM also, very sarcastic.
Great points, Bob. I completely agree that the new diplomas are now quite a lot simpler than the previous ones.
I think the one great thing they did was reducing the qualification fee. The new diplomas cost around half what their predecessors did.
ARSM (digital) - 195; old DipABRSM - 347
New LRSM - 400; old LRSM - 768
New FRSM - 600; old FRSM - 1115
(GBP)
It seems to me that reducing the fee was a big motivation behind having just one examiner, probably a generalist as you said, watching a recorded video performance asynchronously. For comparison, ABRSM's previous diploma syllabus said that you could get one or two examiners, in the latter case a generalist and a specialist. They must have looked at Trinity, who have just one generalist examiner for their diploma exams. It would be nice to have an additional specialist examiner, but I am going to be honest, I am not really sure I would pay nearly double the fee for them to listen, who would wind up making generalist comments on the mark form anyway.
I concur, it's hugely disappointing to allow 50% repertoire from the level below. Frankly, they should have stressed that the repertoire chosen from the level below would be assessed at the higher level. About the repertoire that has moved up, I will say that some (not all) of the pieces that have been upgraded are pretty musically difficult, though -- I'm preparing the Polonaise-Fantaisie for the new FRSM, and it's really comparable to, for instance, Funerailles, which has always been FRSM (and is apparently now also on the LRSM repertoire list).
It's curious that the LRSM written work is longer (from 1800 to 2000 words), but the FRSM written work is much shorter (from 4500 to 3500 words). As you said, the durations of the spoken presentation alternative aren't close to commensurate with the word counts of the written alternative -- the durations should have been at least doubled. I do like that they have beefed up the topic options for FRSM -- the previous FRSM Written Submission requirement came with scarcely any guidance. Also, the FRSM marking criteria are much expanded.
Good riddance to Quick Study, I hated it.
ABRSM have one of the worst websites I've ever seen. The design is visually slick, but my god is it a mess. Tabs inside tabs, important info hidden inside PDFs, redundant and broken links everywhere. Half the info is confusing or out of date. It's laughable, and I honestly can't even be bothered to fight through it to read their vague waffle about these changes. Still, it's nice to see they have a new logo for the 5th time in 18 months.
To be fair, every single exam board makes it difficult to get all the info about performance diplomas 🤦♂️
I cried when I saw what they have done to them :( I stopped using them in 2020 when they dumbed down theory grades. I emailed asking why they were so money grabbing! They used to be fantastic too :(
Yes, there's a really strong sense of loss with what ABRSM has done with these diplomas, thanks for sharing 😥
The grades 1 to 5 theory is terrible and the 6 to 8 a bit hap hazard..
I am starting to look at doing a diploma. What is your advice what I should do? Should I still do an ABRSM diploma or go to a different exam board? I would have MUCH preferred to do the older version of the ABRSM diplomas
For FTCL you have to take the LTCL ... so probably Bachelor's is valid...as a substitute
The ARSM is like their Advanced Certificate which they used to have earlier...
I took DipABRSM teaching
It was quite rigorous.
Now its all dumbed
No QS no Written Submissions.
And I don't get an Associate Title .
Fuck !!
I can agree to many of your points you pointed out. I also was surprised when I heard they would accept up to 50% of the programme for LRSM to be pieces of own choice that are ARSM Level in difficulty and FRSM would be own choice pieces that are LRSM in difficulty level.
Also thanks for explaining the gaps between the Diploma levels. From Grade 1 to Fellowship Diplomas, I know every single jump except Licentiate to Fellowship Diplomas because Ive never known or felt it since Im not even at Licentiate level. My playing skills is only 1st year to 2nd year degree level since I passed ARSM with Merit and my Music college Diploma is a Level 5 qualification and is 2nd year degree level. My piano teachers and my family also said my music college Diploma is much more impressive than even DIPABRSM Diploma. Do you agree with this. Its because they said you have to audition to get in which is not easy at all and you have so much more you learn in a music college. One of my piano teacher's said nothing in DIPABRSM measures up to my dreaded courses at my music college or any music college obviously and is way better than a DIPABRSM.
I think if I compare ABRSM and Trinity Diplomas now, I would say the LRSM is easier for playing than LTCL even LRSM has longer playing time but LTCL does not have the essay component like LRSM. FRSM has longer playing time than FTCL but is easier because you can play own choice repetoire that is 1 level below in difficulty. For ARSM and ATCL, both of them dont have essay writing. So I agree with you that ABRSM Diplomas are overall easier than other exam boards now compared to Trinity, LCM etc especially now you dont have to pass every component to pass overall unlike the old Diplomas.
If you looked carefully at both Mervyn Cousins and Ali Bowen Davies during the webinar(I watched it too). Do you realise they did not talk about playing Repetoire that is like 1 level below in difficulty until at the end when asking questions, someone asked about why could they play in FRSM exam repetoire that is LRSM in standard. If you saw carefully, their reaction to me was a bit shocked or uneasy and I think they didnt know what to say Because they were nervous. And they never mentioned this in the webinar introducing the new Diplomas until someone asked at the end. I think ABRSM now are very hungry for Money now.
For Me, im also a Pianist. I passed the ARSM Diploma with Merit and I also graduated from a Music college with a 3 year full time Diploma which is a Level 5 qualification(2nd year Degree) since its like a HND/DipHE.
For their new Teaching Diplomas in ABRSM, do you know why for FRSM Teaching, ARSM Performance is accepted as a prerequisite. But not the other Associate Diplomas from other exam boards like ATCL, AMusa, DIPLCM, ALCM, ARCT etc.
Is it like ABRSM trying to tell you that ARSM is better than other exam boards Associate Diplomas and they purposely want you to do ARSM so they can earn more money. Because people with other exam boards Associate Diplomas cant enter FRSM Teaching.
I agree with you again that ABRSM have done this to make money and because students will see it as easier than other exam boards, they will want to do ABRSM Diplomas and not the other exam boards like Trinity, LCM, AMEB, RCM etc.
I enjoyed your video, I also feel like doing a Licentiate Diploma in Performance one day too and maybe a Degree in Music one day.
I feel for me, the Licentiate level is infinitely more challenging than the Associate Diplomas. Pieces are so much harder. Ive tried to tackle Chopin Scherzo no 2 op 31 in particular and I know its a Licentiate level piece. Ive been playing it for a long time and I cant play it well at all.
There is another benefit about the new Diplomas. You only need to pass Grade 8 to enter them. You can even enter a FRSM Diploma exam with Grade 8. I prefer this way unlike the old Diploma system which made you pass LRSM to enter FRSM and the old DIPABRSM for LRSM. Because my grandmother is also a pianist and in 1955, she passed the LRSM Diploma and she said in her time there was only LRSM after Grade 8 so everyone had to jump from Grade 8 to LRSM. So in this sense, removal of DIPABRSM is not that bad and replacing it with ARSM. Because I believe that music qualifications doesnt really define how good someone is as a pianist. Someone with a Grade 6 may have more potential than a Grade 8 Pianist for example. So thats why Im very happy now the prequisite for LRSM and FRSM is only Grade 8. I think the ARSM to LRSM jump is very big but since they removed the DIPABRSM and replaced it with ARSM, they were forced to make the new LRSM and FRSM easier so the jump from ARSM to LRSM would be not as hard.
Did you see they also recently added new pieces to the ARSM Repetoire list: www.abrsm.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/ARSM%20Repertoire%20%28June%202024%20-%20Piano%29%20PROOF4%20%28Final%29%20%281%29.pdf
What do you think of the new list? Just curious about your opinion, for this new LRSM, you know the part where you can play up to 50% of the programme that can be own choice pieces that are ARSM Standard in difficulty. These pieces can be outside the ARSM List right since they say own choice. For instance, Do you think they would allow Fantasie Impromptu op66 by Chopin to be played in an LRSM exam. I think its ARSM Standard to me and ive seen people use it in DIPABRSM exam and they passed and DIPABRSM's rule was own choice repetoire of 7 minutes at pieces being ARSM/DIPABRSM level or above.
What do you think? It was very interesting to see your thoughts on the new ABRSM Diploma system.
This is the link to their Diploma webinars:
vimeo.com/939460164/cff8c8e7a0?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR151psmWaBZneyiUG9egh6LynTCNPCGQlG8kLnsk7FvGhgDNaH3wdPniyg_aem_Afi2zcL897Up3jzg6i3kzJJ_vCjvNdHgy3fJbbEyG7xK-IT2UsVwUuji5LLRzR78zXDurHlbseW9rxBbA0WSlsXp (LRSM and FRSM)
vimeo.com/965734062/3f5534964b?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0X8vYBxn4-9p8ghbnCx2wVWWtNSzvzZ1_q37VBgQgVA74bW7HEHSMeF58_aem_S5VxWw1YrW360WH16iJCZg (ARSM Diploma webinar by Andrew Dibb)
What do you think?
Took the DipABRSM then FRSM piano many many years ago… this is unbelievable how it’s been dumbed down 😕
@@wibblewabblewoo6249 😢
Our whole education system has been dumbing down for the past 30 years. Not really a big surprise that ABRSM have adapted to market forces i.e. lesser standards for more remuneration. This is about pleasing the affluent in society, who have children in the private sector and want to get their post-nominals at the age of 12/13. This new model will ensure they can all get diplomas now. Can't see examiners failing anyone.
I was quite sad when they abolished(?) the diploma;; When I took the exam I failed because my quick study was lacking by 2 marks and I thought I could just retake the quick study but since they chose to abolish it I would have to retake the whole thing again - may take a while since I just moved schools and all. It's quite disheartening.
@@ririririririirirrirrriiiiiiiii sorry to hear that, are you thinking of moving to a different exam board for your diploma?
I took dipABRSM in 2022, and I am preparing LRSM. After watch this video, I am thinking to switch to other system. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Have you looked into the Trinity LTCL or the LCME Licentiate? 🙂
@@HeartofthePiano Thank you, I will do some research on it. 🙂
Understanding that ABRSM lower their requirements by much (probably to attract more candidates from Trinity or others), but don't know why they need to abandon the past diploma. Have viewed that in 2024, both diploma (LRSM/ new LRSM, or FRSM/ new FRSM) can be chosen, with clearly one more prestigous than the other in terms of difficulty (and even, in terms of entry fees). More advanced candidates can choose the old diplomas (and ABRSM still can earn "more expensive" entry fees from them), while others can choose the new. Adding new items with lowered barriers is nice, but entiring wiping the old certifications are not wise at all. Likewise in their new "grade 8", students may escape from the Baroque contrapuntal styles, or even escape from the Classical Sonatas. Turkish March is also grade 8 now. What a shame.
I'm just at the point of completing Grade 8 and want to move onto something higher. It's very regrettable that they abolished DipABRSM. Anyone who had that qualification meant serious stuff. I agree it's all about money now, with rigourous standards being compromised so they can get as many people as possible paying for their exams. ABRSM are very much capitalising on their previously earned (and justified) kudos. I'll look into LCM or Trinity for my Diplomas.
Choose Trinity 😊
With due respect, Trinity is even easier. There are no "music in context" (written analysis or description), only a very short written programme which worth 4%. What is more, for the rest 96%, Trinity's examiner are mostly not your instrument specific. Had exams (also feedback from my friends) that for the Piano diploma, they assigned a Brass or Woodwind musician as the examiner. The generalist examiners do not have much in depth knowledge of the repertoire to be performed, and therefore the comments are all largely based on the sheet music (to check for your notes or even the fingerings), but not the music performance and the essences of the pieces at the whole. Agreed that ABRSM has compromised, but that compromise is from A/ A - to B- / C+, but Trinity diploma is definitely a D. Choose the less evil, or choose LCM.
@@AndrewChunghi When I do a performance exam, I want it to be Performance, and not overly written, as you stated before. Where did you get your information about who examines for Trinity, with all the points that you highlighted? Was it from the actual exam board? I have found Trinity’s exams to be highly rigorous, in the past and in todays exams. Having took a mixture of both Abrsm and Trinity exams they both offer the opportunity to make massive progress in one’s playing.
@@Soundscape123 Those are from my actual experience in my diploma exam and from my friends in Church (we both serve as pianists in church). My friend did a piano diploma, sought the examiner online, and found that the examiner plays trumpet.
My situation is even worse. I did an LTCL last year and played the tempest sonata and Chopin Ballade No. 1. The examiner seemingly did not know the contrasting nature of the tempest sonata, though commented in the "fluctuation" in the tempo (although the piece itself is in varying tempos - and the tempest sonata in already a sonata in the middle of Beethoven's works, which is already in post-classical period and early romantic period, that strict observance of tempo is not necessary).
The comments for Ballade No. 1 is even worse. The examiner commented "the opening sound heavy for the piece", while the score stated "pesante" which means heavy. Any one who has knowledge on the writing of the Ballde No. 1 will know the background of the piece, which the opening mustn't be played lightly and delightfully. The examiner commented further that the minim for the pinky fingers wasn't held for 2 beats. This is, to my opinion, a despicable way to comment for the Ballade. Let alone the fact that the pedals (the right pedal or the sustenduo pdeal) can help sustaining the notes, the essences of the Ballade No. 1 is to portray the "story" which needs to be narrated, the connection between the parts of the Ballade (e.g. whether the dexterity of the hands are in evidence for the "Mini-coda" or Coda, whether the melodic lines and tone colours are played well in the "nocturne" section, and whether the fingerworks are secure in Waltz Section). None of those were marked in the comments. Just superificial comments (e.g. the pedal use was intrusive, minim not held for 2 beats) were given. What is the worst, no information from the examiners (names, signature, or examiner codes) were given, and even when I tried to do a result review, they replied that the examiner information are kept anonymus in the result report. What a shame. Just a simple Google online search shows tens and hundreds of marksheets from Trinity are with examiner signature and examiner codes. I did 2 grade exams with ABRSM and all of them showed identity of the examiners.
To be honest, I had an appalling experience with my Trinity diploma exam, and from my own experience, I definitely prefer the ABRSM (though, I agree, is definitely compromising) over Trinity.
@@AndrewChunghi Sorry to hear that you were not happy with your experience. Why didn’t you appeal if you felt that the result was wrong? If you do digital exams, check the recording with the exam criteria before sending it off, to see which mark is possible from the examination. As for the trumpet-player examiner - I am a pianist and violinist, hence examiners can play more than one instrument too. Having passed Associate and Licentiate diplomas from Trinity and Abrsm, I totally agree with both boards comments and now look forward to completing fellowship from both.
I tookk a shotot evrey tim youu said it wass "dumbbin downn'. Beest nighgyt i hasd in a whille. Cheerss!
Greeretinhgs fromm th emergenency rooms
(Editt for typoo)
Haha, glad you enjoyed it 🍻
Great video. Thanks 👍
ABRSM is a joke now....they downgraded the standard of the pieces....shrinking the size of the scales.....just because wanted to attract more people to take their exam, in fastfood
culture nowadays, people tend to do so many things within 24hours, they wanted their child to learn so many enrichment class, tuition especially at SEA , leave so little time for practice, so ABRSM indirectly created a false phenomenon , you don't have to practice much, still can play well....But the real serious learner won't bother, left only those SEA people happily showing off their invaluable certificate, and of course now took away by ABRSM also, very sarcastic.