Trinity or ABRSM diploma?
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Sorry, I dunno y it is coming out 4x on the posting. I pressed submitted once only. Very sorry
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ilovelaksa:
Yes, it is possible to prepare a program that can be used for both Trinity and ABRSM. Consult the repertoire list and make sure all the pieces overlap.Hi my child is hoping to start on his piano diploma soon.
May I kn which is a better one to do?
How long does it take?
Do both diplomas hv the same reqm in terms of exam curr?
Is it possible to do both Trinity and ABRSM simultaneously?
Thks in adv.
How long it takes will depend on how strong your child's technical and musical foundation, and also the amount of consistent practice he can put in. But generally, one and half year is the recommended minimum of preparation time. If there is inherent technical flaw, generally advisable to correct technical deficiencies first before attempting the Diploma.
In terms of difficulty, ABRSM is of course more thorough due to Viva Voce and Quick Study requirement; students definitely need to be more well rounded and articulate in order to pass ABRSM Diplomas. Trinity only assesses the performance component and thus is more attractive to more people as it is somewhat easier to prepare. -
Depends on how much the child is comfortable in dealing with viva voce as well as sight reading.
These are the 2 components which are essential for Abrsm. If any one of these sections is not the strong area of the child then I would suggest going for trinity. Because by failing any one of these sections, it would mean you fail the entire exam for Abrsm.
It's a either or option. You do not need to take both trinity and ABRSM at the same time. However in terms of repertoire both might have overlaps. So in case where your child wants to switch to trinity, he/she can use the same repertoire (in short means exam pieces).
However if the child is looking for doing music as full time degree, I would suggest the child to train up in these 2 areas with the teacher and go for Abrsm so that in the future, these skills will come in very handy for him/her.
I have personal experience in taking Abrsm first followed by trinity.let me know if you have any further questions. -
I find DipABRSM to be more ‘academic’ - it has a greater weightage on the programme notes and also has the Viva Voce section, where the examiner will ask you to discuss about your piece. Trinity diplomas are more focused on the performance aspect - you have to treat it like an actual performance by preparing your own programme notes and dressing appropriately.
Agree with above poster that if your child wants to pursue music seriously, DipABRSM will give a better base as it is more rigorous. My viola teacher, however, told me that ATCL (Trinity) is ‘easier to pass’ so it can be a good starting point. -
According to my experience, I’d definitely recommend Trinity Diploma exam, as more gradual continuation after taking either ABRSM Grade 8 or Trinity Grade 8. I share the opinion, stated by other people that the Viva Voce part appears to be tricky for the majority of the students, simply because it requires different type of preparation, conducted by musicologist and not by instrumental teacher.
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MAStudio:
According to my experience, I'd definitely recommend Trinity Diploma exam, as more gradual continuation after taking either ABRSM Grade 8 or Trinity Grade 8. I share the opinion, stated by other people that the Viva Voce part appears to be tricky for the majority of the students, simply because it requires different type of preparation, conducted by musicologist and not by instrumental teacher.
LCM's DipLCM is the one just slightly above grade 8 in terms of amount of preparation. The exam requires maximum playing time of 20 minutes and sight-reading; The pieces are also only on the easier scales of Diploma exams.
I understand that not all Diploma teachers prepare the Viva Voce and Quick Study components required by ABRSM Diplomas, but I think it's worthwhile to prepare for ABRSM Diplomas because it trains the students to be much more well-rounded musicians, and also ABRSM Diplomas are undoubtedly much prestigious because they are much harder to pass. The late Ong Lip Tat said that in his experience, LRSM was harder than pass than FTCL.
Quite a few of the Viva Voce questions directly relate to the instrument and music itself, so I do feel if it's possible should ideally be conducted by the instrumental teacher herself, but if not possible then need to find a theory teacher who can play the instrument well. -
MAStudio:
I'd definitely recommend Trinity Diploma exam, as more gradual continuation after taking either ABRSM Grade 8
Dreamaurora:
Trinity only assesses the performance component and thus is more attractive to more people as it is somewhat easier to prepare.
hopscat:
ATCL (Trinity) is 'easier to pass' so it can be a good starting point.
Not familiar with Trinity syllabus...
Students need to prepare how many songs for Trinity diploma?
No need sight reading, aural or scales?
Possible to learn all required exam pieces within 3 months if practice at least 2 hours daily?
dd will have 3 months of free time after psle. And I foresee she will be busy in secondary school so ideally she can learn whatever necessary during those 3 months after psle.
Such that she only needs to maintain standard after school reopens as she definitely won't be able to practice so regularly then.
Feasible?
If not, I will probably discourage her from continuing with diploma. Don't wish to overload her as she needs to adjust to new school -
sleepy:
Trinity ATCL Diploma's main component is a 32-38 minutes recital consisting of pieces drawn freely from the syllabus or you can also submit an own choice program subject to approval. The second component is basically the program notes part and only takes up 10% of the total mark. There is no sight reading, aural, and scales.MAStudio:
I'd definitely recommend Trinity Diploma exam, as more gradual continuation after taking either ABRSM Grade 8
Dreamaurora:
Trinity only assesses the performance component and thus is more attractive to more people as it is somewhat easier to prepare.
hopscat:
ATCL (Trinity) is 'easier to pass' so it can be a good starting point.
Not familiar with Trinity syllabus...
Students need to prepare how many songs for Trinity diploma?
No need sight reading, aural or scales?
Possible to learn all required exam pieces within 3 months if practice at least 2 hours daily?
dd will have 3 months of free time after psle. And I foresee she will be busy in secondary school so ideally she can learn whatever necessary during those 3 months after psle.
Such that she only needs to maintain standard after school reopens as she definitely won't be able to practice so regularly then.
Feasible?
If not, I will probably discourage her from continuing with diploma. Don't wish to overload her as she needs to adjust to new school
This does not mean it is easy to pass, it's just that comparatively easier to pass ATCL compared to say DipABRSM because for DipABRSM cannot fail the quick study and viva voce components.
An average timeframe for a Diploma preparation is normally around 1 1/2 to 2 years for students with strong grade 8 performances, but there are plenty of people who took 3 years or more because they fail the Diploma first or second attempts. Do note the standard required for Diploma is significantly higher than grade 8 and you can't just play securely to get a pass; the students need to play with good insight and understanding of the musical styles. A performance that will get a merit or low distinction for grade 8 may possibly fail at Diploma level.
Most students will only attempt Diploma when they are a bit older in secondary schools or JC/Polytechnic because well, very few will complete grade 8 by P3/P4. If she wants to do Diploma, definitely you will be looking at a timeframe of at least Sec 1 year end for first attempt. I don't see why you should discourage her as most students attempting Diplomas are preparing the Diplomas in more or less same academic commitments as her. -
Dreamaurora:
I don't see why you should discourage her as most students attempting Diplomas are preparing the Diplomas in more or less same academic commitments as her.
Thanks for sharing the above. Time frame is important to me. If the syllabus is achievable over 3 months of intensive practice when she has lots of idle time to fill, then I don't mind allowing her to take up diploma. Not saying must be exam ready within 3 months. I know that is mission impossible
I have another dd in secondary school so I know how much workload to expect in secondary school. Hence, I have to manage dd2's time realistically. If pursuing a diploma is too time consuming & dragging 2 to 3 years, taking time away from her studies or invading her rest time (afterall need squeeze in 2 hours to practice wah) then I would rather don't even embark on diploma. She can play any pieces she enjoys leisurely, no need to induce more exam pressure. She still adores her piano so I'm not worried she will stop playing.
I only meant for music lessons to be an immersion for dd2 when I signed her up for group piano at 5 years old. She already progressed beyond my immersion expectation and completed abrsm grade 8 over 6 years period. She's not aspiring to be a piano teacher or intending to pursue any music degree. So taking music diploma is more like a self actualization goal for her. As for diploma, she can pursue when she becomes an adult, if she is still keen then. Anyway, diploma is a nice to have, not a must have. Maybe other parents might feel differently but this is my view. -
sleepy:
I think even for grade 8 3 months to complete syllabus is already a big stretch and for ATCL the playing time is almost 3 times as long the combined playing time for grade 8. Many students and also teachers underestimate the amount of work and standard required for these Diplomas, hence the pretty low passing rate. The passing rate for ATCL and DipABRSM hovers around 40-50% for each cohort and quite a few people only pass the Diplomas on second or third attempt.Dreamaurora:
I don't see why you should discourage her as most students attempting Diplomas are preparing the Diplomas in more or less same academic commitments as her.
Thanks for sharing the above. Time frame is important to me. If the syllabus is achievable over 3 months of intensive practice when she has lots of idle time to fill, then I don't mind.
I have another dd in secondary school so I know how much workload to expect in secondary school. Hence, I have to manage dd's time realistically. Music or any hobby should not be too much of a demand of dd's time.
I only meant for music lessons to be an immersion for dd2 when I signed her up for group piano at 5 years old. She progressed beyond my immersion expectation and completed abrsm grade 8 over 6 years period. She's not aspiring to be a piano teacher or intending to pursue any music degree. So taking music diploma is more like a self actualization goal for her.
However, if pursuing a diploma is too time consuming, taking time away from her studies or invading her rest time (afterall need squeeze in 2 hours to practice wah) then I would rather don't even embark. She can play any pieces she enjoys leisurely, no need to induce more exam pressure. She still adores her piano so I'm not worried she will stop playing.
As for diploma, she can pursue when she becomes an adult, if she is still keen then. Anyway, diploma is a nice to have, not a must have. Maybe other parents might feel differently but this is my view.
Anyway, I don't think really need 2 hours a day consistently. For Diploma normally we learn one piece at a time and only then when the exam is registered the entire exam program is assembled, this is where the student need to be able to commit 2-3 hours a day. When the exam is still far away, one hour a day is quite sufficient. -
Dreamaurora:
For Diploma normally we learn one piece at a time and only then when the exam is registered the entire exam program is assembled, this is where the student need to be able to commit 2-3 hours a day. When the exam is still far away, one hour a day is quite sufficient.
Cannot commit 2 to 3 hours a day even if near exam. That I am very sure. Really no such luxury.
By the way, Trinity pieces don't have expiry date like abrsm? -
sleepy:
The syllabus normally revised like every 7 or 8 years, but generally the list of pieces more or less remain the same, only a few pieces may be removed or added.Dreamaurora:
For Diploma normally we learn one piece at a time and only then when the exam is registered the entire exam program is assembled, this is where the student need to be able to commit 2-3 hours a day. When the exam is still far away, one hour a day is quite sufficient.
Cannot commit 2 to 3 hours a day even if near exam. That I am very sure. Really no such luxury.
By the way, Trinity pieces don't have expiry date like abrsm?
To be honest, easier to find time to practice during studying years compared to adult working years, especially if have family. I am still practicing and preparing the next level of Diplomas and trust me on this, really no joke to prepare Diploma at my age. Whatever free time I have is very tempting to just relax and chill, but I have to push myself to practice even if mentally tired. I remembered my schooling years I was much more freer and I wished I had learnt piano then. -
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all your sharing. Really appreciate it.
I have just received my ATCL marks. 54 (fail) sad
Can I asked if I can re-sit the ATCL piano exam with the exact same pieces ? Please advice. -
I don't see why you can't re-sit the ATCL with the same programme.
TalentMontessori\" post_id=\"1898731\" time=\"1550468325\" user_id=\"133332:
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all your sharing. Really appreciate it.
I have just received my ATCL marks. 54 (fail) sad
Can I asked if I can re-sit the ATCL piano exam with the exact same pieces ? Please advice. -
Hi, my child was recommended by new violin teacher to take ATCL at the end of 2021 instead of Grade 8. Is there enough time to prepare to obtain a pass or distinction for ATCL? She obtained high distinction for grade 7 performance.
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MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991719\" time=\"1597741315\" user_id=\"187034:
ATCL only has Distinction, Pass, or Fail. But yes, definitely enough time. End of 2021 is 1yr 3months!
Hi, my child was recommended by new violin teacher to take ATCL at the end of 2021 instead of Grade 8. Is there enough time to prepare to obtain a pass or distinction for ATCL? She obtained high distinction for grade 7 performance. -
phankao\" post_id=\"1991725\" time=\"1597742403\" user_id=\"3486:
Ya would have been more assuring if there's merit. I remember vaguely my friend did not pass her first diploma and many here cited the statistic 30-40% fail, so quite worrisome.
ATCL only has Distinction, Pass, or Fail. But yes, definitely enough time. End of 2021 is 1yr 3months!MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991719\" time=\"1597741315\" user_id=\"187034:
Hi, my child was recommended by new violin teacher to take ATCL at the end of 2021 instead of Grade 8. Is there enough time to prepare to obtain a pass or distinction for ATCL? She obtained high distinction for grade 7 performance.
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MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991839\" time=\"1597811581\" user_id=\"187034:
Ya would have been more assuring if there's merit. I remember vaguely my friend did not pass her first diploma and many here cited the statistic 30-40% fail, so quite worrisome.[/quote]Playing the same pieces over the next 15 months might get boring though But that's your teacher's job to plan. When mine took, we registered in August for December exam. Started work on the ATCL programme in september. Full concerto plus 2 solo pieces. Oh, and was using that 1/2-size violin. Exam studio was v dry - but that is not something we can do anything about.
ATCL only has Distinction, Pass, or Fail. But yes, definitely enough time. End of 2021 is 1yr 3months!phankao\" post_id=\"1991725\" time=\"1597742403\" user_id=\"3486:
[quote=MaryMax post_id=1991719 time=1597741315 user_id=187034]Hi, my child was recommended by new violin teacher to take ATCL at the end of 2021 instead of Grade 8. Is there enough time to prepare to obtain a pass or distinction for ATCL? She obtained high distinction for grade 7 performance.
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MaryMax\" post_id=\"1991839\" time=\"1597811581\" user_id=\"187034:
Ya would have been more assuring if there's merit. I remember vaguely my friend did not pass her first diploma and many here cited the statistic 30-40% fail, so quite worrisome.[/quote]How long a diploma preparation will take depend on many factors.
ATCL only has Distinction, Pass, or Fail. But yes, definitely enough time. End of 2021 is 1yr 3months!phankao\" post_id=\"1991725\" time=\"1597742403\" user_id=\"3486:
[quote=MaryMax post_id=1991719 time=1597741315 user_id=187034]Hi, my child was recommended by new violin teacher to take ATCL at the end of 2021 instead of Grade 8. Is there enough time to prepare to obtain a pass or distinction for ATCL? She obtained high distinction for grade 7 performance.
Current technical level is obviously the biggest factor. If technical level is comfortably above the Diploma level, then much lesser time is needed. This was the case with Phankao's son, that was why he could prepare the program in months. If technical level is below the Diploma or corrective work is needed then a timeframe of one year or more is recommended.
Available practice time is another factor. Ideally really is to prepare for a Diploma properly the student should really practice at least 2 hours a day if want to clear within one year.
The teacher does play a part too. Good teachers can assign appropriate repertoire and troubleshoot issues much faster thus reducing preparation time.
For typical students, it would probably be prudent to aim to be able to run through the program at passing standard by the registration time to be fully safe.