Certificate Programs
ROYAL ACADEMY (ABRSM) CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) offers a graded music examination system in over 100 countries worldwide. This board is an international examining body founded by the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, and Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. The exams cover 35 instruments, voice, theory, and practical musicianship and are open to students receiving music education as well as amateur or professional musicians of all ages.
The exams can be categorized into three groups. The first group includes exams without pass or fail results. These are the "Preparatory Exam," designed for candidates with 6-9 months of training, and the "Performance Assessment Exam" for adults over 21 years of age. The second group consists of the "Progressive Exams," which include eight progressively challenging stages. The third group involves the "Diploma Exams," comprising three different diploma-level exams.
Candidates are not required to take exams in order, but to enter the practical exams for Grades 6, 7, or 8, they must have passed Grade 5 Theory or Grade 5 Practical Musicianship. Theory exams are held twice a year in March and November.
At the end of each stage, successful candidates receive a certificate to document their achievement. Additionally, each candidate receives a detailed report from the examiner during the examination.
The Diploma Exams include ABRSM, DipABRSM, LRSM, and FRSM. To sit for the DipABRSM exam, candidates must have passed the Grade 8 Practical Exam, and each diploma exam serves as a prerequisite for the next. The Undergraduate Diploma is also recognized as equivalent to an associate degree by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK).
Practical Exams are conducted twice a year, in January and April-May. Examiners from the UK conduct the exams based on a program predetermined by the ABRSM. Written Theory exams are held twice a year in November and March. Candidates are charged a specific fee according to the grade they wish to enter as specified in the ABRSM's annual fee list. No additional fees are charged for the exams.
LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC (LCM) CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
London College of Music (LCM), which serves approximately 260 LCM centers worldwide, sends a delegation from the UK for those who wish to take the exam at the end of their education. Examinations are conducted by this delegation, and the results are evaluated based in the UK. Successful participants receive their certificates. The LCM certificate is recognized worldwide.
The LCM certificate curriculum is specially prepared. Books created for education are organized separately for each instrument, and exams are conducted based on these books. The LCM Certificate Program is an 8-level examination system. Like the ABRSM Certificate Program, candidates for the certificate can take the exam at any level with the guidance of their instructors. A student who successfully completes the eighth level is eligible to receive the London College of Music (LCM) certificate and is considered a graduate of a music high school, which is recognized worldwide.
Examinations are held three times a year at authorized centers with the LCM examination commission that comes from the UK. In the music department, all areas of examination include Keyboard Instruments, Strings and Harp, Vocal, Woodwind, Theory, Percussion Instruments, and String Instruments.
LCM exam periods and fees vary depending on the country of application. In Turkey, exams are held in three seasons: spring, summer, and winter. There is no age limit for LCM exams, and any individual who considers themselves competent can participate. However, it is recommended to consult with a qualified educator or institution for both the application period and level determination to avoid wasting time and money. Applying at the right time is also important for book procurement and preparation.