Following on from our previous blog, What next? An exploration of options now you have passed your Trinity graded music exam, we’re taking a look at Trinity College London’s range of diplomas and professional qualifications. Whether your interests lie in performance, theory and composition, or teaching, Trinity has something for everyone, so read on to find out more!
What do we mean by professional qualifications?
The purpose of any qualification is to provide validation of a person’s skills and/or learning. In a graded performance exam, candidates are demonstrating technical command of their instrument and using this to both realise the notes on the score and create their own musical interpretation. Beyond the graded music exams, the qualifications available start to address how these skills are applied in music-related professions. These may involve continuing to hone their craft as a musician but also require the demonstration of other skills which will be valuable across any number of professions, such as effective time management, planning and presentation.
What should prospective candidates and learners pay attention to when selecting a professional qualification?
This will be very personal and depend both on a candidate’s current circumstances and where they want to be in the future. However, there are two points that may help:
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are the qualifications, experience and/or qualities a candidate is required to have before taking another qualification. Many of our diplomas don’t have prerequisites but please do check the relevant syllabus before starting to prepare.
Level
All of Trinity’s regulated qualifications correspond to levels on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Checking a qualification’s RQF level can inform a candidate of the technical standard required to achieve a qualification and help them pick one appropriate to both their current level of achievement and where they aspire to be. You can use the following as a guide:
Level 4: equivalent in technical difficulty to the first year of degree
Level 6: equivalent in technical difficulty to the third year of degree
Level 7: equivalent in technical difficulty to a master’s degree
Please note that, whilst a qualification may be equivalent in technical difficulty to another qualification, the two won’t necessarily be comparable in terms of the breadth of topics studied or the amount of work needed to achieve them. It is therefore not accurate to say that all Level 7 qualifications are equal to a master's degree, but the standard of technical difficulty will be comparable.
Will taking one of these qualifications guarantee me a job in that field?
No qualification comes with the guarantee of a job. But, for musicians looking to build and maintain portfolio careers, being able to evidence their skillset and appropriacy for a role by presenting their achievements in relevant and accredited qualifications can be invaluable.
Let’s take a look at the options available!
Diplomas in Music Performance
Performance Diplomas are the next step after performance grades and provide pathways into professional musicianship. They are offered at three levels: ATCL (Level 4), LTCL (Level 6) and FTCL (Level 7). You can take ATCL and LTCL without any previous qualifications.
Performance Diplomas are recital based and, depending on the level of exam being sat, you will need to perform a programme of music of the appropriate standard that lasts a specific length of time. In addition to how well a candidate plays their chosen pieces, they are also assessed on their programme balance and timings, stagecraft, and the written programme they produce.
Candidates who successfully pass their Performance Diploma exam can use the appropriate letters (ATCL, LTCL or FTCL) after their name.
Certificate for Music Educators (CME)
We have a number of music teaching options available but I’m starting with the CME because it is a great option for any musician undertaking education work no matter what stage of their teaching career they are in.
The CME is designed to provide music educators, whether delivering instrumental/vocal lessons, primary school music, workshops or outreach work, with the skills and knowledge upon which to base their practice. The qualification requires learners to engage with both the practical elements of music teaching, from planning and delivery to policies and procedures, and reflective elements which encourage continual growth. Educators achieve the CME by enrolling with a Trinity validated course provider who support learners with the training and mentoring they need to complete a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their ability to meet the CME learning outcomes.
Learners who successfully complete the CME can use the letters CMETCL after their name. You can also read what those learners who have completed the CME have to say about the qualification in our previous blogs:
Teaching Diplomas
We offer three Music Teaching Diplomas:
- ATCL Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (Level 4)
- LTCL Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (Level 6)
- LTCL Music Teaching (Level 6)
The instrumental/vocal teaching diplomas are designed for teachers working as instrumental/vocal teachers with individuals and/or small groups; the LTCL Music Teaching is aimed at those teaching larger groups of 15 or more students at a time.
All of these qualifications are self-taught so there are no accompanying courses. Candidates must therefore prepare their submitted materials, as outlined in the syllabus, before entering for a face-to-face assessment. Depending on which qualification is being worked towards, the submitted materials will include reflections upon their own learner journey and how this has influenced their own teaching style and philosophy, lesson and peer observations, case studies and original teaching resources. The face-to-face assessment will consist of either a presentation or demonstration lesson, followed by a teaching skills initiative test and a viva voce.
Candidates who successfully pass their Teaching Diploma exam can use the appropriate letters (ATCL or LTCL) after their name.
Music Theory Diplomas
Our Diplomas in Music Theory, AMusTCL (Level 4) and LMusTCL (Level 6), provide musicians the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to manipulate musical materials, drawing on their knowledge of the history, concepts and conventions associated Western-classical music, in a way that highlights their imagination and creativity.
For both qualifications, candidates are required to sit a 3-hour exam covering Musical skills and Prescribed works. Whilst our music theory diplomas a self-taught, candidates can find a number of resources on our website including advice for candidates, an information guide, and support page with recommended reading list, study guides and sample papers.
Candidates who successfully pass their Teaching Diploma exam can use the appropriate letters (AMusTCL or LMusTCL) after their name.
We do hope that this blog has given you some inspiration for what qualification to work towards next! If you have any questions, please do email us at support@trinitycollege.co.uk and we’d be happy to help!
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