Aspiring contemporary musicians now have another reason to celebrate their achievements, thanks to a new agreement between Trinity College London and the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) recognising Trinity Rock & Pop qualifications as a route towards higher education in music.
We're delighted to announce a new agreement with the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), a specialist provider of creative industries education, which recognises Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6 and above as meeting the performance entry requirement for eligible ACM Performance degree programmes*.
This means that students who have achieved Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6, 7 or 8 in Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals or Drums will not need to undertake a separate performance audition when applying for eligible ACM degree programmes.
Importantly, this recognition applies to qualifications achieved through both face-to-face and digital Trinity Rock & Pop exams, giving students the flexibility to demonstrate their skills through their preferred exam format.
Applicants will still need to satisfy ACM's other admissions requirements.
Real songs. Real skills. Real opportunities.
At Trinity College London, we believe that learning music should be about more than just passing an exam. It's about developing the skills, confidence and creativity to become the musician you want to be.
Our Rock & Pop qualifications encourage students to develop their abilities through performing real songs, exploring different musical styles and building practical musicianship that extends beyond the exam itself.
This approach closely aligns with ACM's philosophy of preparing aspiring musicians for the realities of working in today's music industry.
With an emphasis on practical learning, creative development and industry engagement, ACM provides opportunities for students to develop their abilities in professional learning environments while exploring their individual musical ambitions.
Both of our organisations share a belief in the importance of nurturing musical individuality and developing practical, industry-relevant skills.
This new agreement connects those shared values, recognising the achievements of Trinity Rock & Pop students and the skills they have developed through their musical learning.
Trinity’s Toby Davies, Head of Business Development - Music & Performing Arts for the UK & Ireland said: “Achieving a Trinity Rock & Pop qualification takes commitment, creativity and musical skill. We’re delighted that ACM is recognising those achievements through a clear progression route into its Performance degree programmes. For learners, it gives their hard work added value as they take their next step in music. For teachers, it provides a practical connection between the skills they nurture in lessons and their students’ future ambitions.”
Recognising achievement and supporting progression
Achieving a Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6 or above represents an important milestone in a musician's development, demonstrating the ability to perform increasingly demanding contemporary repertoire with musical understanding, technical control and confidence.
For students considering higher education in contemporary music, the new agreement provides additional recognition of those achievements.
Rather than undertaking a separate performance audition, eligible applicants can use their Trinity Rock & Pop qualification as evidence that they have met ACM's required performance standard.
For music teachers, this also provides another valuable example of how graded music examinations can support a student's longer-term progression, with recognised achievements that can help open up future opportunities.
Where could your music take you next?
From playing your favourite songs to building the skills and confidence to perform at an advanced level, every stage of musical development can bring new opportunities.
This agreement offers another way for Trinity Rock & Pop students to build on their achievements and take the next step towards their future in music.
With students now considering their options for September 2027 entry, it's an exciting time to explore the possibilities offered by contemporary music higher education and ACM.
Tom Williams, Executive Dean of Education at ACM says: “At ACM, we look for musicians who are ready to grow in a professional, industry-connected environment. A Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6 or above is a strong indicator of that readiness, and we’re delighted to work with Trinity to open up a straightforward progression into our degree programmes.”
Interested in taking your music further?
Visit the ACM website to explore its music degree opportunities and discover more about studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Applications for the September 2027 intake are now open.
Or find out how Trinity Rock & Pop Grades can help you develop your performance skills and work towards your musical ambitions. Don't forget, Trinity Rock & Pop Grades 6-8 also attract UCAS points for university applications.
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