A survey of music syllabuses including alternatives which may be suitable for students who are dyslexic or neuro-diverse in other ways

Only the four music examination boards which are recognised by Ofqual are included in this survey:

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music; Rockschool; London College of Music; Trinity College of Music

Autumn 2017

Aspect of music syllabus	ABRSM	Rockschool (RSL)	London College of Music	Trinity College of Music
Music theory exams Grades 1 - 4	·       No rhythm writing or melody writing	·       All grades require reading and writing (words and music)	·       ‘Stave Music’: multisensory approach
Music theory requirement Grade 5 or above	·       Can do Grade 5 Musicianship instead ·       Can do jazz solo performance instead ·       Theory includes rhythm writing and melody writing	·       All grades require reading and writing (words and music)
Options other than single instrument/voice exam		·       Musical Theatre	·       Music theatre ·       Irish and Scottish traditional music ·       Chinese ·       Ensemble ·       Composition ·       School music performance ·       ALCM Piano duet and Piano Accompaniment ·       LLCM Piano Duet and Piano Accompaniment	·       Piano accompanying ATCL Pro-Music Diplomas. [These are being withdrawn and will no longer be available after 31 December 2017.]
No scales/technical exercises	·       ARSM	·       Performance Certificate	·       Leisure play exams ·       Recital exams ·       Performance awards ·       DipLCM Concert ·       ALCM Recital ·       FLCM ·       Rock Guitar grades
No sight reading	·       Prep Test ·       Performance Assessment ·       ARSM	·       Performance Certificate ·       Grade exams: grades 1-5 improvisation and interpretation instead ·       Grade exams: grades 6-8 quick study instead	·       Pre-grade 1 exams ·       Leisure play exams ·       Recital exams: either viva voce or extra performance piece instead ·       Piano Duet ·       Bass Guitar ·       Electric Guitar ·       Ukulele ·       Irish Traditional Music ·       Scottish Traditional Music ·       Rock guitar: improvisation instead ·       DipLCM Concert ·       ALCM Recital option 1: written essay required ·       ALCM Recital option 2 ·       ALCM Standard option 2: either viva voce or aural instead ·       LLCM Recital: programme notes required ·       LLCM Standard: provide programme notes and viva voce instead ·       FLCM ·       Acoustic Guitar - all diplomas: programme notes required	·       Grade exams (initial to Grade 5 only): aural, improvisation or musical knowledge instead. (NB aural includes having to look at a score) ·       Rock and pop exams all grades: improvising instead.
No aural	·       Prep Test ·       Performance Assessment ·       ARSM	·       Performance Certificate	·       Leisure play exams ·       Recital exams ·       Piano Duet grades 1 -5   ·       DipLCM Concert ·       ALCM Recital options ·       ALCM Standard option 2: either sight reading or viva voce instead ·       LLCM ·       FLCM ·       Acoustic Guitar: all diplomas: programme notes required	·       Grades 6 – 8: improvisation instead
No viva voce/discussion	·       ARSM	·       Performance Certificate	·       Recital exams: either sight-reading or extra performance piece required ·       Piano Duet grades 1 -5  ·       ALCM Standard option 2: either sight reading or aural instead ·       LLCM Recital ·       LLCM Standard: sight reading and programme notes instead ·       FLCM: programme notes required ·       Acoustic Guitar: all diplomas: programme notes required
No formal mark scheme; no pass/fail (comments only)	·       Prep Test ·       Performance Assessment		·       Pre-Grade 1
Choice of own piece(s)	·       Performance Assessment ·       ARSM: up to a third of the programme.	·       All Grade exams: 2 out of 3 pieces may be own choice ·       Performance Certificate:3 of 5 pieces may be own choice	·       Leisure play exams: 1 of 4 pieces own choice ·       Piano Duet grades 1 – 5: 1 of 3 pieces may be own choice ·       Piano Duet grade 7: 1 of 3 pieces must be own choice	·       Recital Diploma (need to submit programme for approval in advance)
Choice of own composition for performance		·       All Grade exams: 2 out of 3 pieces may be own compositions ·       Performance Certificate:3 of 5 pieces may be own compositions		LTCL Pro-Music Diplomas. [These are being withdrawn and will no longer be available after 31 December 2017.]
No public performance			·       Performance awards: assessment by D.V.D. (not live)
Assessment by DVD/ video			·       Performance awards: assessment by D.V.D. (not live)	ATCL and LTCL Pro-Music Diplomas. [These are being withdrawn and will no longer be available after 31 December 2017.]