London College of Music: Band Performance Grades

Course information:
London College of Music: BAND PERFORMANCE GRADES

Course summary:
This is a one year course open to any music student. One 2 hour session per week
• Experienced players have the opportunity to gain a level 3 (Grade 8) qualification and will receive a certificate on successful completion.
• Beginners and less confident performers will have the opportunity to achieve a level 1 or 2 qualification and will also receive a certificate on successful completion (Grade 1 or 5 respectively).

Course content:
This is a one year practical course aimed at students who are keen to improve their playing and performance ability in any style they choose.
The members of each band should preferably have similar experience and ability; however it is not important for band members to be at exactly the same standard of playing on each instrument.
Each band must have a minimum of 3 members and will choose 3 songs to perform in any style they choose. The songs may be instrumental and can be original compositions if preferred. This course helps develop general knowledge of your instrument and its repertoire and improves all round performance standards.
Assessment procedure:
At the end of the year there is one practical session where you perform your pieces to a London College of Music assessor. The session will be approx 20 mins and will include an improvising test using a simple chord progression.

Entry requirements:
This course is for full time music students aged 16-19 and is suitable for both beginners and experienced players

Qualifications achieved:
. Each grade is offered at three levels so if you are a beginner you needn†t be shy-you will be with people like you. Similarly, if you are in a working band you will be able to progress with equally able musicians.
Qualifications achieved:
All successful candidates receive a London College of Music certificate which can be included on university application forms etc.
• Level 1 Beginners to Grade 1
• Level 2 Grade 5
• Level 3 Grade 8
Students achieving grades 6 to 8 add a lot of points to their university applications.
For students wishing to enter university from 2005 onwards, the UCAS tariff for grades 6, 7 and 8 are as follows;

Grade 6 7 8
Distinction 45 60 75
Merit 40 55 70
Pass 25 40 55

If you consider that an AS level at grade A or a full A level qualification at grade D will bring you 60 points, you can see how valuable the grade examination can be to your total. Remember, these points count even if you†re not applying to do music at university.