Experiences with the performance diplomas of Trinity College in London?

[juliaalessandra]

Here is more information about it: https://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=1587

Background: I have been playing the piano since age 9 and am now 26. There were many phases in which I didnīt practice, for example in my teens or sometimes during University before an exam, but overall I would say I am on a decent level. Not a professional level, but not the typical hobby player either.

I heard of a friend of mine who did a diploma at Trinity College London and would be interested to try the first one, too (Associate Level). I heard that the second was the equivalent to a Bachelorīs degree and the third one (called "Fellow") the equivalent to a Masterīs degree. It would be nice to have a goal to work towards to and also a nice "reward" for many years at the piano.

My questions would be: Has anyone done this? How are your experiences with it? And also, is it well-knowned or at least officially approved? Or more like a "fun thing"?

Thanks in advance! And please excuse any mistakes as I am not a native speaker.

[phillip21]

I did this exam 12 years ago, and certainly recommend it as something to work for.  I chose a programme off the syllabus to save the time that would have been taken to get own choices approved.  As with all diplomas, the key to success is to walk in looking like a confident and experienced performer whom people would be happy to pay to see.  I took the exam at Trinity College and the facilities were excellent.  I don't know where you are located, but you could also look at the new ARSM diploma run by the ABRSM which requires a 30 minute programme, and can be taken at local exam centres (you need to have passed Grade 8 to take this).  Both of these are respected in the UK.  Note that if you want to do higher ABRSM diplomas (eg LRSM) you have to do the DipABRSM which has the same syllabus as the ARSM but requires a viva and quick study.

[juliaalessandra]

I did this exam 12 years ago, and certainly recommend it as something to work for.  I chose a programme off the syllabus to save the time that would have been taken to get own choices approved.  As with all diplomas, the key to success is to walk in looking like a confident and experienced performer whom people would be happy to pay to see.  I took the exam at Trinity College and the facilities were excellent.  I don't know where you are located, but you could also look at the new ARSM diploma run by the ABRSM which requires a 30 minute programme, and can be taken at local exam centres (you need to have passed Grade 8 to take this).  Both of these are respected in the UK.  Note that if you want to do higher ABRSM diplomas (eg LRSM) you have to do the DipABRSM which has the same syllabus as the ARSM but requires a viva and quick study.

Many thanks!!! That was actually very helpful. Which ohne did you go for, the ATCL or one of the more advanced diplomas? Also, do you know whether these diplomas are known in the "professional world"? So, if I wanted to play a little concert (which I donīt aim for at the moment, but you never know) would this count as something you could write in your vita? Maybe not the first diploma, but the LTCL or the FTCL?
I am currently living in Germany, but it wouldnīt be a problem for me to go to London in order to take the exam; I have many acquaintances there I would love to visit on this occasion.

[phillip21]

Many thanks!!! That was actually very helpful. Which ohne did you go for, the ATCL or one of the more advanced diplomas? Also, do you know whether these diplomas are known in the "professional world"? So, if I wanted to play a little concert (which I donīt aim for at the moment, but you never know) would this count as something you could write in your vita? Maybe not the first diploma, but the LTCL or the FTCL?
I am currently living in Germany, but it wouldnīt be a problem for me to go to London in order to take the exam; I have many acquaintances there I would love to visit on this occasion.

I did the ATCL.  Actually I have accompanied people doing LTCLs and I think the diploma is quite doable if you can play the repertoire on the syllabus and are happy to do a longer exam.  The diplomas (along with those of the ABRSM and London College of Music) are recognised professionally here in the UK - but I would stress that you are only as good as your last performance, and if you can post a near-flawless video of yourself playing (say) the Shostakovich 1st piano sonata on YouTube no-one will care what diplomas you have! For that reason, I don't mention my diplomas in concert CVs (or even on my website) but I do put them on my letterheads for bills and on my wall, as they seem to impress students (and their parents) coming to rehearse with me for grade exams!