The London College of Music Examinations (LCME) Piano Handbooks look and feel well made. The cover graphics are stylish and modern, and the first six (being thinner) are fastened with staples, while Grades 4–8 are glue bound. They do need a bit of bending to make the books stay open, but they are well made enough that the pages – themselves good quality and likely to withstand numerous page-turns unscathed – don't become loose. The staves are well spaced out and there is plenty of room for teachers' comments and annotations on the music. The only negative is that the bigger books would add some weight to a bag of music being carried around!
In addition to the syllabus pieces, these books also include all the elements of the syllabus needed for the relevant grade. These include scales and arpeggios, studies, performance repertoire, requirements and information on what to expect from the discussion element of the exam. Lastly, there are sight reading examples and sample oral tests.
As well as all this, there are very comprehensive programme notes. These include a brief biography of the composer as well as performance tips and advice. Supporting LCME's policy on diversity and inclusiveness, both female and composers from minority ethnic backgrounds are well represented here. In total there are 383 pieces across the entire syllabus, of which 106 are in the Piano Handbooks.
The question, ‘What makes LCME exams distinctive?’ is answered in the syllabus information:
- Creative thinking
- An encouragement to think technically and critically about the repertoire performed, and the opportunity to communicate this in practical examinations
- A distinctively broad stylistic range of tasks and repertoire, with a strong emphasis towards the acquisition and demonstration of skills and understandings that are of contemporary relevance to the performing arts
- The provision of assessment in areas not traditionally included within the scope of graded examinations
- The provision of flexible examination formats and arrangements.
LCME has certainly moved with the times and offers complete flexibility for candidates. Exams may be taken either face-to-face, online (in real time with a qualified LCME examiner), or recorded. Candidates, having had a face-to-face exam cancelled due to COVID-19 are entitled to convert to an online option at no further cost. LCM seems to really live up to its tagline: ‘Any grade, any subject, anywhere, any time'. I'm certain this will be a huge bonus to them and gives them a real edge.
Looking at the syllabus itself, in the three pre-Grade 1 levels, pupils have a fun, varied selection of pieces to choose from. These don't shy away from elements not traditionally found at these early stages, and I'm sure young pianists will enjoy the chance to make use of pedalling, glissando and the duet option. Technically, pupils are introduced gradually to scales. Five-finger scales in Step 1 increase to an octave at Step 2. The exercises complement these well, incorporating scale passages into the music. For young candidates who want more of a challenge, A Warm Sunny Day in Step 2 is in F major and gives a flavour of the feel of the fingering, even though this scale isn't introduced until Grade 1. Scales are not compulsory and LCME gives candidates an excellent alternative in the shape of Studies.
Another feature that I think makes LCME stand out from the crowd is the discussion part of the exam. Every teacher and parent knows that not all pupils are the same, and neither should they be. Some pupils who may lose a few marks through nerves or a slip have the chance to bolster them by seven points. From a teaching perspective, it also ensures that teachers are not solely churning through scales, requisite pieces and supporting tests. For example, at Grade 1, candidates are expected to discuss basic notational elements, discuss their favourite piece, assign descriptive words for their pieces, name the parts of a piano, and talk about good posture at the piano.
By Grade 8, the discussion includes more complex analysis of the score. Being able to identify chords and cadences, biographical knowledge of the composers, history of styles and genres being performed, awareness of stylistic playing, and how different musical periods informed this, demonstrate musical awareness beyond repertoire chosen for the exam, and be able to explain finger placement on the keys and its relation to the production of tone colours.
There really is something for everyone in this syllabus and I am very much looking forward to exploring it with my pupils.
These texts are published by London College of Music Examinations Available from Pre-Preparatory to Grade 8, and are priced at £7.55–£14.20
