Diplomas
ATCL, LTCL, and FTCL performance diplomas - from first-year undergraduate to postgraduate recital standard.
About Diplomas
Trinity’s performance diplomas continue the ladder after Grade 8. Each is a recital assessed almost entirely on performance: 96 of the 100 marks are for the recital and 4 for programme planning, with only FTCL requiring detailed programme notes.
ATCL is comparable to a first-year undergraduate recital, LTCL to a final-year recital, and FTCL to a postgraduate recital at a conservatoire. Trinity also offers theory diplomas, teaching diplomas, and the Certificate for Music Educators.
- Levels
- ATCL (Associate), LTCL (Licentiate), FTCL (Fellowship)
- Total marks
- 100
- Repertoire
- Over 3,500 pieces on the lists, plus self-selected pieces
- Programme approval
- An online portal lets you get examiner feedback on your programme before the exam
- Also available
- Rock & Pop diplomas, theory diplomas, teaching diplomas
The grade ladder
Each rung, what it expects, and where it sits on the qualification framework.
ATCL
RQF Level 4Associate diploma - a recital comparable to the first year of an undergraduate music degree.
LTCL
RQF Level 6Licentiate diploma - comparable to a final-year undergraduate recital.
FTCL
RQF Level 7Fellowship diploma - comparable to a postgraduate recital, with detailed programme notes.
What is in the exam
Performance diploma
| Component | Marks | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Recital | 96 | A balanced programme from the repertoire lists and/or self-selected pieces, performed to examiners. |
| Programme & planning | 4 | A written programme with contrasting styles; FTCL adds detailed programme notes. |
| Total | 100 | |
How to progress
From first lesson to the top grade - the steps most Artium students follow.
Finish Grade 8 (or equivalent)
Grade 8 is the natural entry point; the ATCL recital is a step up in length and depth.
Plan the programme
Use the approvals portal to check balance and suitability with an examiner before you commit.
Progress ATCL → LTCL → FTCL
Each diploma raises the recital length and interpretive demands.
Courses that prepare you
Live, 1-on-1 classes following this syllabus.
Figures on this page are from the official Trinity syllabus ↗. Boards update syllabuses periodically - check the official page before booking an exam.