Music Performance Diploma Requirements (ATCL, LTCL & FTCL)

This article outlines the key requirements for Trinity College London’s Music Performance Diplomas — ATCL, LTCL, and FTCL — including information on programme structure, timing, repertoire selection, documentation, and assessment.

Choosing Your Diploma Level

• Trinity's Performance Diplomas are available at three levels:

  • ATCL (Associate) – equivalent in standard to the first year recital of an undergraduate degree.

  • LTCL (Licentiate) – equivalent in standard to the final year recital of an undergraduate degree.

  • FTCL (Fellowship) – equivalent in standard to a postgraduate recital at a conservatoire or university.

Recital Duration

Diploma recitals must meet the following total performance times:

• ATCL: 32–38 minutes

• LTCL: 37–43 minutes

• FTCL: 42–48 minutes

These durations apply to the total time of all works performed, excluding breaks between complete works. Where a programme does not meet the minimum timing, it may be sent for further checks, and the results delayed, or a mark penalty applied. ). Candidates are encouraged to devise a programme which sits in the middle of the timing band, to allow for fluctuations in tempo on the day.

Repertoire Rules

• Repertoire must be selected from Trinity’s published diploma lists or submitted for approval as own-choice repertoire.

• Programmes may combine pieces from our approved list and/or own-choice works.

• Any programme including own-choice pieces must be approved via Trinity’s online Programme Approvals Portal before entering the exam. Full programmes must be submitted for approval; own-choice works are not considered in isolation

• Where works are listed as complete in the syllabus, programme approval will be required if a candidate wishes to play only certain movements/items, eg from a suite, sonata or concerto.

• Repertoire from Trinity grade or certificate syllabuses cannot be submitted as own-choice repertoire for diplomas.

• Transcriptions or original compositions are allowed if they meet the level of the diploma and are approved.

• Programme approval, if granted, is valid for 2 years. After this time, if necessary, the programme should be resubmitted for approval.

Programme Structure

• Most diplomas (except for Singing and Percussion) must include at least two works.

• Singing and Percussion diplomas must include a minimum of three works.

• Works may be performed in any order, but the overall timing must be within the allowed duration.

• Accompanied works must be performed with a live accompanist or an approved official backing track. Backing tracks may be used for digital diplomas only, or for drum kit diplomas (face-to-face or digital

Documentation Requirements

Programme notes for FTCL should cover context, structure, style, and interpretative intent, following syllabus guidance.

Accompaniment & Ensemble

• Where repertoire requires accompaniment, candidates must provide their own accompanist.

• There should normally be only one accompanist, although there may be two in some cases, eg Baroque continuo group.

• Backing tracks may be used for digital diplomas only, or for drum kit diplomas (face-to-face or digital). Backing tracks should not be used otherwise in face-to-face diplomas except where required by the genre, in which case approval must be obtained in advance of the exam. 

Assessment Criteria

• ATCL & LTCL exams are marked out of 100.

  • Pass: 60–79

  • Distinction: 80–100

• FTCL is assessed holistically with a single result -Approved, or Not Approved.

Additional Notes

• Examiners time the performance closely. The total performance timings given above do not include breaks between complete works.
• There is only limited flexibility available regarding repeats. All da capo and dal segno instructions should be observed. Repeats of more than two bars in any work must not be played. 
• In accompanied exams, long introductions and endings in all single pieces should be shortened in a way that is musically appropriate.

See also:

Syllabuses, Supporting Materials, Trinity Publications & Downloads 

Where and when can I take an exam?
Entry Requirements Graded & Diploma Levels

Choosing Exam Pieces, Songs & Diploma Programmes