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 or spoken introductions. Programmes that do not meet the minimum timing may be referred.

Repertoire Rules

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

• Programmes may combine list pieces and own-choice works.

• Any programme including own-choice pieces must be approved via Trinity’s online Programme Approvals Portal before entering the exam.

• 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 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.

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.

• Accompaniment using backing tracks is only permitted if the piece is published with an official accompaniment track (e.g. some jazz standards or commercial tracks).

• Where ensemble works are permitted within the repertoire lists, ensemble partners must be present and performing live for face-to-face exams. Only the named candidate will be assessed.

• For digital exams, all ensemble parts must be clearly audible and synchronised in the recording, and the candidate must be clearly identifiable.

Assessment Criteria

• ATCL & LTCL exams are marked out of 100.

  • Pass: 60–79

  • Distinction: 80–100

• FTCL is assessed holistically with a single result. Performance is assessed across four areas: 

  • Technical Control and Accuracy

  • Expression, Interpretation and Presentation

  • Stylistic Understanding

  • Programme Design and Integrity (FTCL only)

Additional Notes

• Examiners time the performance closely. Penalties apply if timings fall short due to omitted breaks or excessive repeats.

• Repeat sections (e.g. exposition or variation repeats) are not permitted, unless stated otherwise in the syllabus or justified musically (e.g. embellished Baroque repeats).

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