Go for it and get your grades with the prestigious London College of Music Exams (LCME).
Here at Guitar School, we are all about getting good at music. Whilst we would never put any of our students under pressure to take an exam, getting your graded guitar exams under your belt really will boost your confidence and give you the skills you need to be great at music.
We use LCME as our exam provider. It is the prestigious London College of Music Exams (one of the world's most respected music exam boards) and certificated by the University of West London. It organises internationally recognised exams in electric, rock, acoustic, jazz, classical and bass guitar (as well as countless other instruments), from total beginner to Diploma. From Grade 1 onwards, graded and diploma exams are regulated by Ofqual, with UCAS points available for grades 6-8.
There are so many benefits associated with taking music exams with LCME, and there are also so many different types of music exam that it can feel a bit daunting trying to understand what is what! However, in general, you can take practical exams (playing an instrument) or theory exams (a written paper).
Not least will passing a music exam give you a big dollop of faith in your ability as a musician, but it will also give you a great benchmark with which to assess your own progression, ability and developing skill set. Graded exams offer clear targets to which you can aspire. There are two preliminary / introductory levels (Step 1 and Step 2), which are then followed by the 8 different grades, with grade 1 being the beginners’ starting point, and grade 8 being a very good level of achievement. By the way, it takes an average of 10,000 hours of hard graft to get from beginner to grade 8 so it’s no minor accomplishment. The Step 1 and Step 2 introductory levels act as prep tests, which are a fantastic preparation to entering a ‘real’ exam environment, and then of course you get the post-grade 8 diplomas for those who want to pursue music seriously.
Furthermore, graded exams are an invaluable way to get feedback from top musicians and music professionals, and provide a reliable and independent assessment to the standard your playing is at. You will receive constructive comments on your technique, style, interpretation etc. It is also a supportive and positive way for students to know how well they are progressing. Plus, the process of preparing for the exam will help you to develop all aspects of your playing, to support guitar techniques, as well as knowledge of music theory. And you will gain a useful and internationally recognised qualification at the end of it!
Thousands upon thousands of students, young and old, have worked their way through varying levels of LCM exams. The exams have given countless students the confidence to continue with their studies, a belief in their own abilities that money can never buy, and a really cracking grounding for a handful of super talented guitarists to go on to bigger, better and pretty impressive musical escapades in their adult lives.
Admittedly, at Guitar School we are all about the benefits of learning a musical instrument. However, there is no better feeling and endorsement of your skills and hard work when you receive that certificate which says ‘PASS’ 'MERIT' or 'DISTINCTION on it!
If you are interested in finding out more about guitar exams at the London College of Music Exams, or you would like further information on learning the guitar, piano, drums or ukulele please contact us via the details on our CONTACT page.
