LC Music study plan

LC Music · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Grades (Piano, Singing, Guitar & Ukulele, Strings & Harp, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Keyboard/Organ & Accordion, Jazz, Traditional Music, Musical Theatre, Drama, Communication, Ensemble, Conducting, Composition & Thesis, Music in Worship, Creative Media, Early Learning, Stave House) & Pre-Grade 1 and Early Learning

Map each of the 21 grade domains to its exam components (performance, technical work, supporting tests, discussion) and note where the syllabus differs from the others.
Distinguish Pre-Grade 1 and Early Learning requirements from graded entry requirements, listing what evidence and repertoire each stage expects.
Build a one-page comparison table of assessment components across all grade domains so overlapping content is studied once.
Complete a 30-question self-test on grade-domain basics and log every wrong answer with the correct fact.

A completed 21-domain comparison table plus a scored, annotated 30-question self-test log.

Week 2

Explain how Recital Grades differ from standard grades in structure, programme length and marking emphasis.
Draft a model recital programme for two contrasting instruments showing balance of period, style and duration.
Identify the technical-work and supporting-test expectations common to Recital Grades and standard grades.
Summarise what a candidate must prepare for discussion or viva elements in performance-based grades.

Two written model recital programmes with a short justification of each programming choice.

Week 3

Compare recorded digital exams with live online exams on setup, timing, submission and marking.
List the technical checklist for a recorded submission: camera framing, audio, identity check, unedited takes.
Describe how Leisure Play differs from graded assessment in repertoire choice, flexibility and candidate aims.
Practice-run one mock recorded performance end to end and review it against the technical checklist.

A completed technical checklist from a mock recorded performance, with written notes on what failed and how it was fixed.

Week 4

Outline the structure of Performance Diplomas: recital length, programme notes, written or spoken components.
Outline the structure of Teaching Diplomas: observed teaching, portfolio evidence, reflective writing.
Compare entry prerequisites and assessment weightings between performance and teaching diploma routes.
Draft a personal pathway decision note stating which diploma route fits a given candidate profile and why.

A one-page diploma pathway decision note covering prerequisites, components and weightings for both routes.

Week 5

Work through theory exam content by level: notation, intervals, scales, keys, chords, cadences, transposition, form.
Practise harmonic and melodic analysis on short passages, writing Roman numeral and chord-symbol answers.
Identify how Theory Diplomas extend exam-level theory into harmony, counterpoint, analysis and essay work.
Complete a timed mixed-level theory paper and mark it against a self-built answer key.

A marked timed theory paper with a list of the three weakest topic areas.

Week 6

Drill the specialist domains: Jazz (improvisation, chord-scale choices), Traditional Music (ornamentation, repertoire), Musical Theatre (belt, mix, acting through song).
Cover Drama and Communication: monologue preparation, sight-reading, spoken delivery and audience awareness.
Cover Ensemble, Conducting and Composition & Thesis: rehearsal roles, baton technique basics, portfolio and thesis expectations.
Cover Music in Worship, Creative Media, Keyboard/Organ & Accordion and Stave House: context-specific notation, technology and method requirements.

A set of short fact cards for every specialist domain, each card verified as accurate or flagged for review.

Week 7

Rehearse a full mock recital under exam timing and record it once without edits.
Run a mock live online session testing camera, microphone, connection and spoken introduction.
Self-assess both mocks against published marking criteria for programme, technique and communication.
Rewrite weak programme notes and tighten stage presentation based on the self-assessment.

Two reviewed mock recordings (recorded and live online) with written self-assessment against criteria.

Week 8

Consolidate diploma-level content: recital planning, teaching evidence, advanced theory and analysis.
Run a full timed mock covering all nine domains with mixed question types.
Review every flagged or uncertain item and resolve it against a reliable source or mark it for further study.
Produce a final revision sheet of the 20 facts most likely to be tested and least well remembered.

A scored full-length mock exam plus a final one-page high-risk facts revision sheet.

Week 2: You can explain, without notes, how Recital Grades differ from standard grades and justify a balanced programme.

Week 4: You can compare Performance and Teaching Diploma routes on prerequisites, components and weightings in under five minutes.

Week 6: Every one of the 21 grade domains has at least one accurate fact card, with uncertain items flagged.

Week 8: Full-length mock scored above your target pass mark, with no unresolved flagged facts remaining.