Teaching Diplomas

Trinity teaching diplomas cover instrumental and vocal teaching to individuals, small groups and in the classroom. Available as face-to-face exams at ATCL and LTCL levels, they cover both theory and practice, including teaching observation.

The diplomas aren't tied to any particular course: you choose how you want to study for your diploma – on your own, with your teacher or through a programme of study.

Levels offered

Associate

ATCL Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

This examines how well you understand the theory behind effective music teaching, and your ability to plan and deliver teaching activities.

• Minimal teaching experience needed
• Aimed at individual or small group teaching
• Equivalent in difficulty to the first year of an undergraduate degree

Licentiate

LTCL Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (individual or small instrumental groups)

LTCL Music Practice: Teaching (classroom group)

A step up from ATCL, these are designed to let you show you can plan and deliver teaching to individuals and small groups at all abilities, and taking full control of the teaching environment. You’ll show your understanding through a mix of research, documented experience, case studies and critical reflection. The examiner will also evaluate your teaching.

• Aimed at individual and small group teaching or large groups (15+ students)
• Equivalent in difficulty to the final year of an undergraduate degree

These diplomas share sound design principles, and are divided into two units, both of which must be passed to achieve an overall pass:

• Unit 1 is concerned with teaching experience and requires submitted materials
• Unit 2 is a face-to-face demonstration of practical teaching skills, followed by a viva voce (oral rather than written)

Further information

Full details (including our procedures, syllabus requirements, what to expect, and what to bring with you) can be found in our Information & Regulations.

Occasionally, we may not be able to release exam results straight away. Further details about this can be found on our music syllabus Infringements page. For any other questions, please see our music exam help pages.