A quick guide to our new Teaching Diplomas
Completion requirements
This short guide provides an introduction to our new Teaching diploma suite. It does not replace the Qualification Specification.
If you are planning to take a diploma or prepare a student for one, it's important to read the Qualification Specification in full before preparing. Use the contents list on the right-hand side to navigate through the different diplomas.
2. ARSM
About the ARSM Performance diploma
- It's a Level 4 qualification.
- It's available as a digital exam.
- It is recommended that candidates are aged 16 or over, and have a minimum of six months' experience in the field of music teaching. This could encompass a range of activities including observing, being part of a team delivering teaching, coaching, leading rehearsals, contributing activities to group sessions, supervising practice, attending training etc.
What does the candidate need to prepare?
- Unit 1A: A Video of 30 minutes ( ±10%) and Supporting Commentary of 1500 words ( ±10%) or 8 minutes spoken ( ±10%).
- Unit 1B: Written Submission of 2000 words ( ±10%) or 10 minutes spoken ( ±10%).
- Unit 2: 30-minute structured conversation with an examiner.
How do we mark the ARSM?
- One examiner will mark Unit 1A and Unit 1B before Unit 2 takes place. They will then mark Unit 2.
- The examiner first marks Unit 1A out of 15 using the marking criteria on page 31 of the Qualification Specification.
- The examiner then marks Unit 1B out of 15 using the marking criteria on page 32 of the Qualification Specification.
- Once the Professional Discussion has taken place for Unit 2 the examiner marks it out of 20 using the marking criteria on page 33 of the Qualification Specification.
- The marks are added together for a final mark out of 60.