HOW THEY WORK

Please contact TCSM to receive via e-mail the appropriate Syllabus in PDF format for ALL disciplines. 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

FTCSM  - VIA PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT
Candidates, (or a nominating party), should submit a portfolio document in the form of a PDF file that portrays substantial evidence why they believe the candidate should be considered for such an award. The portfolio must include a written submission setting out the candidate’s work in the field of music and assessing its significance. Additionally, substantial supporting evidence should be included such as:
  • Concert programmes
  • Links to appropriate audio/video recordings
  • Press cuttings
  • Reviews
  • Scores
  • Articles
  • Books
  • Lists of publications
  • References etc
​
TCSM will be looking for clear evidence of significant work which represents a major contribution within the field of the performing arts / arts education, which could include one or more of the following areas:
  • Performance
  • Composition
  • Arranging
  • Conducting/Directing
  • Music teaching/education
  • Church music
  • Recording/producing
  • Scholarship/Research etc
  • Examining and assessment

Each of the submitted areas will be rigorously assessed and will be commented on in the candidate’s E-report sheet.

FTCSM VIA DISSERTATION 
Dissertation should be 17,000 - 20,000 words in topics relating to Music or Music and Liturgy.
Candidates can also combine an instrument or composition with a shorter dissertation.  
Topics should be approved in advance by TCSM.
The dissertation should include a high standard of the following:
  • Research & evidence of reading
  • Understanding of subject knowledge 
  • Structure of material 
  • Interpretation and analysis
  • Writing style 
  • Correct referencing & bibliography etc
  • Presentation 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

DIPLOMAS
TCSM diplomas are available at FOUR different levels:  
CertTCSM, DipTCSM, ATCSM & FTCSM in most instruments/ disciplines.

A high standard of performance is required for all the TCSM performance based diplomas.

​REQUIRMENTS FOR MOST ASSESSMENTS
  • All the assessments are now taken remotely including: Grades, Performance Certificates and Diplomas. 
    Candidates' must now submit the following to the school via e-mail using Mp3, Mp4 and PDF files. 
  • Email a link to the unedited recording of your performance. Additional components (listed below), should also be included in the e-mail in PDF format. 
  • A signed /dated statement declaring that it is the named candidate performing on the recording that has
    been submitted.
  • A portfolio/CV in 'PDF format e-mailed to the school
  • Written programme notes for each chosen piece (applicable to performance diploma level assessments only). 
  • Please note  - some diploma assessments will also require additional components, which would be applicable to the chosen discipline.  ​

​THE ASSESSOR LOOKS FOR:
  • Musicianship
  • Technique
  • Accuracy
  • Style
  • Phrasing
  • Communication
  • Flair
  • Memory (applicable to appropriate singing candidates)
  • Choice of programme
  • Understanding of dynamics, interpretation, tone, phrasing, intonation, breath control, vowel sounds
  • Other technical skills (as applicable to the chosen instrument)
  • Basic musical knowledge
  • Evidence of the candidate’s musical interests / achievements and experiences as documented in the portfolio

REPETOIRE CHOICE
Most of our performance assessments allow candidates to choose their own suitable and varied repertoire. However, candidates' MUST e-mail the planned programme into the school in advance, in order to check it is of the correct standard for the chosen assessment.

Email: Three Counties School of Music
​
The school will then confirm if the planned repertoire is suitable for the chosen level of assessment. 

The School feels this is perhaps offering a candidate greater flexibility and programme planning experience. 

Marks are allocated for the choice of repertoire in most assessments, unless it is an assessment where repertoire lists are supplied.

PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
(Available in most disciplines, including ensembles and Chorister. These performance assessments are available to candidates / ensembles who wish only to perform without having to do any additional component)

There are five levels of performance certificate which are ideal for candidates who only wish to perform and be marked on their performance only. 
​These assessments are of a similar standard to the performance section of the specified graded assessments listed below and they are  based on performance only with no other requirements. 
The performance certificate assessments are also available in most disciplines including ensembles & Chorister. 

In addition, TCSM offers a Composition Certificate at the five different levels. These are similar to the performance certificate, but they  focus on submitting the  appropriate audio/video recordings, plus scores of the candidate's compositions, rather than performance. 

PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATE    (approx. Grade 1-2)

FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE     (approx. Grade 3-4)

INTERMEDIATE CERTIFICATE  (approx. Grade 5-6)

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE         (approx. Grade 7)

FINAL CERTIFICATE                     (approx. Grade 8)


​MARKS ALLOCATED FOR: 
  • Performance of appropriate repertoire
  • ​Choice of Programme
  • Presentation of recital (including the introductions
    (if applicable)     & Performance
  • Additional components (if applicable)
  • Portfolio​ ​

​WRITTEN PROGRAMME NOTES
(Applicable to most performance diplomas)

Candidates taking the TCSM performance based diploma assessments are also required to research and write brief & informative programme notes in performance order. These
should be submitted in PDF format. 
​
Marks are allocated for this section of the assessment.

Please contact the school for further information regarding the specific programme notes criteria. 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

​GRADE ASSESSMENTS 
Marks are allocated for: 
  • ​Choice of Programme
  • Performance
  • Presentation of recital (including the introductions if applicable) & Performance
  • Portfolio/CV​ ​
​ CHURCH ORGANIST DIPLOMAS
In addition to the organ performance diplomas, the school also offers a Church Organist diploma, at three different levels:
​CertTCSM (Ch.Org)
DipTCSM   (Ch.Org)
ATCSM       (Ch.Org)
​FTCSM       (Ch.Org)
These assessments are designed for church organists who play the organ regularly for church services, rather than those who perform regular recitals etc. 

The assessment includes, specified organ voluntaries, various accompanied parts of a church service, plus a portfolio. This Syllabus can also be tailor-made to suite an individual candidates requirements. 

Please contact the school for further information regarding the specific assessment criteria. 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

MUSICAL DIRECTION DIPLOMAS
We also offer a diploma at three different levels which is aimed at musical directors of a musical group (either sacred, or secular). This assessment includes, directing a choir/ instrumental group/ Orchestra etc in an agreed and varied programme. This syllabus can also be tailor-made to suite an individual candidates requirements. 

Candidates must display the following:
  • Clear and differing conducting techniques
  • Dynamic and tonal contrast
  • Leadership skills
  • Musical ideas for interpretation
  • Use of effective phrasing /dynamics
  • Plus a portfolio

Please contact the school for further information regarding the specific assessment criteria. 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

COMPOSITION DIPLOMAS
The diplomas in composition / Singer-songwriter via a portfolio offer candidates challenges that allow them to demonstrate that they have a working knowledge and a variety of skills. for composition diplomas this will include the use of different compositional techniques such as:  
  • Harmony & Counterpoint
  • Part-writing
  • Form
  • Harmonic, rhythmic and melodic development
  • Orchestration
  • Ability to work within a developed structure
  • originality and the recognition of a distinctive compositional style
  • Compile a varied selection  of material for the compositional portfolio 

SINGER-SONGWRITER DIPLOMAS
For Singer/songwriter diplomas, the candidate must demonstrate that they have a working knowledge of the following:
  •  Composing a selection of songs in different styles /genres keys time signatures and tempos
  • An understanding of form
  • Use of different instrumentation for  an accompaniment (if applicable)
  • An understanding of harmony and part writing
  • Harmonic, rhythmic and melodic development
  • An understanding of fitting melodies musically to lyrics 
  • Originality and the recognition of a distinctive compositional style​
  • Compiling a varied selection of songs for the compositional portfolio​

**Candidates wishing to take diploma assessments in composition or Singer-song-writer are required to submit the following via e-mail. 

  • Short but descriptive programme notes based on their compositions.
  • Portfolio of compositions in PDF format - The number of compositions/ scoring etc needs to be correct for the level of chosen diploma. Please contact the school for details and further information. 
  • Submit to the school audio recordings/videos in MP3/MP4 format via an email containing links to each piece/work. The pieces can either be live performances of the work/works, or they can be electronically generated from computer generated music programmes. 
  • Portfolio /CV containing the candidate's musical experiences, interests, activities, achievements and qualifications etc (emailed into the School in PDF format). 
  • Signed & dated declaration stating that the music is composed by the candidate in PDF format. 
  • Please e-mail the school for specific requirements for this diploma.

 ​Email: Three Counties School of Music

PASS MARKS FOR MOST ASSESSMENTS
All Grades, plus most CertTCSM, DipTCSM & ATCSM diplomas are marked out of 100.
Pass =60 marks
Merit =75 marks
Distinction =85 marks.
For Fellowship diplomas and Musical Direction diplomas, no marks are awarded - a candidate is either 'Approved' or 'Not Approved'. 

  • Choice of Programme
  • Presentation of recital (including the introductions if applicable. (Church Organist assessments do not require introductions as they have different requirements). 
  • Written programme notes (not applicable to Church Organist diplomas)
  • Additional applicable components submitted in PDF format for certain chosen disciplines  (if required)
  • Recital
  • Portfolio

PORTFOLIO/CV
(Required for most assessments)
TCSM feels this is a useful tool for a C.V. 

The candidate is required to submit a portfolio containing clear evidence of the following:
  • The  candidate’s musical qualifications, interests, activities and achievements etc. 
  • Music lessons and successful examinations
  • Music groups attended
  • Concert/ recital performances in which they they have taken part etc

This can be a mixed media portfolio.

There are marks allocated for this section. of the assessment.

PLEASE NOTE -  there are no portfolio requirements for the Performance Certificates.

Please contact the school for further information regarding the specific portfolio criteria. 

Email: Three Counties School of Music

INTRODUCING THE RECITAL 
(Only applicable to higher grades & diplomas)

Introductions should be brief & informative. Candidates can just include the title of work, composer / arranger, or they can give slightly more detail.

Some assessments are exempt from introducing the pieces.

There are marks allocated for this section. of the performance assessments.

Please contact the school for more information. 
​
Email: Three Counties School of Music