London College of Music Examinations
Early Learning
Syllabus
Certificates for children aged three to six years
Valid from:
2013 until further notice
Updated 15.11.2023
Contents
Page
London College of Music Examiners ........................................................................ 4
London College of Music .............................................................................................. 5
London College of Music Examinations ................................................................. 5
1. Syllabus introduction
1.1 Coverage of this syllabus ...................................................................... 6
1.2 Validity of this syllabus ......................................................................... 6
1.3 Availability of examinations and entry details ........................... 6
1.4 Duration of examinations .................................................................... 6
1.5 Candidates with particular needs ..................................................... 6
1.6 Progression ................................................................................................. 6
2. Syllabus content
2.1 Syllabus overview .................................................................................... 7
2.2 Early Learning Individual ....................................................................... 8
2.3 Piano Pre-Preparatory ............................................................................ 9
2.4 Early Learning Group ............................................................................. 10
3. Awarding and reporting
3.1 Issue of results .......................................................................................... 11
3.2 Regulations and information ............................................................. 11
London College of Music Examiners
Philip Aldred BEd FLCM [Chief Examiner in Music] Jayne Lewis BA PGCE
William Alexander BSc BMus MBA MMus PhD GRIC FTCL ARCM ATCL CertFAE * Jayne Lindgren LLAM †
Liz Ball BEd(Hons) DipLCM Pg.Dip MMus Jocelyn Lord MA FLCM LGSM LLAM ACSD †
Andrew Barclay DipMus CertEd Helen Madden GCLCM
Marie Barry BA FLCM ALSM ALAM Susan Maguire BA HDipEd DipItal LLCM(TD) ALCM EFLCert
David Beer BA PGCE FLCM Robert Marsh MA FRSA FRCO FISM ARCM *
John Beilby BMus PhD MTC(Lond) GLCM FLCM LRAM LTCL HonFIEMS Andrew McBirnie BA MMus PhD LTCL (theory)
Joshua Brown BA LTCL DipLCM PGCE Nuala McBride
Keith Brown BMus ALCM PGCE Avril McCusker BA PGDE DRSAMD
Catherine Burnham BMus LTCL PGCE Paula McKernan LLB ALCM(TD)
Dorothy Carnegie BMus PGCE FLCM Andrew McManus BMus GBSM FLCM ABSM(TD) ACertCM TEFL(Dip)
Paul Carter BMus MA DASM ALCM PGCE FRSA Emer McParland GTCL(Hons) LTCL
Gerald Collins LLCM(TD) Susan Olden LRAM LLCM(TD) ARCM AMusTCL
Peter Cook GLCM FLCM FVCM PGCE ɸ Ates Orga BMus FTCL LMusTCL ATCL
Stuart Corbett BA FDipMus FVCM(Hons) LTCL LLCM PGCE ɸ * Greg Palmer MA PhD FRSA FLCM LTCL ARCM
Jamie Cordell BMus PGDip Gordon Pearce MA PhD FRSA FLCM LTCL ARCM
Patrick Davey BMus MA TTCT * Tony Pegler FLCM
Antonia Doggett MA Maxwell Pettitt BMus MMus ARCM ALCM FRSA
David Edwards BEd LGSM Kathleen Phillips LGSM ALCM
Richard Elfyn Jones BA MMus PhD FRCO PGCE Elizabeth Pipe FLCM MMus
Martin Emslie FLCM, AMusLCM, MSc. PGCE Peter Precious GradDipMus
June Fileti EdD, MEd, MA (MUS), BA Hons Nigel Ramage MA DipEd [Chief Examiner in Drama and Communication]
Ivor Flint ALCM LLCM(TD) Peter Reder MA GLCM ACSD †
Mairéad Forde LL.B Michael Regan BMus MMus LGSM HonFLCM (theory)
Nicholas Garman BA Hons PGCE Timothy Rogers BMus FLCM FTCL LLCM
Sheila Gaskell FTCL LRAM LLCM Nathan Rose BMus PGDip ALCM
Aidan Geary GLCM Gibson Russell GRSM LRAM ARCM HonFLCM FISM
Kevin Gill FRCO GBSM LTCL Simon Russell MA FRSA FLCM FTCL LGSM ARCM ARCO
Nicola Gillan BA Jenny Saunders
Moira Gray FLCM LRAM LTCL ARCM DipMus(Open) Ian Seddon FLCM ATCL ARCO
Yolande Gregor-Smith LRSM ARCM DipTESOL Elaine Smith GLCM LLCM HonFLCM ɸ
Nigel Groome GLCM ARSCM FLCM ɸ Jennifer Speculand FLCM FSTD LLCM(TD) LGSM ALAM †
Peter Hallam BEd MA LTCL Steven Spencer EdD MA LGSM ALCM
Mary Hamilton GTCL LTCL Dip.Acad.di Sta.Cecilia Rome Christopher Stanbury BMus MMus FLCM PhD
Paul Harrison MA GLCM FLCM LLCM(TD) LTCL PGCE Felicity Stubbs MA FLCM GLCM
Stephen Hazell BA PhD † Hugh Sutton BA (Hons) MEd ARCM FRSA PGCE
Sheila Hemming LLCM ARCM HonLCM Paul Swain BSc LLCM HonLCM FLCM
John Hooper BMus MMus DMA Sarah Sykes BAhons LGSM PGCE
John Howard BA PhD FRSA [Director of Examinations] Christopher Tinker PhD GRSM ARCM PGCE
Corinne Kilvington BA(Hons) Drama J Godfrey Turner FLCM LTCL LRAM ARCM MCollP
Chris Kimber GGSM Christopher Tutin BMus MA LRSM ALCM CertRCO *
Richard Lambert BEd MA ALCM FRSA FLCM ɸ * Richard Walsh BA MPhil FLCM
Robert Langston Tonni Wei LMusVCM ARCM (theory)
Philip Lane BMus FTCL FRSA Dmus David Whittaker GLCM FLCM LLCM(TD) ɸ *
Julian Larkin MA ARCO Peter J Williams GLCM MBA FLCM LLCM(TD) NPQH
Tara Leiper BEd MA LTCL LLCM(TD) ARCM DipABRSM Wei Wong GLCM LLCM(TD) PGCE HonLCM
ɸ denotes Senior Examiner in Music
† denotes Senior Examiner in Drama and Communication
* denotes TME (Trainer Moderator Examiner in Music)
[This list was correct at the time of printing.]
London College of Music
The London College of Music (LCM) is one of the largest specialist Music and Performing Arts institutes in the UK. It
has a long history of music education dating back to 1887, when it was situated in Great Marlborough Street,
London, where the college began as an examination body. In 1991 LCM became part of Thames Valley University,
which was renamed the University of West London in 2011.
The London College of Music offers an impressive range of innovative courses, respected worldwide and delivered
with creativity and passion by practising industry experts. Courses include Performance and Composition, Popular
Music Performance and Recording, Performing Arts, Music Management, Music Technology and Theatre Production.
Further information about full-time programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students, in addition to the
Junior College, is available from:
• the UWL Learning Advice Centre - tel: 020 8579 5000; email: learning.advice@uwl.ac.uk
• the Faculty of the Arts office - tel: 020 8231 2304; email: music@uwl.ac.uk
• uwl.ac.uk/music
London College of Music Examinations
External examinations have been awarded by the London College of Music since the institution’s founding in 1887.
Today, examinations are held throughout the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and at many overseas centres,
and are unique in the graded examinations world in being awarded by a university.
LCM’s graded and diploma examinations in most subjects are regulated by Ofqual, which serves as a UK
governmental stamp of approval and quality assurance, confirming parity of standards with other similar
examinations boards. Furthermore, the resulting mapping of LCM Examinations onto the RQF (Regulated
Qualifications Framework) means that candidates applying to UK universities through the UCAS system can increase
their points tariff if they have been awarded a Pass or higher at Grades 6–8 in a regulated subject.
LCM Examinations are distinctive, both in the qualifications offered and in the administration and running of the
exams. We have retained the well-known traditional atmosphere and qualities of the London College of Music:
informality, friendliness and approachability, although set in a fully professional and modern context. We are small
enough that enquiries to the head office can be dealt with speedily and efficiently, and we are able to get to know
many of our representatives and teachers personally by name. Examiners pride themselves on being friendly and
approachable, ensuring candidates are put at their ease and are thus able to perform to their full potential; yet they
are professional, applying thorough and objective assessment criteria in forming their judgements.
Our range of syllabuses and exam formats is exceptionally wide. Examinations may be taken in piano, all orchestral
instruments, classical singing, music theatre, popular music vocals, guitar, electronic keyboard, electronic organ, drum
kit, percussion, church music, Irish and Scottish traditional music, jazz (piano, wind and brass), ensemble, early
learning, theory (both classical and popular) and composition. Examinations in acoustic, electric and bass guitars are
offered in partnership with the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT). Our diplomas are internationally recognised and
include composition, conducting, thesis and theoretical diplomas as well as performing and teaching diplomas in all
instruments, across four levels.
We offer a number of pre-Grade 1 Step exams. Graded exams include a viva voce element, which encourages
candidates to think, both technically and critically, about the music they perform in the exam. Syllabuses contain a
wide range of repertoire options, sometimes including an own choice element.
We offer the very popular Leisure Play option, where candidates perform four pieces but do not attempt any of the
additional components of the exam.
Recent additions to the range of exam formats are the Recital Grades, allowing candidates to enter for a graded
exam focusing entirely, or predominantly, on performance, and the Performance Awards, assessed via DVD
submission.
Graded and diploma syllabuses are available free of charge via our website, or on request from the LCM
Examinations office and local representatives.
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1. Syllabus introduction
1.1 Coverage of this syllabus
This London College of Music Examinations syllabus is designed to prepare students for the following
examinations awarded by University of West London Qualifications:
• Early Learning Individual Examinations
• Pre-Preparatory Examinations in Piano and Recorder
• Early Learning Group Examinations
1.2 Validity of this syllabus
This syllabus is valid from 1 January 2013 until further notice.
1.3 Availability of examinations and entry details
Practical examinations take place throughout the year according to location. In the UK and Ireland, practical
examinations are held three times a year at public centres: Spring (March/April), Summer (June/July) and Winter
(November/December). The dates when each year’s sessions begin and end are published in the preceding
Autumn. Completed entry forms, together with full fees, must be submitted to the representative of the chosen
examination centre on or before the closing date, as listed on entry forms. The representative is responsible for
devising the timetable.
In addition, LCM conducts examinations at schools, colleges and teaching studios on a private centre basis,
provided the practical grade entries total at least five hours’ examining time, and any venue-related costs are
covered by the applicant. The co-ordinating teacher is responsible for timetabling the examination day. Some
flexibility is possible, and teachers are invited to telephone LCM Examinations on 020 8231 2364 to discuss the
arrangements in advance.
1.4 Duration of examinations
Early Learning Pre-Preparatory Early Learning
Individual Piano & Recorder Group
10 mins 10 mins 20 mins
1.5 Candidates with particular needs
Information on assessment, examination and entry requirements for candidates with particular needs is
published in the document Equality of Opportunity, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration. Copies
are available free of charge via our website, or on request from the LCM Examinations office.
1.6 Progression
After Early Learning assessments, children may progress to Steps and then Grades, in a wide range of Music and
Drama & Communication subjects. Syllabuses are available from LCM Examinations (details on page 2).
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2. Syllabus content
2.1 Syllabus overview
London College of Music recognises the excellent work being done in kindergartens, in nursery and infant school
reception classes introducing children to music and developing their interactive oral communication skills. This
brings enormous educational and social benefits as well as enjoyment.
This syllabus is designed for these young children, to provide encouragement and a basis for assessment in music
and speech at very early stages of development. At all three Stages, the development of skills and confidence is the
main aim.
The following assessments are offered:
Individual
• Early Learning Individual: Stage One, Stage Two, Stage Three
• Pre-Preparatory: Piano, Recorder
Group
• Early Learning Group: Stage One, Stage Two
The teacher
In order to provide as relaxed an environment as possible, the teacher may come into the exam room with each
candidate.
The assessment report
This will be compiled during the examination and couched in positive terms.
• Early Learning: The report will not include marks but will award Pass, Merit or Distinction.
• Pre-Preparatory: Marks are given, and successful candidates are awarded a Pass (65–74%), a Pass with
Merit (75–84%) or a Pass with Distinction (85–100%).
The certificate
• Early Learning: All children who complete the assessment will receive at least a Pass certificate.
• Pre-Preparatory: Candidates achieving a Pass or higher will receive a certificate.
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2.2 Early Learning Individual
Stage One
The candidate will:
1. Exchange greetings and introductions with the examiner.
2. Speak a nursery rhyme or sing a song from memory. Movement and gesture may be included in the
performance.
3. EITHER (a) Perform a prepared descriptive animal mime, to show an observation of animal movement.
OR (b) Perform a short elementary piece on any instrument.
The examiner will look for concentration and real involvement from the candidate.
Stage Two
The candidate will:
1. Exchange greetings and introductions with the examiner.
2. Speak a nursery rhyme or poem of similar standard or sing a song from memory. Movement and gesture may
be included in the performance.
3. EITHER (a) Perform a prepared mime to show an occupation or a sequence of events, to demonstrate mood,
e.g. happy or sad.
OR (b) Perform a short elementary piece on any instrument.
The examiner will look for concentration, eye contact, involvement and enjoyment from the candidate.
Stage Three
The candidate will:
1. Give a simple, personal introduction of themselves during a conversation which will be led by the examiner. The
candidate may bring one or two family photographs or a favourite possession as stimulus.
2. EITHER (a) Speak a poem, action rhyme or nursery rhyme of their choice.
OR (b) Sing a nursery rhyme or a simple song.
3. EITHER (a) Act a brief drama speech in character (maximum 10 lines).
OR (b) Speak a contrasting second poem, action rhyme or nursery rhyme of their choice.
OR (c) Perform an elementary piece on any instrument.
The examiner will look for concentration, enjoyment, and the ability to respond to simple questions.
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2.3 Piano Pre-Preparatory
Candidates will find all the required material for the examination in:
• LCM Piano Handbook 2021-2024: Pre-Preparatory (LL453)
Degree of difficulty: five-finger position, without hand shifts. No accidentals.
In order to reassure candidates, a parent or teacher is allowed to be present (in a silent capacity).
25 marks
Component 1 – Exercises
Candidates play any five exercises from the handbook.
20 marks
Component 2 – List A Pieces
Candidates play any two pieces from List A included in the handbook.
40 marks
Component 3 – List B Pieces
Candidates play any two pieces from List B included in the handbook.
15 marks
Component 4 – Recognition of Notes
Notes C – G in the Treble Clef and C – F in the Bass Clef to be recognised.
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2.4 Early Learning Group
Teachers may prefer to enter children as a group. A group of between 5 and 9 in number is considered suitable.
Each child should wear a large name badge. On successful completion of the examination a single report will be
issued. Each child taking part in the group will receive a certificate. Teachers are expected to take an active part in
the children’s work during the examination and are invited to work ‘in role’ in all three sections.
The examiner will look for:
• involvement by the children
• response to other members of the group
• control, but not inhibition, by the teacher
• ability to complete the examination
• ability and willingness to talk to the examiner about the examination work, and subjects that arise from it
• coherence in the progress of the examination work
There are two stages:
Stage One
1. The candidates will perform an action rhyme, singing/acting game, as a group. Untuned percussion may be
used. The songs from such books as Okki Tokki Unga are useful and suitable. The teacher may direct the group
and prompt.
2. The candidates will take part in a story told by the teacher. For instance, the house building and ‘huffing and
puffing’ in The Three Little Pigs, or to ‘show the group’ Cinderella trying on the slipper. There are many
methods where children are included in the story-telling techniques used by the teacher.
3. The examiner will sit with the children and talk with them about the work presented.
Stage Two
1. The candidates will perform an action rhyme, singing/acting game as for Stage One. Each child should stand in
his/her place in the group. For this stage the examiner will expect that memory is clear, and that the children
are able and willing to co-operate as a group with very little prompting from the teacher.
2. The candidates will take part in an original ‘game’ during the examination. This should be devised by the
teacher and ‘played’ before the examination so that it is familiar to the children. It is envisaged that the
teacher will be ‘in role’ and that there will be no props. The title of the ‘game’ could be ‘The Birthday’, ‘The
Tea Party’, ‘A Visit to the Zoo’, ‘A Trip to the Seaside’, ‘The New Baby’ or a similar title devised by the teacher.
It is not acceptable to base this part of the examination on a film or television programme.
3. The examiner will talk to the children about the work presented and other subjects which arise.
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3. Awarding and reporting
3.1 Issue of results
A written report will be compiled for each examination. Candidates will be informed of the result of
examinations as soon as possible, and not later than four weeks after the examination date, by post.
Representatives are not allowed to issue results over the telephone.
Certificates are normally dispatched within eight weeks of the date of the examination, but very often they will
be received sooner than this.
This time is necessary to ensure that all results are properly standardised and have been checked by LCM
Examinations.
3.2 Regulations and information
For all regulations and more information about our exams, please see the link at the bottom of our website.
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