TCL - Trinity College London

Note: Orpheus Music takes no responsibility for any out of date information, or any information that may have changed since writing this webpage. Exam candidates must do their own research in order to have the most up to date details of rules and regulations for each of the syllabuses.

This is designed as a resource for recorder players around Australia and may be useful to recorder players around the world. All prices linked are in AUD unless stated otherwise. 

This was last updated in Jan 2021. 

Click here to view all the TCL sheet music that Orpheus music stocks, catalogued per grade or diploma. 

Trinity College London (TCL)

Trinity College London (TCL) is a UK-based examination board that has branched out internationally and that offers a recorder syllabus. Out of the three recorder syllabuses, TCL has the most flexibility for candidates, offering many options such as the opportunity to submit their own compositions, improvisation and orchestral extracts along with the usual aural tests, sight reading and scales. 

Covid

To stay updated with online examinations due to COVID-19 please click here. 

Syllabus

The recorder syllabus is updated regularly, usually every 3 years, to include current contemporary music for the recorder. The current syllabus was scheduled to be replaced at the end of 2021, however, due to problems associated with COVID-19 it is unclear whether or not this year's syllabus will be used for longer than usual.  

Click here to view their free PDF of the Woodwind 

Grades (Initial, Grades 1 - 8)

In the examination candidates must perform three pieces, and are encouraged to present a balanced programme. The pieces are divided into two groups: group A and group B. Candidates must choose two pieces from group A and one piece from group B. Candidates may substitute one piece for their own composition. Please refer to the official syllabus for more info. 

At Initial to Grade 5 candidates may play either descant/soprano or treble/alto recorder, or a combination of the two. By Grades 6–8 both descant and treble recorders must be played. 

Click here for TCL Recorder books.

Technical requirements in the Grades: Aural, Sight reading, Scales, Musical Knowledge, Improvisation and Studies or Orchestral Extracts.

From Initial to Grade 5, candidates must choose two supporting tests from the following options: 

• sight reading

• aural 

• improvisation

• musical knowledge.

For Grades 6–8, all candidates are assessed in sight reading and must choose between aural and improvisation for their second supporting test.

For information and detailed marking criteria about sight reading, aural tests and improvisation, musical knowledge, please click here.

Scales & Technical study 

From Initial to Grade 5, technical work and supporting tests can be offered on either descant or treble recorders. For grades 6 to 8, technical work must be taken on treble recorder. Sight reading and improvisation can be on descant or treble recorder at the candidates’ choice.

Click here for a link to the official scales and technical study books. 

Technical work/studies:

Initial to Grade 5 will have small exercises, whereas Grades 6 to 8 have orchestral extracts or studies. Please refer to the syllabus for details. 

Own Composition (optional):

Candidates can choose to present their own composition as one of their pieces. The focus of the assessment for this is on performance, using the same assessment criteria as for all other pieces. Marks will not be awarded for the quality of the composition. 

Own compositions may be accompanied or unaccompanied, and must be comparable in technical and musical demand to the pieces listed for the same grade.

Extra requirements in the Grades:

Unlike AMEB and ABRSM, there are no theory qualifications required in order to sit a practical grade examination, although separate theory examinations are offered to candidates and teachers to complement the practical examinations. There are prerequisites for some diploma examinations, please see the diploma syllabus for details (below). 

Diplomas - ATCL, LTCL, FTCL

These are the highest certificates that can be taken within TCL. After you've completed the grades in one of the recorder Syllabuses you can take diplomas. Anyone undertaking a Diploma is expected to deliver a professional level recital on the recorder. These high quality certificates are called Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship.

Associate (ATCL, AMusTCL)

The standard of performance is equivalent to the performance component of the first year in a full-time undergraduate course at a conservatorium or other higher education establishment.

Licentiate (LTCL, LMusTCL)

The standard of performance is equivalent to the performance component on completion of a full-time undergraduate course at a conservatoire or other higher education establishment.

Fellowship (FTCL) FMusTCL)

The standard of performance is equivalent to the performance component on completion of a full-time postgraduate course at a conservatorium or other higher education establishment.

For more information regarding TCL Diplomas click here. 

Enrolment Dates in Australia

For more information of examination areas and states within Australia click here. 

Face-to-face exams are not currently operating until further notice. There are no closing dates for digital grade and diploma exams. Trinity College London has announced the launch of a new Digital Grades and Diploma platform that will allow students to take their music and drama exams remotely. For more info about remote exams in Australia click here. 

Fees

For prices within Australia click here.