The LRAM provides the opportunity for internal students at the Royal Academy of Music to acquire, and have recognised, a set of occupationally relevant skills in one-to-one music teaching in the student's Principal Study field. The Diploma gives students a solid foundational knowledge of the principles of education together with practical skills in teaching an instrument, voice or composition to children or adults within the context of individual or group tuition. The registration requirements are:

(i) Current enrolment on either an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the Royal Academy of Music;

(ii) For undergraduates: at least a 'Pass' in the BMus Year Two Principal Study examination in the applicant's Principal Study discipline, full progression to B3 and at least a 'Pass' in Aural level II; for postgraduates: normally an undergraduate level (FHEQ level 'H') degree or equivalent in Music.

(iii) For postgraduates who do not hold the qualifications listed above, a pass in ABRSM Grade 8 Theory and ABRSM Grade 5 Practical Musicianship must be achieved within seven years of registration for the LRAM (i.e. the student completes the LRAM programme whilst at the Academy but has a further six years in which to gain the ABRSM qualifications listed above). The award can only be conferred once these qualifications have been obtained;

(iv) Payment at the time of registration of the appropriate fee:
Postgraduates will pay a fee of £190 inclusive
Undergraduates will pay a fee of £95 inclusive
(2008/09 fee levels);

(v) English language skill equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (Academic test) or higher.

The LRAM requires a full academic year to complete, so students on part-year exchange/year-in study will not be eligible.

Part 1: Principles of Education
In an increasingly competitive musical profession, students need to be equipped with the essential tools to survive and burgeon within it. They also need to adapt flexibly to the notion of acting as advocates in their chosen discipline: this can be channelled through education and outreach work - where performance is juxtaposed with new and imaginative means of presentation and delivery - as well as through more conventional means.

Principles of Education (PoE) is a mandatory course for all students in BMus Year 3 and forms the first part of the LRAM qualification for all students. It addresses common elements of teaching and learning but with a specific emphasis on instrumental/vocal/composition teaching. Sessions are planned so that there are opportunities for practical activities within the subjects covered. Subjects include the psychology of teaching, teaching & learning styles, group teaching, assessment, motivation, music in schools and setting up as a teacher.

Part 2: Subject Specialism
Subject Specialist tuition will normally take the form of weekly seminars and will usually include the following:
• Understanding the teaching of instrumental/vocal/compositional technique
• Developing a teaching repertoire from printed source
• Identifying and troubleshooting pupil problems
• Teaching style and interpretation
• Understanding the instrument/voice - brief history, care/vocal health, repair, buying
• The first few lessons with the young beginner. What to teach, when to teach, how to teach, comparison with teaching adult beginners
• Developing musicianship skills during and out of lessons
• Devising curriculum for matching standards to individuals
• Producing original materials to support pupil learning where appropriate
• Workshop and group teaching
• Practice strategies

Assessment
i) Written Examination
ii) Subject-Specific Essay (one essay, 2,000 words)
iii) Practical examination (20 mins Demonstration Lessons and 20 mins Viva Voce plus submission of Lesson Plan)