*
banner

Added qualification boost for VCE instrument exams

Brass instrument exams from the Victoria College will have extra benefit in future.

Victoria College
  The college offers exams in numerous instrument disciplines

Victoria College Exams (VCE) which offers players the opportunity to gain examination qualifications in a wide range of instruments, including brass, percussion, music theory, conducting and bandmastership, has announced that it Music Performance and Musical Theatre exams at Grades 6, 7 and 8 are now eligible for UCAS points as OfQual recognised awards.

Partnership

VCE has entered into a partnership with The Learning Machine, specialists in regulating technical qualifications with the result that all VCM music and musical theatre awards will receive the same recognition as those of our colleagues at ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, MTB, Rock school, New Era, LAMDA and other Ofqual approved exam boards.

Candidates who successfully achieved these awards in 2023 and 2024 will be able to have their awards upgraded to a UCAS bearing, OfQual recognised award by Recognition of Prior Learning.

Instruments

For brass instruments this now means regulated awards in:
Soprano Cornet
Cornet, Trumpet and Flugel Horn
Tenor Horn
French Horn
Baritone
Trombone
Bass Trombone (Grade 6 and up)
Euphonium
Tuba

In addition, university validated diplomas are retained in:
Brass and Wind Band Conducting
Composition
Research
Performance
Teaching

Exams are available as special visits to band rooms, studios and other locations where sufficient demand, live on-line digital exams or pre-recorded pathways.

all VCM music and musical theatre awards will receive the same recognition as those of our colleagues at ABRSM, Trinity, LCM, MTB, Rock school, New Era, LAMDA and other Ofqual approved exam boards4BR

Streamlining

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Further details on the changes will be released in due course, but in all cases, this is a streamlining of requirements.

We look forward to providing students and teachers with awards suited for learning and development in the 21st century while maintaining the ethos of 134 years which has always been to encourage."

More details

For more details: www.vcmexams.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


BrassLT

Report & Result: 2026 Lithuanian Wind Orchestra Championship

April 21 • LT Brass warms up for Linz with domestic honours at wind festival championship.


bbc pROMS

Black Dyke Band to perform at BBC Proms

April 21 • The Queensbury band to be joined by guest soloist David Childs for a 'Brass Prom' performance showcasing their virtuosity and versatility.


John Wallace CBE

Wallace to be remembered as a Force of Nature

April 21 • Tullis Russell Band will pay a lasting tribute to the late great John Wallace CBE with the commissioning of a brand new work from the pen of Paul Lovatt-Cooper.


gbba

Full day of brass band entertainment on offer in Lydney

April 21 • The popular GBBA Festival of Brass returns with a packed day of brass band entertainment in heart of the Forest of Dean.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd