*
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    


Alan Duguid

Interview with Alan Duguid

June 26 • 4BR talks to conductor Alan Duguid about the inspirations behind his band's latest contemporary concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, David Bedford, Judith Bingham, Freddie Myers, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edmund Rubbra and Raymond Yiu.


Alan Jenkins

Alan Jenkins funeral details announced

June 25 • The funeral details for the highly respected musician and journalist Alan Jenkins have been announced.


Gray and Waespi

Gray and Waespi to lead joint masterclass approach in Bern

June 25 • A four-day conducting and composing masterclass led by Russell Gray and Oliver Waespi will take place in Bern later this year.


Perth Concert Hall

Invites open for Scottish Festival of Brass

June 25 • Bands wishing to take part in the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge and the Scottish Open supported by Besson.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd