*
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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd