*
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    


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd