LRIAM – Licentiate Diploma (new)

LRIAM – Licentiate Diploma

The Level 7/8 NFQ Equivalent LRIAM (Licentiate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music) is RIAM’s highest-level Diploma qualification.
It is designed for advanced performers and educators who wish to demonstrate a professional standard of teaching or musicianship
and to qualify to teach students up to Diploma level.

Offered in Music and Speech & Drama, the LRIAM recognises the skill, experience, and academic depth required for those
aspiring to work at the highest levels of performance or pedagogy.

Kim O'Brien LRIAM playing flute during ChamberFest Dublin

Why Choose the LRIAM?

Highest-Level Qualification: Equivalent to Level 7/8 on the NFQ, the LRIAM marks the culmination of formal study in performance or teaching at diploma level.
Teaching or Performance Pathways: Specialise in your chosen discipline and format across Music or Speech & Drama.
Comprehensive Assessment: A rigorous structure of written exams, viva-voce, and performance or teaching demonstrations.
Professional Recognition: A respected credential for advanced educators, performers, or those progressing into third-level teaching roles.
Preparation Materials Available: Syllabi, past papers, and exam guidance available to help structure your preparation.

Perfect for: Experienced professionals seeking formal recognition of advanced teaching or performance skills.

How to Apply (2-Step Booking Process)

The dates for the December 2025 Exams Session are Monday 1st - Friday 12th Dec 2025.

The deadline for registration is Friday, 26th September 2025 (4:00 PM).

Step 1:

Click “Register” on our booking platform, fill in your details, and select your relevant exam type.
Note: Exams are listed by fee order (lowest to highest), not grouped by subject or level.
Complete payment online using a Credit or Debit Card.

Step 2:

Once payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to the LRIAM Online Application Form.
Complete and submit your full application before the deadline.

Begin Registration & Payment

Person Marking up Music Score (Stock Image)

Assessment Overview

The LRIAM Diploma consists of three core sections:

Section I – Theory: A written exam covering subject-specific academic content.
Exemptions may be requested via the application form; transcripts must be submitted by email.
Section II – Aural Tests
Section III – Practical: Performance or teaching demonstration of set repertoire from your chosen syllabus.

Exam Scheduling:
Sections I and II are generally scheduled on the same day (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with Section III held separately. Final dates and times will be confirmed directly with candidates following receipt of applications.

Rachel O'Hara winner of the 2023 Maura Dowdall performing on stage

Performance Guidelines & FAQs

Memory Requirements:
Piano candidates taking the Performance LRIAM must play all repertoire from memory. Other disciplines should consult the relevant syllabus for specific requirements.
Music Scores:
All music must be presented as original or verifiable sheet music. If performing from the score, a second copy must be provided for the examiners.
Same-Day Exam Requests:
While we aim to accommodate scheduling needs, personal preferences cannot be guaranteed.
Exemption Requests:
Requests for exemption from Section I: Theory must be submitted at the time of application, with supporting transcripts emailed to:
diplomaexams@riam.ie

All scales and arpeggios are to be played from memory. A/LRIAM Performance Diploma candidates (Piano) have to perform all of their pieces from memory). For all other Diploma types and instrumentation, please check the valid requirements in the respective section of the syllabus.

[All music performed during your exam needs to be brought as an original score or verifiable sheet music (whether it is being used to play from or not). If you use music scores for playing, please bring an additional copy of each piece for the examiners.]

You can apply for an exemption through the application form. Transcripts or proof of passed exam sections will then need to be submitted by email to diplomaexams@riam.ie. (Note: All exemption requests are subject to approval).

For additional information, please check the syllabus.

The scheduling of the exams is subject to various factors and personal preferences cannot be guaranteed. As a rule, Sections I and II are usually scheduled on the same day (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with Section III generally happening on a separate day.