Victoria College of Music and Drama is an examinations board based in London, United Kingdom, which offers independent graded exams, medals and diplomas in music, speech and drama in the UK and selected other countries such as the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Sri Lanka.
However following the Second World War the College has focused upon its work in the examining field and developing syllabuses as required.
Examples include the new options for large ensembles and group examination within ocarina playing to take into account the current UK government policy on whole class instrumental and vocal teaching.
There then follows the three standard diplomas of Associate (AVCM), Licentiate (LVCM) and Fellow (FVCM) which all carry post-nominal letters and academic dress.
However, teaching and education diplomas do not confer UK Qualified Teacher Status, rather they show that the examiner would recommend them to a prospective student.
New editions of classic repertoire are published, as are new arrangements for different instruments and new contemporary music written especially for the College’s examinations.
A collaboration with a separately run vcmpublications.co.uk saw a new line of publications including tutor books for various subjects, as well as new exam sheets for most disciplines.