IMPORTANT: Please note that this guidance pertains to the updated 2027 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken from 1st January 2027 onwards). For guidance relating to the 2021 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken before 31st December 2026), please see here: Musical Theatre Exams (Solo / Duo) - 2021 SYLLABUS
All songs must be accompanied. Accompaniment may be live or recorded.
- Live accompaniment – a piano, an electric keyboard, a guitar or other appropriate instrument may be used to accompany the pieces. It is the responsibility of the Learners to provide the instrument required for use in the exam, or to make prior arrangements with the centre organiser. It is also the responsibility of the Learners to provide an accompanist to support their performance. The accompanist must only remain in the room for the portion of the exam for which they are required.
- Recorded accompaniment – if recorded accompaniment is used, the Learners must provide their own technical equipment for use in the exam. A technician is permitted to be present in the room to operate the equipment. The technician must only remain in the room for the portion of the exam for which they are required.
Backing tracks which include any vocal performance, including backing vocals, or spoken dialogue arenot permitted.
Where a live accompanist or a technician operating recorded accompaniment is present, their role is strictly limited to the provision and operation of the music. They must not offer any form of coaching, prompting, direction, conducting or similar interaction with the Learner/s.
See further notes on accompaniment and backing vocals in the Glossary of Terms at the end of the Musical Theatre syllabus: LAMDA Musical Theatre Graded Examinations Syllabus 2027