To enable music students to continue taking examinations, Trinity College London has launched digital examination alternatives. These are for all practical music subjects–Classical, Jazz and Rock & Pop. Not only do these examinations allow you to take assessments from initial to Grade 8, but also the associate and licentiate diplomas.
Yes, yes! We hear you! You have a lot of questions right about now, so we’re going to jump right in.
What do I need to prepare?
For Trinity’s Classical or Jazz digital music examinations, you need to prepare the following:
1. Choose your pieces as you would in a face to face examination.
2. Select technical work that is described very thoroughly here.
On the other hand, if you are opting for the Rock & Pop digital music examinations, simply prepare the three songs as you would in the face to face examination.
Don’t worry, this is not taking away anything from the examination’s credibility. The skills tested through supporting tests or session skills in your face to face examination are also demonstrated via your pieces. These pieces that you perform will still have the same weightage as before, and the remaining marks will be given on your overall performance.
Just remember, you need to record your whole exam in ONE TAKE!! Don’t take this for granted, it is not as easy as it sounds. But don’t worry, we’re sure you can do it!
How can I book my exam?
All you have to do is simply send the fee and entries to your local Trinity Centre. If you have been doing this before, you know who to contact! But if you are new to this, and live in India, we have made a complete list of the local representatives and how to contact them. If you are unable to reach them, you can contact them on their Trinity College London’s website for India, and someone will definitely come for your rescue!
After this, the Trinity team will send you a link that helps you to complete the submission information form and upload your exam video. This needs to be done within 14 days of receiving the link. So make sure you have that video ready on time!
How do I film my exam?
Filming your exam can be very overwhelming. We’re giving you the basics of filming in a nutshell. This is what it is all about!
- All the pieces that are recorded should be recorded one after the other in one take.
- You can take pauses between the pieces (not too long though! Just enough to prepare yourself, set up–if required, turn the page) but there should be no talking.
- The recording should take place in a quiet environment (put your phones on airplane mode, shut the doors and windows, switch off the fan!) to get the best sound quality.
- All relevant portions of you and your instrument should be visible in the video.
- If you are playing with a backing track or an accompaniment, ensure that the sound of your instrument/voice and the backing track are well balanced.
- The room should be well lit and there shouldn’t be any extra furniture visible in the video.
- The camera should be still and steady for the duration of the recording.
- The file should be under 1 GB. So if it is more, just remember to compress.
Pretty logical, don’t you think? Trinity has released an extensively detailed guide on how you must record your digital music examination. If we haven’t answered any of your questions, they surely will!
What all files will I need to Upload?
There are just a few simple things needed to upload in your submission:
- Performance list: This is the list of pieces that you are playing for the exam. You can perform the technical work first and pieces second or vice versa, but just remember to not mix it up. The document can be found here.
- Performance Video: You have to upload the one take video of your pieces in line with proper filming guidelines.
- Additional Repertoire: If you have selected (upon approval) any repertoire outside the prescribed list, you must attach a pdf of the same.
The Trinity team in India has made a thorough video for all of you looking to take the digital music examination. If we haven’t answered any of your questions, they sure would have. Check it out!