Digital Recorded Exam FAQs

For Live Exam FAQ's please click here

Pieces that require accompaniment must be presented with accompaniment (in both live and recorded exams). For recorded exams, candidates may use the following options:

  • piano accompanist
  • backing track
  • a mix of both

Pieces that are intended to be performed unaccompanied should remain unaccompanied.

Yes. A maximum of 10 marks is available for General Knowledge and Examiners will use the introductions to assess this area. Please refer to the Music Theatre syllabus for guidance. If songs are presented without introduction candidates are not eligible for marks in this section.

The original music must be visible in the exam recording. Candidates using downloaded music must verbally indicate this in the exam recording, and state the source of the downloaded music.

Where possible recordings should be completed in one take. If this is not possible separate takes of pieces can be combined. No digital enhancements are permitted in video submissions. All Scales/Arpeggios/Technical Exercises must however be recorded in one unedited take.

Please click here for recording guidelines.

Online exam submission must be a video file with all exam sections performed in one continuous take where possible. Submissions containing only audio files will not be accepted. Scales and Arpeggios must be included in Music Grade submissions. The submissions must have no digital enhancements/edits. 

The permitted file formats are .mov and .mp4

Editing of video submissions is not permitted, and may result in disqualification. Editing of videos can be regarded as any manipulation/enhancement of video or audio after recording to improve the perceived performance. Individual pieces must be recorded in one uninterrupted take.

i.e. you are not permitted to edit within individual pieces or mime along to pre-recorded performances.

Post-recording edits or enhancements to the audio likewise are not permitted.

The name of the candidate, and pieces must all be introduced, clearly. If possible we would ask the candidate to introduce themselves and their repertoire. However, a parent/guardian/teacher may introduce on their behalf. Please note that under 18 candidates must have an adult present for recording, but are not required to introduce themselves.

Please dress appropriately, as you would if you were visiting an Exam centre in person.

If you are sitting a Grade Exam, unfortunately no. You will be asked for your teachers marks when uploading your video.

We understand that pianos are not always perfectly in tune and allowances are made for this. The instrument must be capable of achieving the technical and musical demands of the chosen pieces. It must be understood that Examiners will only be able to assess what they hear.

We would like to remind piano students that digital pianos can be used, and keyboard performances are permitted where they are capable of achieving the technical and musical demands of the chosen pieces (for example, pedalling, and touch sensitivity for dynamics).

If you are performing on an out of tune acoustic piano allowances can be made, but it must be understood (in both the case of keyboards and pianos) that Examiners will only be able to assess what they hear. If you have any concerns with your instrument you should seek guidance from your teacher.
 

2024 Piano Albums (Elem to Grade V) will be accepted for an extra exam session – i.e. Spring 2025

Yes. A designated upload field is included on the submission page to submit your programme notes. These form an important part of the criteria for the Recital Certificate Exam and will contribute to the Examiners assessment.

Teachers should recommend marks based upon the students understanding of Theory, overall Communication Skills, Knowledge of chosen pieces, and Literary Background. These will depend on specific exam requests in the syllabus where there is a section for Conversation or Discussion.

Note: some exams will not require a Teacher’s recommended mark eg Recital Programmes

Marks should be recommended out of the following:

  • Early Learning: A maximum of 50 marks
  • Kindergarten - Grade 8:  A maximum of 20 marks
  • Senior Certificate: A maximum of 10 marks
     

Speech & Drama candidates should include the following sections in their video submission(s):

  • Drama
  • Poetry
  • Prose
  • Mime
  • Improvisation
  • Sight Reading

For on-line submissions, an appropriate sight reading passage should be found under the guidance of the student’s teacher and should relate to specific grade requests in the syllabus.

In situations where the examiner would provide un-seen passages for higher grades, the teacher may provide the student with appropriate sight reading piece(s) for their grade ahead of their recording. Alternatively the student may use appropriate reading material from their school English course.

As a rough guideline, sight reading should be about  1.5 to 2mins duration for most grades when recorded and just a little longer for more senior grades.

In these cases, for the purpose of digitally recorded submissions, the title should be given to the student by their teacher.

Yes. For further information please contact our team at [email protected]