TRINITY DIGITAL EXAMINATIONS

The Digital Rock & Pop Grades enable candidates to record their songs at a place and time of their choice and then submit the video recording via Trinity’s online platform to be assessed by their expert examiners. The exams have the same academic rigour as the face-to-face exams, and candidates gain full recognition for their achievements, with the same certificate and UCAS points awarded as for the face-to-face exams.

PERFORMANCE AND INTERPRETATION

Trinity’s Rock & Pop exams are designed to encourage musical performances that reflect a candidate’s own personal style and approach. This is because they understand that contemporary music is flexible in its stylistic interpretation, particularly at the higher grades. However, performances should not be simplified and musical integrity should always be maintained.

REPEATS, EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES AND TEMPI

All songs should be prepared in full with all repeats, da capo and dal segno instructions and 1st and 2nd time bars observed. Candidates are encouraged to include a range of expressive techniques appropriate to their instrument and the style of the song, particularly in the higher grades. Candidates should observe terms showing tempo, character and style of the music.

BOOKING YOUR DIGITAL EXAM

Nicola will be in contact to book your digital exam online. You will have TWO WEEKS to record your final performance so it can be submitted. Nicola will complete the submission for you.

THE NEW PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

The SESSION SKILLS element of the face-to-face exams has been replaced by a new Performance Criteria element. This new section awards 20 marks for Performance and Musicianship skills which are conveyed through the entire performance.

In the the video, Trinity’s senior examiners take you through their expectations, and suggest some ideas for a successful approach.

Understanding the overall performance criteria for Classical & Jazz and Rock & Pop Digital Graded Exams.

The NEW Performance Criteria marking scheme (20marks)

Please read the information from Trinity below:

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Digital+Graded+Exams+-+Performance+and+musical+awareness+marks+P21.jpg

RECORDING YOUR EXAM PERFORMANCE

There are no restrictions as to where you film your performance – at home; at school; at your teacher’s studio; in a hall – wherever you have access to a quiet performing space and the appropriate instrument or performance props. And you can work with whoever you wish to in recording your video – family, friends, your teacher, or others. You may ask someone to help you with the recording, with playing your accompaniment or backing tracks, and with managing your exam space. You can even have a group of people behind the camera if you enjoy working in the presence of a live audience! 

Some quick tips when planning your recording: 

  • Choose a quiet room without disruptions or background noise.

  • Make sure you’re not standing in front of a light source which will turn you into a silhouette.

  • You may wish to use a tripod to hold your camera steady for recording.

  • Remember to record with your whole body in shot.

  • The maximum size for your video file is 1GB and your performance must be captured as one continuous take. Ensure your device has enough storage and battery before you begin.

  • Your books/ legally downloaded copies must be in shot when you film your performance. Please make sure they will be visible to the examiner so that they can confirm that you are playing from a legal copy – even if you choose to perform from memory.

Please remember to turn off HD settings, or select the lowest available HD setting, on your device before you begin. Your exam does not need to be recorded in high definition, and will result in files that are too large for upload. You may record your video as an mp4 or mov file.

Checklist 

  • Watch the ‘How to film your Performance’ video below, and download and read the associated filming guidance

  • Check the preparing your video files for upload document to ensure you are recording in the correct file type, and understand how to name your video file

  • Turn HD ‘off’ on your device

  • Check the battery and storage capacity

And remember - exams must be submitted as one continuous performance.

How to film your performance

Please watch the short video from one of our examiners, who will take you through how to achieve the best video recording. You can download the Filming Guidance for detailed explanation for specific syllabuses and instruments.

How to prepare your video for upload PDF - click here

Music Filming Guidance PDF - Click to download