Singing exams at a glance

Songs (66 marks)

Technical work (14 marks)

Supporting tests (20 marks)

Songs
Candidates can demonstrate their individual musical identity by choosing songs from extensive repertoire lists, including musical theatre, opera/oratorio, folk songs, and songs in other languages. There's no requirement to sing from memory, and an own composition can replace one of the listed songs. At Initial-Grade 5, three songs are performed (in English or any other published singing translation) and may be sung in any key, published or transposed. Backing tracks may be used up to Grade 3. At Grades 6-8, four songs are sung, and must include at least two living languages. All songs may be sung in any key, published or transposed, except for opera/oratorio and songs grouped by voice type.

Technical work
This section of the exam builds an assured vocal proficiency by developing specific skills progressively through the grades. Candidates choose from Trinity's accompanied vocal exercises, Vaccai exercises or listed unaccompanied folk songs. Each option encourages musical and expressive singing, as the techniques are embedded within pieces of music which have words that need to be communicated effectively.

Supporting tests (face-to-face exams only)
Trinity’s supporting tests encourage the development of the broader musical skills of sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge. The choice allows candidates to demonstrate their own musical skills in different ways. Find out more about our supporting tests.

Further information

Full details (including our procedures, syllabus requirements, what to expect, and what to bring with you) can be found in our Information & Regulations.

Exam report forms are released typically within 2 weeks for face-to-face exams, or after your submission is uploaded for digital grades. Certificates usually follow 4 weeks later. Occasionally, we may not be able to release the exam result straight away. Further details about this can be found on our release of results page. For any other questions, please see our music exam help pages.

Information & Regulations Music syllabus infringements Music exam help

 

Keep in touch

Make sure you don’t miss the latest news from Trinity College London. Sign up for email updates about your subject area.

Back to top