1 General RequirementsThe candidate will be required to demonstrate a standard of general musicianship, technique, musical skills, knowledge and awareness commensurate with the role of a practical church musician. Candidates should ensure that their standard of performance is adequate for the practical necessities of public worship and, if necessary, should take extra tuition from an instrumental, vocal or conducting tutor as appropriate.
2 Specific requirementsThe candidate is also expected to display practical and musical skills specific to the role of a church musician, and should take every opportunity to observe, discuss and read about the techniques and practical skills required by a church musician, particularly in the chosen option, before taking Part A. S/he should demonstrate interest and enthusiasm, and a full understanding and appreciation of the items presented for examination. S/he will also take into consideration the appropriateness of the items chosen (in terms of overall variety, suitability in relation to the performing skills of the candidate, and other such factors).
3 Ancillary Skills and General Impression The examiner will look for various attributes in the candidate: for choir directors, instrumental leaders and worship leaders, for example, a business-like approach, thought in relation to the order of a rehearsal, skill in demonstration, adequate control and discipline, enthusiasm and musicianship. S/he will also take into consideration the appropriateness of the items chosen (in terms of overall variety, suitability in relation to the skills of the choir members, instrumentalists, or members of the congregation). Instrumental leaders will be expected to demonstrate good leadership and (if appropriate) conducting skills, and also to demonstrate proficiency as an instrumental executant in at least two ensemble items.
For both singers and instrumentalists, the examiner is looking for the application of technical and musical attributes (such as accuracy of notes and time, tone quality and production, intonation, attack, singer’s diction, plus general musicianship and sensitivity of interpretation).
The standard of the examinationThe candidate shall be expected to perform musically, with reasonable competence and accuracy of notation, to demonstrate the ability to lead music in worship, and to give support to the congregation.
The options availableThe candidate for ACertCM and the Archbishops’ Award in Church Music must enter in one of the categories below, or an equivalent :
The content of the examinationThe examination shall last for up to one hour, and shall include practical tests in some or all of the following, as relevant to the performance category being entered:
Spoken parts; sung responses/dialogues; sight reading; psalms; hymns (or choruses or metrical psalms); accompanied/ unaccompanied items (motet, anthem, canticle, Mass, Communion setting); solo and ensemble vocal/instrumental items. Items will be chosen by the candidate and a list submitted to the Examiner for approval.
Further information Guidelines for Candidates are available from the Examinations Secretary, and give full details of the requirements for each performance category.
Time and place of the examination The practical examination shall normally take place between 14 June and 31 August, in the candidate’s own church, or one nominated by the candidate, and is usually combined with the Viva Voce examination (see Part C below).
Entry to the examination Application forms are available from the Examinations Secretary, and must be returned with the appropriate fee by 31 January prior to the examination.