The
requirement of the essays
The candidate shall submit two essays, which demonstrate
a thorough appreciation of the liturgical and worshipping
customs of the Christian denomination to which s/he belongs,
and the music, and musical traditions, which complement
them.
Essays should show an understanding both of history and
of modern practice and trends, and how such traditions
and trends can fulfil the musical needs of the Church
today. Candidates must reach the pass mark in each essay
separately (i.e. 21 marks out of 35). Candidates who fail
to achieve the pass mark in one of the two essays will
be required to submit an essay in that area only, should
they decide to re-enter for Part D.
The standard of the essays Essays should demonstrate that the candidate has undertaken some study and research into primary sources (eg the texts of services of worship and/or music scores), and has considered comments by noted and relevant scholars. Examples of successful essays have been published in issues of the Guild’s magazine Laudate.
The areas to be covered Each essay should be between 5,000 and 7,000 words in length, one on a topic related to Christian worship, the other on a topic related to Church music. Candidates who fall short of, or who exceed, the word limit will be penalised. Essay titles for each specific year are set by the Academic Board, and are printed in the Year Book and Laudate magazine, or may be obtained from the Examinations Secretary.
Further information Guidelines for Candidates (available from the Examinations Secretary - or please click here) give advice on preparing for this part of the examination.
Entry to the examination Application forms are available from the Examinations Secretary, and must be returned by 31 January prior to submission of the essays. Completed essays must reach the Examinations Secretary by 31 March in the year of submission.