Examinations, Courses and Awards

• 1. Examinations will be held annually at approved centres or at the candidate’s own church.
• 2. Entries must be received at least one month before the examination.
  The fee is £25.
• 3. To pass this examination it is necessary to gain at least 50% of the marks in each section and 70% in the whole examination.
• 4. Candidates must be sponsored by a member of the Guild of Church Musicians.

SYLLABUS

• 1. The candidate is required to answer elementary questions on:
  • (a) The rudiments of music.
  • (b) The quality and pitch of organ stops or questions relating to their chosen instrument, or to vocal technique.
  • (c) The service of Holy Communion, Eucharist, Mass, or any form of Sunday service in regular use at the candidate’s own church.
• 2. Ear Tests: to detect wrong notes in the melody of a hymn tune or chant played by the examiner; the candidate following the score.
• 3. Prepared pieces: to perform two contrasting pieces of the candidate’s own choice, at a level not below Grade 3 Associated Board or equivalent. The titles must be submitted with the application form.
• 4. Sight-reading: to play or sing a simple hymn tune. The candidate will be allowed to study the music for five minutes beforehand. In the case of organists, pedals are optional.
• 5. To submit a Project of not more than 10 sides of A4 paper on a subject of the Candidate’s own choice, the subject to be submitted to the Examinations Secretary one month before the examination. An example might be ‘The Hymn Book that we use most frequently at our Church’.

SOME USEFUL DATESEntries:these must be received by the Examinations Secretary at least one month before the proposed date of examination (which may be taken at any time of year).

Results: these are usually issued within 2 weeks of Examination

November: Presentation Service and Award Ceremony

GUILD OF CHURCH MUSICIANS Founded 1888 Incorporated 1905