SINGING & MUSIC
Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or without accompaniment by musical instruments. Singing is often done in an ensemble of musicians, such as a choir of singers or a band of instrumentalists. Singers may perform as soloists or accompanied by anything from a single instrument (as in art song or some jazz styles) up to a symphony orchestra or big band. Different singing styles include art music such as opera and Chinese opera, Indian music, Japanese music and religious music styles such as gospel, traditional music styles, world music, jazz, blues, ghazal and popular music styles such as pop, rock and electronic dance music.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
A musical instrument is a device created or adapted to make musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can be considered a musical instrument—it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. A person who plays a musical instrument is known as an instrumentalist. The history of musical instruments dates to the beginnings of human culture. Early musical instruments may have been used for rituals, such as a horn to signal success on the hunt, or a drum in a religious ceremony. Cultures eventually developed composition and performance of melodies for entertainment. Musical instruments evolved in step with changing applications and technologies.
Classical & Jazz Grades
Our graded exams from Initial to Grade 8 allow learners to perform to their strengths; the flexible structure enables learners to gain recognition for their own unique skills as performers.
Digital Classical & Jazz Grades
Digital Grades and Diplomas sit alongside our face-to-face exams, providing even more choice and flexibility in how a regulated graded qualification can be achieved.
Rock & Pop
Real songs, real skills, real progress. With our huge range of hit songs spanning all contemporary styles, you get to play the music you love, while developing the huge range of skills that professional musicians need.
Music Certificate Exams
Certificate exams offer a performance-only alternative to graded exams for solo performers or groups, at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced level.
Theory of Music Grades
Our Theory of Music syllabus responds to modern teaching and learning styles, with workbooks presenting the study of musical theory in bright and practical formats.
Certificate for Music Educators
Our Level 4 CME is supported by a flexible programme of learning, and is designed for music educators who work with children and young people.
Music Performance in Bands
Music Performance in Bands qualifications enable learners to be individually assessed while rehearsing and performing within a band.