Certificates

Numerical grading at all levels, will take into account even phrasing (legato), intonation, attention to clear diction, rhythmic accuracy, and thoughtful communication of text. Original music only - no xeroxed copies allowed during exams.

• All music must be memorized except oratorio or chamber music, where it is cusotmary to use music.
• Repertoire presented to fill the exam requirements will reflect, collectively, all the elements required for passing each certificate level.
• Suggested pieces will form a pool of literature from which exam materials may be chosen; the suggested pieces also from a guide for the selection of comparable appropriate repertoire.
• Students must understand any foreign text and are expected to answer questions about the meaning of the text.

Elementary Level

Technique: Major scale on any vowel, one octave.

Ear Training: Sing a Perfect 4th and 5th, Major 3rd, Major 6th

Repertoire: One song in Italian (may be an aria), One song in English

Intermediate 1 Level

Technique: Major scale on any vowel, one octave; Arpeggio, one octave or one and a half octaves; one exercise from standard exercise book.

Ear Training: Major and Minor 3rds, Major and Minor 6ths

Repertoire: One song in Italian (may be an aria), One song in English, One Art song (may be in French, German, or Spanish)

Intermediate 2 Level

Addenda: It is suggested that students should be enrolled in 60 minute lessons each week. Students should place particular emphasis on diction, intonation, and rhythmic accuracy.

Technique: Major Scale, one octave, 2 exercises from an exercise book.

Repertoire: One aria in Italian or French OR an aria from an oratorio in English or Italian or Latin, One art song in French or German, one Contemporary Art song in English

Performance: Regular attendance at repertoire classes, participation in one student recital during the academic year.

Advanced Level

Technique: Major and harmonic minor scale, major and minor arpeggios.

Ear Training: Major and minor 2nds, major and minor 7ths.

Repertoire: A repertoire list should be presented at the examination, listing the material that the student has prepared for the exam. The examiners will choose from this list, whichshould include: Arias from Opera and oratorio, German, French (or Spanish) and English Art Songs, Contemporary Art Songs.

Performance: Same requirements as previous level.

Pre-Conservatory Level

This Certificate is for those students who have fulfilled the requirements of the Advanced Certificate Level. The Pre-conservatory candidate will present a 30-minute recital. The program will include different music styles and include repertoire in Italian, French, German and English.