Music Certificate Exams
Performance-only recitals at Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced level - for soloists and groups.
About Music Certificate Exams
Music Certificate exams are Trinity’s performance-only alternative to graded exams. Instead of technical work and supporting tests, candidates build a recital programme of a set length - including own-choice repertoire - and perform it to an examiner.
They come in three levels that line up with the graded ladder: Foundation is equivalent to Grade 3, Intermediate to Grade 5, and Advanced to Grade 8. Certificates are available for solo instruments and singing, and for groups of any size and combination.
- Levels
- Foundation (≈ Grade 3), Intermediate (≈ Grade 5), Advanced (≈ Grade 8)
- Format
- Face-to-face only
- Technical work
- None
- Supporting tests
- None
- Who it suits
- Performers, ensembles, and students who want a recital-style assessment
What you can be examined in
- Piano
- Singing
- Strings
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Electronic Keyboard
- Harp
- Guitar
- Drum Kit & Percussion
- Organ
- Accordion
- Groups (any combination of instruments and voices)
The grade ladder
Each rung, what it expects, and where it sits on the qualification framework.
Foundation
RQF Level 1A short recital at roughly Grade 3 standard - a first experience of programming and presenting a set.
Intermediate
RQF Level 2A longer programme at roughly Grade 5 standard with more stylistic contrast.
Advanced
RQF Level 3A substantial recital at roughly Grade 8 standard - a natural lead-in to the performance diplomas.
What is in the exam
Recital
Programme length is set per level in the syllabus; candidates choose from the repertoire lists and may add own-choice pieces.
| Component | Marks | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Majority | The recital itself, assessed on accuracy, technique, and communication across the whole programme. |
| Presentation | Remainder | Programme planning, balance of styles, and stage presentation. |
Marks and result bands
How to progress
From first lesson to the top grade - the steps most Artium students follow.
Decide solo or group
Bands, choirs, and chamber groups can take the same certificate together - a good fit for Artium ensemble and showcase students.
Programme a balanced set
Choose contrasting pieces to the required length; own-choice repertoire is allowed.
Perform face-to-face
Certificate exams are held at exam centres only.
Courses that prepare you
Live, 1-on-1 classes following this syllabus.
Figures on this page are from the official Trinity syllabus ↗. Boards update syllabuses periodically - check the official page before booking an exam.