Certification programmes at Artium
Our music certification course is designed to help aspiring musicians like you achieve your dreams. Get your music certificate online by joining Artium Academy today.
Benefits of Certifications
Performance Skills
Develop valuable skills and the ability to perform under pressure by taking our online music classes ideal for all aspirants.
Pathway to higher education
Music certification can earn you UCAS points that are necessary for admission to universities worldwide.
Career Advancement
Online music certificates help you advance your career and open up new opportunities in the music industry.
Certification programs we offer
Trinity College London is one of the most renowned music institutes in the world, offering exams and graded qualifications that assess a student's musicality, technical proficiency, interpretation, and musicianship. They are available for various instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, flute, vocals, and more.
Grades available for certification:Grade 1 - 9
Available Certifications
Piano/Keyboard
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Initial
- Basic Keyboard Techniques: Learn to play simple melodies using basic finger positions.
- Introduction to Rhythms: Develop timing and rhythm with easy note values and steady beats.
- Pulse Control: Maintain consistent tempo in performances using simple backing tracks.
Grade 1
- Hand Coordination: Develop coordination between both hands, focusing on simple chord progressions and melodies.
- Basic Chord Knowledge: Play basic triads and root-position chords in rhythm with backing tracks.
- Playing in Time: Improve timing, ensuring even note durations and accurate rhythm performance.
Grade 2
- Chord and Melody Integration: Play melodies while accompanying yourself with simple chord progressions.
- Rhythmic Development: Learn to play syncopated rhythms and introduce basic dynamic control.
- Improvisation and Playback: Begin to develop improvisational skills over simple chord changes or playback melodies.
Grade 3
- Complex Chord Progressions: Play more complex chord progressions, including inversions and extended chords.
- Articulation and Dynamics: Use a wider dynamic range and articulation techniques like staccato and legato.
- Improvisation Skills: Improvise using simple scales or arpeggios, or perform playback tests with accuracy.
Grade 4
- Syncopation and Rhythmic Precision: Handle syncopated rhythms and more challenging time signatures with accuracy.
- Chordal Textures: Play fuller, more textured chordal arrangements, utilizing both hands efficiently.
- Advanced Playback/Improvisation: Perform more complex playback or improvisation exercises, focusing on rhythm and melody integration
Grade 5
- Extended Chord Vocabulary: Incorporate more advanced chords, including 7th chords and slash chords, into performances.
- Aural and Rhythmic Skills: Develop strong aural skills to identify rhythmic patterns and harmonies during playback or improvisation.
- Expression and Dynamics: Focus on dynamic variation and emotional expression within performances, adding musicality.
Grade 6
- Advanced Technical Skills: Execute more technically demanding pieces, including complex rhythms and rapid chord changes.
- Melodic and Harmonic Independence: Show greater independence between hands, managing intricate melody and harmony simultaneously.
- Improvisation Mastery: Improvise fluently over varied styles and chord progressions, demonstrating creativity and technical control.
Grade 7
- Triplets and Bluesy Fills: Master triplet rhythms against straight quavers, and add bluesy fills into performances.
- Left-Hand Independence: Develop strong left-hand independence to manage bass lines while performing complex right-hand melodies.
- Aural Skills and Improvisation: Demonstrate advanced aural skills in playback or improvisation, incorporating syncopation and diverse musical genres
Grade 8
- Mastery of Complex Arrangements: Perform intricate, technically demanding pieces with precision, fluidity, and expression.
- Advanced Rhythm and Timing: Demonstrate complete control over complex rhythms, time signatures, and syncopation.
- Improvisational Fluency: Deliver professional-level improvisations, utilizing advanced harmonic concepts, scales, and stylistic nuances.
Electric Guitar
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Initial Grade
- Basic Playing Techniques: Learn fundamental techniques like single-note riffs and power chord riffs.
- Basic Rhythm Control: Develop a steady sense of rhythm and timing, using simple rhythms.
- Performance Skills: Gain confidence by performing short, simple songs with backing tracks.
- Session Skills: Begin to develop playback or basic improvisation skills in response to a backing track.
Grade 1
- Articulation and Picking: Focus on picking precision and articulation, ensuring clean note execution.
- Power Chords: Play basic power chords in time with a backing track, building strength in fretting and picking.
- Improvisation or Playback: Begin improvising over simple progressions or playback melodies accurately.
- Song Performance: Perform 3 songs, including a technical focus (TF) song, that demonstrates specific skills like articulation or riff playing.
Grade 2
- Chord Progressions: Improve the ability to transition smoothly between chords, including power chords and open chords.
- Syncopated Rhythms: Play songs with more complex syncopated rhythms and improve timing.
- String Bending and Vibrato: Start introducing articulation techniques like basic string bending and vibrato to add expression.
- Session Skills: Perform playback or improvisation exercises at a higher level of complexity, focusing on accuracy and timing.
Grade 3
- Advanced Chord Playing: Learn more challenging chord shapes, including minor and 7th chords, and apply them in songs.
- Lead Guitar Techniques: Introduce more lead techniques like slides and hammer-ons/pull-offs for playing simple solos.
- Improvisation Development: Further develop improvisation skills, incorporating basic scales and patterns in solos.
- Performance Confidence: Build stage presence by performing songs that include rhythm and lead parts, maintaining consistent timing and expression.
Grade 4
- Rhythm Complexity: Handle more complex strumming and picking patterns, with faster tempos and syncopation.
- Fingerstyle: Begin learning fingerpicking techniques for songs that require more intricate playing styles.
- Soloing Skills: Expand on solo techniques with more advanced articulations such as bends and vibrato, adding dynamics to solos.
- Session Skills: Playback or improvise over tracks with more complex rhythms and melodies, showing musical awareness.
Grade 5
- Barre Chords Mastery: Develop fluency in playing barre chords across the neck, improving finger strength and control.
- Lead Techniques: Incorporate more advanced techniques like faster string bending, vibrato control, and legato playing into solos.
- Improvisation Fluency: Improvise confidently over backing tracks using pentatonic scales and modes, creating more melodic solos.
- Complex Rhythm Playing: Perform songs with intricate rhythms, integrating both rhythm and lead elements seamlessly.
Grade 6
- Extended Techniques: Master advanced techniques such as alternate picking, legato, and tapping.
- Complex Rhythms: Tackle songs in odd time signatures or with syncopated rhythms, showing a strong sense of timing and groove.
- Improvisation Mastery: Use a wider variety of scales and modes in improvisation, creating dynamic and expressive solos.
- Personal Arrangements: Begin to arrange and perform personal versions of songs, showcasing creativity and musicianship.
Grade 7
- Advanced Soloing: Execute technically challenging solos, incorporating techniques like sweep picking, string skipping, and fast alternate picking.
- Modal Improvisation: Improvise using modal scales and advanced chord progressions, demonstrating a deep understanding of music theory.
- Complex Time Signatures: Perform confidently in odd time signatures and rhythmically challenging songs, maintaining precision.
- Stage Presence: Develop professional-level stage presence by delivering high-energy, expressive performances that captivate the audience.
Grade 8
- Mastery of Techniques: Showcase mastery of advanced guitar techniques such as two-hand tapping, harmonics, and fast alternate picking.
- Full Fretboard Fluency: Demonstrate complete control over the entire fretboard, incorporating complex scales, arpeggios, and modes into solos.
- Complex Rhythmic Structures: Perform and improvise in songs with challenging time signatures and syncopations, maintaining tight timing.
- Professional-Level Performance: Exhibit professional-level performance skills, delivering technically demanding songs with accuracy, expression, and musicality.
Acoustic Guitar
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Initial
- Foundation in Technique: Introduction to fundamental guitar skills, such as basic picking and strumming techniques.
- Playing Basics: Perform simple, beginner-level pieces focusing on basic rhythm and timing.
- Aural Development: Introduction to hearing and replicating basic pitches and rhythms, helping establish a sense of pulse and timing.
Grade 1
- Melodic and Rhythmic Accuracy: Focus on simple melodic playing, maintaining steady rhythm and accuracy in timing.
- Basic Chord Knowledge: Learn and apply open chord shapes, facilitating smooth transitions between chords.
- Supporting Tests: Start developing aural skills by recognizing and responding to simple rhythmic patterns and intervals.
Grade 2
- Increased Complexity in Pieces: Play pieces with slightly more intricate rhythms, incorporating syncopation and timing variation.
- Extended Chord Shapes: Introduction to minor and simple seventh chords, expanding harmonic vocabulary.
- Sight-Reading Fundamentals: Begin sight-reading simple rhythms and melodies, enhancing reading fluency.
Grade 3
- Expressive Playing: Play pieces with basic dynamics, improving control over volume and tone for musical expression.
- Technical Range Expansion: Introduction to major and minor scales and basic triad arpeggios.
- Improvisation Introduction: Start basic improvisation over simple chord progressions, focusing on timing and melody.
Grade 4
- Enhanced Technical Skills: Perform pieces requiring a broader dynamic range and basic fingerpicking patterns.
- Chord Mastery: Mastery of open chords and beginning barre chord exercises, providing greater harmonic versatility.
- Aural and Rhythmic Awareness: Practice rhythm dictation and more complex playback, strengthening ear training skills.
Grade 5
- Intermediate-Level Repertoire: Perform pieces that require stylistic interpretation across different genres.
- Technical Versatility: Gain fluency in major and minor pentatonic scales, introducing blues scales for genre versatility.
- Advanced Sight-Reading and Improvisation: Develop confidence in sight-reading and improvising with rhythmically complex passages.
Grade 6
- Expressive Performance: Execute pieces that demand control over advanced dynamics, articulation, and tempo shifts.
- Scales and Techniques: Focus on modal scales (such as Dorian and Mixolydian) and advanced picking patterns, enhancing technical fluidity.
- Improvisational Proficiency: Create structured solos within more complex harmonic frameworks, emphasizing phrasing and timing.
Grade 7
- Professional-Level Techniques: Perform advanced pieces with intricate rhythmic structures, requiring accuracy in both timing and phrasing.
- Mastery of Scales: Incorporate advanced scales, such as harmonic minor and chromatic scales, into technical practice.
- Musicianship Development: Strengthen high-level sight-reading and improvisation, focusing on musicality and stylistic accuracy.
Grade 8
- Mastery in Performance: Deliver interpretative, professional-level performances that showcase technical proficiency and expressive depth.
- Full Technical Command: Demonstrate expertise in all scales, arpeggios, and chord forms, including advanced harmonic techniques.
- Advanced Musicianship: Execute complex sight-reading, aural dictation, and improvisation, suitable for professional and performance-level contexts.
Vocals
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Initial
- Basic Vocal Techniques: Introduction to fundamental vocal techniques such as breath control, pitch accuracy, and posture.
- Rhythm and Timing: Ability to follow and execute simple rhythms using quarter and half notes, essential for basic playback.
- Expressive Performance: Sing simple songs with basic dynamics (soft and loud), focusing on clear diction and timing.
Grade 1
- Vocal Range Expansion: Start exploring vocal range and flexibility, improving control over different registers.
- Articulation and Phrasing: Focus on clarity of words and musical phrasing to convey emotion, while maintaining steady pitch.
- Rhythm and Playback: Further development of rhythm skills, singing with a strong sense of pulse and engaging in basic playback exercises.
Grade 2
- Increased Vocal Control: Strengthen breath support and projection, preparing for more demanding songs.
- Expressive Techniques: Introduction to simple dynamics such as crescendos and decrescendos to add expression to performances.
- Rhythm and Improvisation: Enhanced ability to perform more complex rhythms and start exploring basic vocal improvisation within simple structures.
Grade 3
- Improved Vocal Technique: Use vibrato and refined breath control for longer phrases, ensuring consistent pitch and tone.
- Style and Expression: Develop emotional connection with songs, learning how to communicate the story behind the lyrics through expressive vocal techniques.
- Complex Rhythmic Skills: Handle more varied rhythmic patterns, incorporating syncopation and complex beats into performances.
Grade 4
- Vocal Flexibility: Further develop flexibility and agility in vocal performance, handling faster runs and jumps between notes.
- Stage Presence: Build confidence and develop stagecraft by performing with greater projection, engagement, and stylistic nuance.
- Advanced Rhythmic Awareness: Master more intricate rhythmic patterns, both in playback and improvisation, fostering greater confidence in timing and rhythm.
Grade 5
- Advanced Breath Control: Master long phrases and quick note transitions with smooth and controlled breath support.
- Diverse Genre Performance: Interpret songs from a variety of genres (e.g., rock, pop, jazz) with an understanding of stylistic differences.
- Complex Improvisation: Engage in improvisational exercises with more creative freedom, focusing on melody and rhythm while maintaining the stylistic integrity of the song.
Grade 6
- Vocal Mastery: Achieve advanced tone and pitch control across a broader range of dynamics and registers, incorporating techniques such as falsetto, belting, and smooth register transitions.
- Interpretive Depth: Delve into songs with deeper emotional complexity, using vocal color and dynamics to enhance storytelling.
- Rhythmic and Melodic Improvisation: Display creativity in vocal improvisation, handling advanced rhythmic and melodic challenges in playback and improvisation tests.
Grade 7
- Advanced Vocal Techniques: Refine use of complex vocal techniques like vibrato control, vocal runs, and intricate dynamic shifts across songs.
- Genre Versatility: Perform songs across a wide range of genres, with full stylistic understanding and expressive delivery.
- Creative Improvisation: Apply sophisticated improvisation skills, incorporating advanced rhythmic ideas and melodic exploration into performances.
Grade 8
- Professional-Level Vocal Proficiency: Achieve mastery over a range of advanced vocal techniques, including sustained high notes, complex runs, and powerful belting.
- Interpretation and Expression: Deliver emotionally charged and technically polished performances, demonstrating personal artistic interpretation in every genre.
- Expert Improvisation: Execute highly creative and technically challenging improvisations, showing confidence and expertise in both rhythm and melody, suitable for professional-level performances.
Modes of Examination
Online Digital Mode, Physical Mode
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, or ABRSM, is a UK-based music examination board that is globally recognized. With a presence in over 90 countries, it provides graded certification exams and assessments covering instruments, vocals to measure skill levels and musical growth of all learners.
Grades available for certification:Grade 1 - 9
Available Certifications
Piano Practical
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Initial Grade
- Basic Keyboard Skills: Introduction to simple five-finger positions, focusing on finger independence and correct hand posture.
- Simple Rhythms: Mastery of basic note values (crotchets, quavers) and rests, ensuring steady tempo.
- Familiarization with the Keyboard: Playing easy pieces, developing coordination between hands.
- Aural Skills: Identification of differences in pitch, dynamics (loud/soft), and recognition of simple rhythmic patterns.
Grade 1
- Hands Coordination: Play simple melodies and basic chordal accompaniment using both hands.
- Basic Scales and Arpeggios: Introduction to scales (C major, G major, A minor) and arpeggios, played with correct fingering and tempo.
- Rhythm and Dynamics: Recognizing and applying dynamic markings (piano, forte) and basic articulation (legato, staccato).
- Sight-Reading: Introduction to reading simple pieces with a focus on rhythm and note accuracy.
- Aural Skills: Developing the ability to recognize simple intervals and repeat short melodic phrases.
Grade 2
- Expanded Repertoire: Playing pieces with more challenging rhythms, requiring greater hand coordination.
- Scales and Broken Chords: Mastery of major and minor scales, including D major and E minor, alongside broken chords.
- Articulation and Dynamics: Continued focus on playing with dynamic contrast and articulation, incorporating crescendos and diminuendos.
- Aural Skills: Recognition of rhythmic patterns and ability to identify melodic intervals, as well as short phrases played by the examiner.
Grade 3
- Complex Scales and Arpeggios: Proficiency in a broader range of scales and arpeggios, including contrary motion.
- Introduction to Pedalling: Basic pedalling techniques to enhance tone and sustain in pieces.
- Stylistic Interpretation: Beginning to interpret pieces from various musical periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic).
- Sight Reading: Increased complexity in rhythm and notation, improving the ability to read and play unfamiliar pieces.
- Aural Skills: Development of harmonic recognition, including cadences (perfect, imperfect) and differentiating between major and minor tonalities.
Grade 4
- Intermediate Repertoire: Learning pieces with more technical demands, requiring more control over articulation and phrasing.
- Advanced Scales: Introduction to chromatic scales and further mastery of major/minor scales in all keys.
- Improved Sight Reading: Handling more complex pieces that involve syncopation and irregular rhythms.
- Aural Skills: Recognizing more complex harmonic progressions, modulations, and cadences (plagal, interrupted).
Grade 5
- Advanced Technical Skills: Proficient execution of scales and arpeggios in all keys, with hands together over two or more octaves.
- Expressive Playing: Understanding and applying advanced musical expressions such as rubato and a more nuanced interpretation of dynamics.
- Increased Repertoire Difficulty: Playing longer, more technically demanding pieces, often requiring shifts in tempo and mood.
- Aural Skills: Identifying chord progressions, modulations between keys, and developing an ear for harmonic complexity in pieces.
Grade 6
- Advanced Repertoire: Playing technically and musically complex pieces, focusing on expressive phrasing and stylistic interpretation.
- Advanced Scales: Mastery of all major and minor scales, including diminished sevenths, dominant sevenths, and extended arpeggios.
- Interpretation of Complex Rhythms: Playing syncopated rhythms, irregular time signatures, and complex musical phrases with precision.
- Aural Skills: Recognition of more intricate harmonic sequences, extended chord structures, and modulation to distant keys.
Grade 7
- Performance Mastery: Ability to perform pieces with complex rhythmic and technical demands, requiring refined finger control and expressive depth.
- Left-Hand Independence: Playing pieces where the left hand has a more prominent melodic or harmonic role, such as in contrapuntal music.
- Sight Reading Proficiency: Reading complex scores with fluency, dealing with fast passages and sudden changes in dynamics.
- Aural Skills: Greater ability to identify harmonic progressions, advanced modulations, and chromaticism.
Grade 8
- Technical Mastery: Full command of scales, arpeggios, and broken chords, including advanced technical exercises.
- Performance of Advanced Repertoire: Playing pieces that demand virtuosic technique, such as rapid octave passages, intricate finger work, and sustained control over dynamics.
- Interpretation of Advanced Styles: Ability to interpret and perform music from a variety of styles and periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary) with stylistic authenticity.
- Aural Skills: Mastery in recognizing complex harmonic structures, cadences, modulations, and chromatic shifts in the music.
Vocals
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Grade 1
- Vocal Technique: Demonstrate control over a small vocal range with correct breathing and articulation.
- Musical Expression: Convey simple musical phrasing and expression.
- Aural Skills: Recognize and replicate basic pitch and rhythm patterns.
- Sight Singing: Read and sing simple, short phrases accurately.
- Performance: Perform with confidence, maintaining clear diction and a stable tone.
Grade 2
- Vocal Technique: Show improved breath control, intonation, and vocal range.
- Musical Interpretation: Demonstrate basic dynamic changes and expressive phrasing.
- Aural Skills: Identify intervals, rhythms, and simple melodies by ear.
- Sight Singing: Sing more complex phrases with attention to rhythm and pitch.
- Performance: Begin to showcase elements of musical interpretation and expression.
Grade 3
- Vocal Technique: Increase vocal flexibility and control across a broader range.
- Musical Expression: Show nuanced phrasing and a range of dynamic contrasts.
- Aural Skills: Identify chords and intervals with improved accuracy.
- Sight Singing: Manage more complex rhythms and pitch leaps in sight singing.
- Performance: Express a deeper understanding of the song’s style and mood.
Grade 4
- Vocal Technique: Enhanced breath support, tone consistency, and a developing middle and upper register.
- Musicality: Interpret pieces with clear dynamic control and attention to stylistic elements.
- Aural Skills: Improved recognition of harmonic progressions and rhythmic details.
- Sight Singing: Navigate varied rhythms and pitches with greater accuracy.
- Performance: Present a piece with a greater sense of style, emotion, and technical polish.
Grade 5
- Vocal Technique: Mastery of a wider vocal range and improved tonal quality across registers.
- Musical Expression: Express complex phrasing, dynamic contrast, and subtle nuances.
- Aural Skills: Identify complex intervals, rhythms, and chords by ear.
- Sight Singing: Accurately sing longer, rhythmically varied passages.
- Performance: Exhibit stylistic understanding and stage presence with consistent technical control.
Grade 6
- Vocal Technique: Demonstrate advanced breath control, resonance, and flexibility in phrasing.
- Musical Interpretation: Perform with intricate dynamic shading, tempo variation, and expressive phrasing.
- Aural Skills: Analyze harmonic structures and recognize modulations.
- Sight Singing: Confidently sight-read in challenging keys and rhythms.
- Performance: Display technical and emotional mastery, creating a more engaging performance.
Grade 7
- Vocal Technique: Refined tone production, vibrato control, and register blending.
- Musical Depth: Convey advanced phrasing and expression, exploring complex moods and styles.
- Aural Skills: Recognize advanced harmonic and melodic patterns.
- Sight Singing: Sing rhythmically complex and tonally challenging passages.
- Performance: Deliver an expressive, stylistically faithful performance with strong technical command.
Grade 8
- Vocal Mastery: Exhibit complete control over tone, dynamics, and register transitions.
- Artistic Interpretation: Interpret and convey intricate musical structures, moods, and character.
- Aural Skills: Analyze and identify advanced harmonic progressions and stylistic features.
- Sight Singing: Demonstrate fluency in sight singing with challenging keys, intervals, and rhythms.
- Professional-Level Performance: Present a highly polished, emotive performance showcasing both technical expertise and musical depth.
Modes of Examination
Online Digital Mode, Physical Mode
RSL is a global music education provider renowned for its contemporary approach to music assessment. They specialise in graded exams catering to various modern genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music. From introductory to Grade 8, these qualifications enable candidates to develop and enhance their musical skills, knowledge and understanding in an exciting, engaging and consistent manner.
Grades available for certification:Grade 1 - 9
Available Certifications
Vocals
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DEBUT
- Foundational Skills: Basic understanding of singing, including simple rhythms and melodies.
- Technique: Basic technical control,such as breath control and basic articulation.
- Musicianship: Introduction to reading simple notation and understanding time signatures.
- Performance: Perform short, simple pieces with basic musicality.
- Ear Training: Develop listening skills to recognize melody and rhythm.
Grade 1
- Technique: Improved control over basic techniques (e.g., legato, staccato, major scales and arpeggios in one ocatve).
- Musicianship: Understanding of key signatures, simple scales, and basic chords.
- Performance: Increased ability to perform with fluency and accuracy.
- Ear Training: Ability to recognize pitch quality and recall 2 bar rhythm.
Grade 2
- Technique: Enhance breath support and vocal projection; introduce basic control over vocal dynamics.
- Musicianship: Understand and interpret phrasing and dynamics more effectively.
- Performance: Sing songs with increased technical demand, focusing on expressive singing.
- Ear Training: Begin identifying simple melody and rhythm.
Grade 3
- Technique: Further develop control over dynamics, pitch, and tone; improve transition between registers.
- Musicianship: Show understanding of song structure, phrasing, and interpretation.
- Performance: Perform pieces with technical variety and an increasing focus on stylistic accuracy.
- Ear Training: Enhance pitch and interval recognition, rhythm replication, and start basic harmony work.
Grade 4
- Technique: Focus on vocal agility, pitch accuracy, and sustaining notes with increased control.
- Musicianship: Strengthen interpretation of dynamics, expression, and phrasing, considering song style.
- Performance: Deliver more technically demanding songs, maintaining stylistic accuracy and confidence.
- Ear Training: Recognize and replicate intervals and rhythms with greater complexity, including harmony.
Grade 5
- Technique: Strengthen control over pitch and tonal variation; achieve consistency across vocal registers.
- Musicianship: Understand complex phrasing, dynamics, and stylistic nuances relevant to song genre.
- Performance: Sing more challenging pieces with clear vocal identity, incorporating advanced expression.
- Ear Training: Improve recognition of scales, intervals, and complex rhythms; deepen harmony skills.
Grade 6
- Technique: Develop advanced vocal control with smooth register transitions and precise pitch.
- Musicianship: Enhance stylistic interpretation, phrasing, and dynamics, integrating genre-specific techniques.
- Performance: Perform with technical sophistication and increased personal style, handling complex pieces.
- Ear Training: Recognize complex chords and harmony, replicate intricate rhythmic patterns, and handle polyphonic melodies.
Grade 7
- Technique: Refine technical skills, focusing on challenging aspects like vocal runs, breath control, and agility.
- Musicianship: Master phrasing and expression at an advanced level, showing deep understanding of musical structure.
- Performance: Perform demanding pieces with strong stylistic flair and professional-level interpretation.
- Ear Training: Accurately identify advanced intervals, complex harmony, and varied rhythmic structures.
Grade 8
- Technique: Mastery of advanced vocal techniques and styles, including the ability to perform complex pieces.
- Musicianship: Mastery of microphone techniques, Innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality
- Performance: Exceptional performance with a strong personal style; ability to engage and captivate an audience.
- Ear Training: Expert-level ability to identify and analyze complex musical structures and improvisations.
Keyboard/Piano
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Debut
- Basic Technique: Introduction to hand positioning and coordination.
- Simple Melodies: Play basic melodies with simplified rhythms.
- Fundamental Notation: Reading basic note values and symbols.
- Listening Skills: Identify basic dynamics and rhythms.
- Improvisation and Ear Training: Simple responses in ear training and introductory improvisation.
Grade 1
- Technique Development: Introduce hands-together playing and major/minor pentatonic scales.
- Melody and Harmony: Play simple, short pieces with both melody and harmony.
- Fundamental Notation: Reading basic note values and symbols.
- Reading Notation: Expand on reading notation including simple rhythms.
- Aural Awareness: Develop listening skills for rhythm, dynamics, and simple chords.
- Improvisation: Basic improvisation using pentatonic scales.
Grade 2
- Enhanced Technique: Further develop coordination and hand independence.
- Expanded Repertoire: Pieces include more rhythmic complexity and basic syncopation.
- Fundamental Notation: Reading basic note values and symbols.
- Notation and Rhythm: Ability to read and interpret more complex rhythmic patterns.
- Listening and Ear Skills: Recognize and reproduce intervals and simple chord progressions.
- Improvisation Skills: Structured improvisation over simple chord progressions.
Grade 3
- Technical Fluency: Introduction to scales and arpeggios over two octaves.
- Rhythmic Complexity: Play pieces with more advanced rhythms and syncopation.
- Advanced Notation: Read and interpret moderately complex rhythms and rests.
- Harmonic Understanding: Introduction to basic chord progressions and cadences.
- Improvisation and Expression: Improvisational skills over more complex progressions, incorporating expression.
Grade 4
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of scales, arpeggios, and broken chords in both hands.
- Complex Repertoire: Perform pieces with increased length and expressive demands.
- Notation Mastery: Solid reading of varied rhythmic patterns and musical symbols.
- Harmonic and Rhythmic Awareness: Recognize and perform syncopation, basic modulation.
- Improvisation Development: More freedom in improvisation, creating melodies over harmonic structures.
Grade 5
- Advanced Technique: Proficiency in scales, arpeggios, and chromatic scales across hands.
- Expressive Performance: Play pieces that require interpretation and dynamic contrast.
- Notation and Rhythmic Precision: Ability to read complex rhythms and dynamic markings.
- Harmonic Understanding: Introduction to seventh chords and more sophisticated harmony.
- Improvisation and Style: Expressive improvisation in different styles, demonstrating control and phrasing.
Grade 6
- Technical Mastery: Command of complex scales, arpeggios, and stylistic ornamentation.
- Stylistic Interpretation: Perform pieces that require an understanding of stylistic nuance.
- Complex Notation and Rhythm: Proficiency in interpreting compound rhythms and syncopation.
- Advanced Harmony: Understanding and performing modulations, diminished and augmented chords.
- Improvisation Skill: Structured improvisation with style, expression, and advanced harmonic understanding.
Grade 7
- Refined Technique: Complete fluency with scales, arpeggios, and intricate finger work.
- Mature Repertoire: Perform complex pieces with interpretive depth and expressive range.
- Detailed Notation Understanding: Interpret complex rhythmic structures, dynamics, and phrasing.
- Sophisticated Harmony: Recognize and perform modulations, advanced chord structures.
- Creative Improvisation: Improvise with advanced harmony, modulations, and stylistic phrasing.
Grade 8
- Professional Technique: Mastery of all technical elements including rapid tempos and complex fingerings.
- Advanced Repertoire Performance: Interpret and expressively perform challenging repertoire.
- Comprehensive Notation Proficiency: Read and execute complex notation and dynamic contrasts.
- Advanced Harmonic Knowledge: Proficient in extended harmonies, modulations, and stylistic chords.
- Professional Improvisation: Improvise with fluency, demonstrating advanced musicality, harmony, and style.
Acoustic Guitar
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Debut
- Chord Foundations: Learn and play open chords like C, G, and Am with basic transitions.
- Rhythmic Awareness: Develop timing and tempo control with quarter-note strumming patterns.
- Entry-Level Pieces: Perform simple, one-minute pieces focusing on basic rhythm and dynamics.
- Basic Aural Skills: Introduction to pitch recognition and matching, laying the groundwork for ear training.
Grade 1
- Expanded Chord Vocabulary: Master additional open chords such as A, E, and D, enhancing chordal fluency.
- Strumming and Rhythm: Practice quarter and eighth-note strumming for rhythm consistency.
- Performance Practice: Play slightly longer pieces that involve basic chord transitions.
- Aural Development: Recognize and replicate basic rhythmic patterns and simple melodies.
Grade 2
- Scale Proficiency: Master additional open chords such as A, E, and D, enhancing chordal fluency.
- Rhythmic Skills: Work with eighth-note strumming and begin syncopation for rhythmic variety.
- Power Chords and Riffs: Gain confidence in continuous power chord progressions such as E5 and G5.
- Simple Improvisation: Begin improvisation exercises over basic chord progressions to build creative skills.
Grade 3
- Barre Chord Introduction: Begin using minor barre chords to expand harmonic possibilities.
- Scale and Mode Exploration: Learn minor pentatonic scales, adding depth to improvisational skills.
- Intermediate Performance Pieces: Play pieces that incorporate both open and barre chords.
- Improvisation Development: Practice simple solos over pentatonic scales, enhancing phrasing and timing.
Grade 4
- Extended Barre Chords: Develop fluency with major and minor barre chords across the fretboard.
- Arpeggio Work: Incorporate arpeggios to improve finger dexterity and musicality.
- Expressive Techniques: Perform pieces requiring dynamics, articulation, and controlled tempo changes.
- Aural Recognition: Refine aural skills through rhythm dictation and pitch exercises.
Grade 5
- Advanced Chord Voicings: Explore chord extensions and inversions, broadening harmonic vocabulary.
- Complex Rhythmic Patterns: Practice syncopated and off-beat strumming patterns for versatility.
- Fingerstyle Introduction: Learn basic fingerstyle patterns to enhance technical ability.
- Stylistic Interpretation: Perform pieces in various styles, focusing on dynamics and phrasing nuances.
Grade 6
- Modal Knowledge: Study modes such as Dorian and Mixolydian, applying them to improvisation and composition.
- Technical Dexterity: Enhance fingerstyle proficiency and alternative picking for increased versatility.
- Advanced Repertoire: Tackle pieces with intricate phrasing, articulations, and tempo fluctuations.
- Improvisational Finesse: Develop structured solos, incorporating phrasing and stylistic elements.
Grade 7
- Advanced Rhythm Techniques: Execute challenging rhythmic patterns, including triplets and syncopation.
- Improvisation Mastery: Craft solos that demonstrate modal understanding, dynamic control, and stylistic interpretation.
- Intricate Fingerpicking: Master complex fingerpicking techniques, showing technical skill and expression.
- Professional-Level Performance: Play advanced pieces that demand musical expression and technical proficiency.
Grade 8
- Technical Mastery: Show proficiency in all scales, modes, and arpeggios, as well as advanced harmonics.
- Professional Repertoire: Perform pieces that challenge technical skills and artistic interpretation.
- Sight-Reading and Aural Excellence: Display advanced sight-reading and aural recognition, essential for professional musicianship.
- Expressive Improvisation: Execute highly developed improvisations that reflect deep musical understanding and creativity.
Electric Guitar
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Initial Grade
- Basic Techniques: Learn fundamental techniques such as fretting, picking, and open chords.
- Simple Rhythm Patterns: Develop the ability to maintain a steady rhythm while strumming basic patterns.
- Introduction to Melody: Play simple single-note melodies and riffs.
- Musical Awareness: Begin to understand and play along with backing tracks.
Grade 1
- Chords and Fluency: Master basic open major and minor chords, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Reading Skills: Start reading simple notation, tablature, and rhythm values.
- Rhythmic Control: Improve timing and strumming consistency through basic patterns.
- Melodic Playing: Play simple melodies and riffs with greater accuracy.
Grade 2
- Expanded Chords: Introduce more chord types, including 7th chords, while enhancing finger dexterity.
- Rhythm and Syncopation: Develop more control over syncopated rhythms and strumming variations.
- Scale Practice: Begin mastering the pentatonic scale in open and first positions.
- Playing with Backing Tracks: Improve fluency by performing with backing tracks at moderate tempos.
Grade 3
- Improvisation: Introduce improvisation using basic scales such as the major and minor pentatonic.
- Complex Rhythms: Improve handling of more complex rhythms, such as triplets and syncopations.
- Articulation Techniques: Learn techniques like slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and basic bends.
- Stage Presence: Build confidence by performing set pieces with attention to expression and dynamics.
Grade 4
- Extended Scales: Gain fluency in using major and minor scales across more of the fretboard.
- Rhythmic Complexity: Tackle more challenging rhythms and syncopated strumming patterns.
- Expression and Articulation: Use more advanced techniques, such as palm muting and dynamics, to add expression to performances.
- Song Arrangement: Perform full songs with attention to structure, including intros, outros, and bridges.
Grade 5
- Advanced Chords: Play barre chords, power chords, and extended chord shapes across the fretboard.
- Improvised Solos: Begin incorporating improvisation into solos using the pentatonic and blues scales.
- Articulation Mastery: Refine techniques like vibrato, string bending, and slides for expressive playing.
- Performance Skills: Develop confidence in performing both lead and rhythm guitar parts within ensemble or backing track contexts.
Grade 6
- Technical Proficiency: Refine more advanced techniques such as alternate picking, legato, and sweep picking.
- Complex Time Signatures: Master pieces in odd and compound time signatures (e.g., 7/8, 5/4).
- Improvisation: Improve improvisational skills using modes and extended scales (e.g., Dorian, Mixolydian).
- Stylistic Versatility: Explore various styles, including rock, blues, jazz, and funk, showcasing versatility in performance.
Grade 7
- Advanced Soloing: Execute complex solos using techniques like string skipping, tapping, and hybrid picking.
- Extended Fretboard Knowledge: Utilize scales and modes across the entire neck, integrating modal playing into improvisation.
- Intricate Rhythm Playing: Play challenging rhythm parts with advanced chord voicings and odd time signatures.
- Expressive Techniques: Master dynamic control and expressiveness through advanced articulation techniques like harmonics and wide vibrato.
Grade 8
- Mastery of Techniques: Demonstrate complete control over advanced techniques such as sweep picking, tapping, and fast alternate picking.
- Complex Rhythms and Time Signatures: Perform and improvise confidently in complex and changing time signatures (e.g., 6/8, 9/8).
- Creative Improvisation: Improvise using modes, extended arpeggios, and advanced chord tones, while showing personal expression and musicality.
- Professional-Level Performance: Execute technically challenging pieces with stage presence, ensuring accuracy, expression, and stylistic fluency.
Modes of Examination
Online Digital Mode, Physical Mode
The Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (ABGMVM) is one of the prominent institutions in India dedicated to promoting Indian classical music and dance. To preserve the rich, cultural and musical heritage, ABGMVM offers structured examinations from beginner level to advanced levels. They have over 1200 affiliated institutions and 800 examination centers worldwide.
Grades available for certification:Grade 1 - 7
Available Certifications
Hidustani Vocal
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Prarambhik (प्रारंभिक)
- Ability to identify basic swaras and essential raga elements (Pakad, Vaadi, Samvaadi) with confidence.
- Understanding of Thaat classification, significance of Vaadi-Samvaadi, and raga structure (Aaroh-Avroh).
- Knowledge of seven swaras in natural and altered forms and their role in Thaat and raga creation.
- Recognition of appropriate performance times (Samay) for each raga.
- Competency in performing primary taals: Keharwa (8 beats), Dadra (6 beats), Teentaal (16 beats).
- Identifying and performing basic ragas: Durga, Kaafi, Khamaj, Bhimpalasi, Bageshri, Bhupali, Des.
- Skilled in raga recognition through distinct Aaroh-Avroh, Vaadi, Samvaadi, and Pakad.
- Clear intonation of Shuddh swaras with accurate pitch.
- Improved speed and control through regular practice of Palta & Alankaar.
Praveshika Pratham (प्रवेशिका प्रथम)
- Strong foundation in identifying Shuddha and Vikrut swaras with alankar practice in Vilambit and Madhya layas.
- Ability to perform and recognize foundational ragas (Yaman, Kafi, Khamaj, Bhimpalasi, Bageshree, Bhupali, Des, Durga) through Aroh-Avroh, Vaadi, Samvaadi, and Pakad.
- Basic rhythm accuracy in taals: Ektaal, Chautaal, Jhaptal, Roopak, and Teen Taal.
- Proficiency in patriotic compositions, enhancing emotional expression.
- Understanding of key musical terms (Sangeet, Naad, Taan, Laya) and Thaat-based raga classification.
- Basic skills in Swaralipi for reading and writing compositions.
- Raga recognition through Pakad and note structure.
Praveshika Dwitiya (प्रवेशिका द्वितीय)
- Skill in Shuddha and Vikrut swaras with advanced alankars across layas.
- Performance of Bada Khayal in Yaman/Kalyan and Bhup, and Madhyalaya Bandish in Alhaiya Bilawal, Vrindavani Sarang, Bhairav, Kedar, Asavari, Tilak Kamod, Bihag, and Bhairavi, with raga identification using Aroh-Avroh, Vaadi, Samvaadi, and Pakad.
- Execution of devotional and folk compositions, plus harmonium techniques (Kootan, Ghasit, ZamZama).
- Advanced understanding of Naad, Shruti, Swar, Raga, Thaat, Meend, and Gamak, along with Thaat classification and raga features (Vaadi, Samvaadi, Pakad).
- Kowledge of Vilambit Ektaal, Chautaal, Dhamar, Rupak, and Teen Taal with hand gestures and vocal syllables for rhythm control.
- Raga recognition through listening, focusing on distinctive phrases and structures.
Madhyama Pratham (मध्यमा प्रथम)
- Ability to identifying and performing Shuddha and Vikrut swaras with advanced alankars (Meend, Gamak, Khatka, Murki) in Alap phrases.
- Ability to perform Vilambit Khayal in Bhupali, Kalyan (Yaman), Bageshree, and Bihag, along with Madhyalaya Bandish in Jaunpuri, Malkauns, Hamir, Patdeep, Tilang, Deskar, and Kalingda, with skills in Alap, Taan, and Tode.
- Knowledge of raga structures (Aroh-Avroh, Vaadi, Samvaadi, Pakad) for accurate identification and performance.
- Advanced understanding of complex taals: Jhaptal, Vilambit Ektaal, Tilwada, Dhamar, and Sooltal, with rhythmic variations (dugun, tigun, chaugun).
- Capability to perform devotional and folk compositions with emotional depth and rhythm accuracy.
- In-depth understanding of Naad, Shruti, Swar, Anulom-Vilom, Gamak, and instrumental types (Tantu, Vitat, Ghana, Sushir).
- Familiarity with Thaat system (Bhatkhande’s 10 thaats) and raga classification by Vaadi, Samvaadi, and Pakad.
- Mastery of specific taals: Jhumra, Vilambit Ektaal, Tilwada, Dhamar, and Sooltal for both vocal and instrumental application.
- Study of the biographies and contributions of three significant figures from Sw. Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, Tansen, Pt. Balakrishna Ichalkaranjikar, Pt. Pannalal Ghosh, or Pt. Shivkumar Sharma.
Madhyama Dwitiya (मध्यमा द्वितीय)
- Vilambit and Drut Khayal in Bhimpalasi, Vrindavani Sarang, Kedar, Jaunpuri, Malkauns, and Bhairav. Present additional ragas (Shankara, Jayjayvanti, Gaudsarang, Puriya Dhanashree, Kamod, Chhayanat) with Bandish, Alap and Taan in a concise manner.
- Skill in complex taals (Rupak, Deepchandi, Chautaal) in dugun, tigun, and chaugun tempos, with adaptability in rhythmic patterns.
- Perform Jay Jagdish Hare, bhajan, ghazal, patriotic, and folk songs with tanpura and basic tabla support.
- Deeper dive on music theory (Naad, Shruti, Swar, Vadi-Samvadi) and raga characteristics, including the 22 shrutis.
- Familiarity with contributions of Gopalanayak, Amir Khusro, Tansen, Tyagaraja, and Purandara Dasa, and insights on singer qualities from Sangeet Ratnakar.
- Able to write on classical/folk music, science in music, music-literature connection, and the importance of music in life.
Visharad Pratham (विशारद प्रथम)
- Vilambit and Drut Khayal, Maseetkhani and Razakhani gats in core ragas (Gaur Sarang, Shankara, Jaijaivanti, Puriya Dhanashree, Hamir, Kamod) with extended Alap and Taan.
- Study of additional ragas (Miyan Malhar, Multani, Maru Bihag, Puriya, Shuddha Kalyan, Darbari Kanada, Bahar) with Madhya Laya Bandish, Alap, and Taan.
- Knowledge of complex taals (Ada Chautaal, Jhoomra, Deepchandi, Punjabi) in dugun, tigun, and chaugun tempos with rhythmic adaptability.
- Present compositions across forms like Dhrupad, Dhamar, Tarana, Chaturang, and Thumri, along with folk-inspired pieces in regional styles.
- In-depth understanding of raga theory, thaat system, rhythmic cycles, and the 72 melas of Vyankatamaki.
- Knowledge of contributions by Alauddin Khan, Vinayak Rao Patwardhan, Ratanjankar, Omkarnath Thakur, Nikhil Banerjee, and Bismillah Khan.
- Essays on classical music's role in film, evolution of music, and significance of compositions in the classical tradition.
- Understanding of Indian instrument classifications and basic harmonium and tabla skills for accompaniment.
Visharad Dwitiya (विशारद द्वितीय)
- Deep understanding of Vilambit and Drut Khayal, Masitkhani, and Razakhani compositions in key ragas (Miyan Malhar, Multani, Maru Bihag, Puriya, Shuddha Kalyan, Darbari Kanada) with in-depth Alap and Taan.
- Study and presentation of additional ragas (Bhairav, Lalit, Todi, Basant, Sohni, Hindol, Marwa) through Madhya Laya Bandish and Alap-Taan.
- Proficiency in all the taals learnt so far.
- Performance versatility in classical forms like Dhrupad, Dhamar, Tarana, and Chaturang, as well as semi-classical genres like Thumri and regional folk compositions.
- Deep theoretical understanding of raga structure, thaat systems, raga classification, and the 72 melas of Vyankatamaki.
- Familiarity with historical contributions by musicologists and artists like Bharatmuni, Sharangadeva, Matanga, Ramamatya, and Ahobal.
- Analytical skills to write essays on themes such as music's evolution, role in cinema, and Guru-Shishya tradition in classical education.
- Knowledge of Indian musical instrument classification and practical basics in harmonium and tabla for accompaniment.
- Comprehensive study of tonal science, including vibration, frequency, intervals, and Western musical scales (natural, tempered, major, minor).
- Understanding of the structure and significance of Indian music gharanas and their contributions.
Modes of Examination
Online Digital Mode, Physical Mode
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Frequently Asked Questions
The highest certification in music depends on the area of expertise. Academically, a Doctorate in Music (Ph.D. or DMA) is the pinnacle qualification. Professionally, fellowships and diplomas from prestigious institutions like the ABRSM (FRSM), Trinity College London, or the Royal Academy of Music are highly regarded. For specific genres, certifications such as Sangeet Visharad (Indian classical music) or advanced performance diplomas are recognized as top qualifications.
You can get any certification by joining Artium’s online music classes.
Certification in music signifies formal recognition of a musician's skills, knowledge, or proficiency in a specific area, such as performance, theory, or teaching. Accredited institutions or organisations typically award it and serve as a benchmark for achieving a certain level of musical expertise.
Accreditation in music refers to the formal recognition of a music institution or program by an authoritative body, ensuring it meets established standards of quality and excellence. It guarantees that music education is credible, consistent, and widely respected.
The highest qualification in music is typically a Doctorate in Music, such as a Ph.D. in Music (focused on research, theory, or education) or a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) (centered on performance, composition, or conducting). These degrees represent the pinnacle of academic achievement in the field of music.
The best music course depends on your goals. Beginners can start with basic theory or instrumental classes, while advanced learners can pursue degrees like Bachelor of Music, Music Production, or specialised programs in classical or contemporary music. Choose a course based on your interests and career aspirations.