SCSM examinations are offered for Pianoforte, Piano Duet, Piano Accompanying, Violin, ‘Cello, Viola, Double Bass, Digital Piano, Modern Piano, Singing, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Classical Guitar, Contemporary Guitar, Drum Kit, Ukulele, Music Theory & Composition. The Certificate of Performing Arts (CPA), Ensemble examinations (both Choral and Instrumental) and Musicianship/Precision-Reading examinations are available at all levels. St. Cecilia’s NEW Jazz course and examinations are now available for Keyboard, Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Singing.
Most of these subjects are offered at the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary levels, as well as eight grades and eight concert certificates. Recital Certificates are available at two levels- First and Advanced. St. Cecilia Diplomas may be taken in Performance and/or Teaching as well as Research, Theory and Composition. The Certificate in Music Teaching is available for teachers who principally teach students at the elementary levels only.
Each practical examination syllabus contains a wide selection of pieces to ensure the examination is as individual and enjoyable as possible.
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The SCSM piano/keyboard syllabus is designed to provide a structured course which enables students to develop their skills while choosing from a wide selection of appealing pieces. Whilst the pianoforte syllabus is classically based, jazz and blues styles are included in the 20th / 21st Century section. Candidates may also play complete works, which become mandatory in grade eight. For the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary grades, major teaching methods and publications are all included.
The School has always been proud of its string teaching heritage. All major publications are included in the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary examination repertoire including the “Flying Start for Strings” and the “Strings Rock” series. The major string repertoire forms the basis of each grade and there is an Own Choice section for Item 4. Examinations albums for Violin Grades Beginner – Five are available through major music retailers or from the publishers www.dynamicpublishing.com.au
St. Cecilia’s singing syllabus has a broad and updated repertoire that is suitable for all voices including early adolescents. The syllabus is integrated technically and artistically, and languages other than English are an important part of the overall experience. As with all St. Cecilia syllabuses, the singing syllabus is suitable for both private and school music curricula.
The SCSM Classical Guitar syllabus features current international teaching methods. The technical requirements cover all aspects of tonality and technical coordination in a sensible and developmental approach. An “Own Choice” section is available at all grade levels.
St Cecilia is to the forefront in introducing a structured and accredited suite of examinations for the Contemporary Guitarist. Drawing from the latest repertoire with provision for “own choice”, the syllabus suits all tastes and styles without compromising the fundamental technical requirements. Examinations are available from the very Beginner levels through to Grade 8 and diplomas.
Our drum kit examinations are uniquely designed and cover all aspects of technique and repertoire essential to the beginner, developing and advanced drummer. Examination levels from Preliminary to Grade Eight and Diplomas (teaching and performing) are available.
The Ukulele has generally not been associated with the formalities of a music examination and consequently, students of this fascinating and unique instrument have often been neglected. St. Cecilia Examinations has designed a syllabus to provide a structured course which will enable the student to develop all the skills associated with performing the ukulele whilst choosing music from a wide selection of interesting pieces and publications.
The Woodwind syllabus offers all grades from Beginner through to grade eight as well as three diplomas. Saxophone examinations may be taken on soprano, tenor, alto or baritone. Clarinet examinations may also be taken on the Bass Clarinet. A very extensive list of pieces has been set which allows for considerable imagination as well as style in the examination. Albums with CD accompaniment have been included and their use is encouraged in the actual examination.
A structured course for Treble Clef and Bass Clef Brass instruments has been constructed to allow students to develop their technical skills using a variety of interesting pieces and publications. Examinations are available at all Grade and Concert Certificate levels from Beginner to Grade Eight. Diplomas are also available for all Brass instruments.
The SCSM Musicianship syllabus may be used independently or in conjunction with the SCSM practical grade syllabuses. At the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary levels the focus is on developing and strengthening basic listening and reading skills whilst Grades One to Eight need a more extensive and complex level of preparation.
The Certificate of Performing Arts (CPA) is directed at encouraging and rewarding performers of all ages in pursuing their interest in the Arts with special emphasis on the creative, imaginative, technical and emotional aspects of music, dance, literature and drama. Three introductory levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) are followed by CPA One to Eight.
SCSM offers Choral Ensemble examinations throughout its entire international network. These examinations provide a formal opportunity for Choir Directors/Conductors to enter their ensembles for assessment and be rewarded with a grading as well as an individual certificate for each participant.
SCSM offers Instrumental Ensemble examinations throughout its entire international network. These examinations provide a formal opportunity for Orchestral and Chamber Music Directors/Conductors to enter their ensembles for assessment and be rewarded with a grading as well as an individual certificate for each participant.
St. Cecilia’s Theory of Music course and examinations have been designed to logically cover all rudimentary skills, harmony, composition and basic musical general knowledge. Creative skills are also encouraged. Workbooks and Sample Examination Paper Books are available for all levels ie. Beginner, Junior, Preliminary, Grades 1- 8. Students who are successful with their St. Cecilia Theory of Music examinations are exempted from the equivalent practical grade Programme Notes (General Knowledge) section of the examination.
The Certificate of Music Teaching (CMT) is a diploma qualification offered by the St Cecilia School of Music to prepare teachers to teach at the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary grade levels. This very popular course also covers the business and marketing aspects required for a successful teaching practice. It is ideally suited for those who wish to update their skills or who are embarking on a teaching career.
St. Cecilia offers a three or four-day course to prepare students for this qualification. Courses may be taken in most cities and towns throughout Australia, Asia, and New Zealand. Prior skills and qualifications are taken into consideration for all applicants and may allow for exemption in some units. Courses may be taken individually or in a group situation.
E-mail St. Cecilia for further information info@st-cecilia.com.au
SCSM offers a complete range of professional diploma examinations in all subjects. SCSM Performance Diplomas represent a high level of musical and technical competency whilst Teaching Diplomas reflect a musician’s ability to teach professionally and skilfully at all levels. No pre-requisites are needed for entry into the Associate and Licentiate levels. Diplomas are offered in Performance, Teaching, Duet Performance, Accompanying, Theory, Composition, Research and Musicology, Church Music and Arts Education.
The Associate Diploma in Performance (A.Dip.SCSM) requires a performance programme between 32-38 minutes in length. The choice of items is a major part of the overall assessment. The Licentiate Diploma in Performance (L.Dip.SCSM) represents a professional level of study and performance practice.
The Fellowship Diploma (F.Dip.SCSM) may be taken at most centres throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia. Special application must be made for this exceptionally prestigious examination. A Licentiate Diploma is a pre-requisite for entry at this level.
