News & Events

Since Covid, many examination boards have moved to offer offsite (non face-to-face) music grading examinations. The first major player to do so was probably Rockschool, part of the UK-based body RSL Awards, where it started with providing contemporary music syllabus for various instruments and performance arts. As Covid lingered on longer than expected, others like ABRSM, Trinity College London and the London College of Music Examinations (LCME) soon followed suit. 

Hence, a new examination format was born and here to stay.

However, not every student, parent or even private music teachers is familiar with the requirements for these exam recording formats.  A mis-step could cause the entire recording submission to be rejected. Music grading examination fees are fairly costly these days, not to mention the losses beyond monetary, such as time loss and the need to “re-prepare” for the retake.

In addition, efforts to perform such recordings at one’s residence are often disrupted with unexpected noises from neighours, car honks, aircraft sounds (those living near air bases) and sudden rains and thunder sounds. Even without all these external noise factors, most students will face 3 major challenges when recording at home:

1. The lighting is poor. It could be too dim, or uneven lighting due to room furnishings casting some shadows.
2. The sound waves could bounce in uncontrolled directions depending on the furnitures, ceiling height, glass windows etc causing echoes or delays.
3. The recording format/video angle could be unacceptable and hence submission is either not possible, or faces a possible rejection.

The above factors could vastly affect the video recording quality and thereby affects the overall grading results.

Our Studios have acoustically treated walls, doors and carpets to eliminate these challenges.

Regardless of whether you’re looking at recording for the Rockschool (RSL) video performance exam, ABRSM performance certificate, Trinity digital exam, or even the NAFA Chinese instruments examinations (NAFACCOM video submission), we can help.

Contact us to find out how.