What to do next for performance based assessments.
1. Please Click here to contact the Three Counties School of Music for an information pack which will include the entry forms & syllabus. Please ensure that the syllabus is always referred to for requirements / guidelines / Rules & Regulations etc.
2. Choose the level & kind of assessment – this could include a Tailor-made assessment. (If the candidate is studying with a teacher, please consult your teacher for advice).
3. Choose the repertoire carefully and check the requirements with the syllabus. Remember - performance assessments are focusing on the performance element, so make sure you practice regularly, in order to perform to a high standard.
4. Make sure that all the requirements listed in all relevant sections of the syllabus have been covered. Diploma candidates are required to research and write programme notes & submit them in performance order. As marks are allocated for these sections of the assessment, candidate’s must submit portfolios / programme notes (if applicable) to the assessor on the day of the assessment.
5. Send proposed repertoire in advance to:
Ian Higginson – Three Counties Music, (contact details given on ‘Contact us’ menu, in order to ensure that the chosen repertoire is suitable for the level of proposed assessment.
6. When candidates have received an approval for the proposed repertoire from Three Counties Music, the appropriate entry forms must be completed and sent along with the appropriate payment by cheque e made out to Three Counties Music for the assessment. Address is given on the ‘Contact us‘ page.
7. Arrangements for taking the assessment will then be sent to you.
Please always refer to Rules & Regulations section of the syllabus regarding absences from assessments etc.
Above all, please remember – In addition to candidates striving to achieve – music is fun and this should always be encouraged -and that is an important reason for taking these assessments.
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Composition Diplomas
Available at the three levels of diploma – DipTCSM, ATCSM & FTCSM.
**For diploma assessments in composition / Singer-songwriter, the candidate does not attend an assessment as these disciplines are via submitted portfolios only. Written Programme Notes (which are brief and informative) are only applicable to diplomas.
Candidates are also required to write brief but informative programme notes in order of pieces included the portfolio. Marks are allocated for this section.
Candidates are required to submit the following:
a) A portfolio of compositions (requirements vary depending on level of diploma).
b) Candidates must submit a mixed media portfolio containing evidence of their musical interests / experiences etc.
c) Title page for each piece which includes the Title, Scoring and Name of Candidate as the composer.
d) Candidates must also submit brief descriptive programme notes about each piece in the order included in the portfolio.
e) CD recording, (either live or electronically generated in WAV format).
f) A signed & dated declaration stating that the compositions included in the portfolio are indeed composed by the candidate.
Plagiarized Material
If material is plagiarized, the candidate will automatically be disqualified. Similarly, if the candidate is initially successful and it is subsequently discovered that the compositional material has been plagiarized, the candidate will have the qualification taken away. There would be no refund of fee for this.
Please always refer to the syllabus for detail regarding guidelines, presentation & Rules & Regulations etc.
What to do next for a Diploma in composition / singer/song-writer
1. Contact Three Counties Music for an information pack which will include the entry forms & syllabus. Please ensure that you always refer to the to the syllabus.
2. Choose the level of your assessment (You may need advice from your teacher, if applicable)
3. Choose the pieces you wish to include in your portfolio – remember – candidates need to show an understanding of compositional styles / techniques and they must be aware of the total duration requirements of compositions for each level of diploma.
4. Make sure all the requirements listed in the syllabus including the Rules and Regulations have been covered including producing the appropriate portfolios, CD recordings / descriptive Programme Notes and signed declaration etc.
5. Send your entry forms / cheque for the appropriate fee made out to Three Counties Music, plus your Portfolio of compositions CD and your mixed media portfolio to:
Ian Higginson – Three Counties Music (contact details given on ‘Contact us’ menu).
Please also refer to the syllabus for the requirements for presentation of portfolios etc.