There are no restrictions as to where you film your performance – at home, at school, at your teacher’s studio, in a hall – wherever you have access to a quiet performing space and the appropriate instrument or performance props. And you can work with whoever you wish to in recording your video – family, friends, your teacher, or others. You may ask someone to help you with the recording, with playing your accompaniment or backing tracks, and with managing your exam space. You can even have a group of people behind the camera if you enjoy working in the presence of a live audience!
Please watch these short videos from our lead senior examiners, who will take you through how to achieve the best video recording. You can download below the Filming Guidance for detailed explanation for specific syllabuses and instruments.
Some quick tips when planning your recording:
Your books/ legally downloaded copies must be in shot when you film your performance. Please make sure they will be visible to the examiner so that they can confirm that you are playing from a legal copy – even if you choose to perform from memory. In the case that you have purchased a digital copy and are playing from a tablet or eReader, please show the copy on screen to the camera, ensuring that the watermark is clearly legible, so the examiner can confirm the purchase.
Please remember to turn off HD settings, or select the lowest available HD setting, on your device before you begin. Your exam does not need to be recorded in high definition, and will result in files that are too large for upload. You may record your video as an mp4 or mov file.
And remember - exams must be submitted as one continuous performance.
Accompaniments (Classical & Jazz only)
Candidates may use recorded accompaniments in place of a live accompanist or duet partner for all digital exams at Initial – Grade 8.
For digital music diplomas, we strongly advise candidates to perform with live accompaniment. However, we will now accept recorded accompaniments in digital diploma exams, and have removed the 31 December 2023 deadline, making this a permanent offer.
Drum Kit (all Group A pieces) and Acoustic Guitar pieces (where tracks are required) must always be accompanied by the °®¶¹ÊÓƵ backing tracks.
Please refer to this page for information on recorded accompaniments published by °®¶¹ÊÓƵ.
Make sure you don’t miss the latest news from °®¶¹ÊÓƵ. Sign up for email updates about your subject area.