Singing Performance Certificate & Diplomas
ACVA offers four (4) professional exams designed to examine and accredit the executive performance capabilities of singers. When undertaking a course, candidates can choose to specialise in either: Musical theatre, pop/contemporary voice, jazz singing, classical voice, opera performance, country music, or singer-songwriter. If you are more interested in our teaching diplomas, you can find them here.
Certificate (Singing Performance) (CACVA)
If you’re just starting out, ACVA’s entry level Certificate in Singing Performance is right for you!
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Recital - 30 minutes duration (± 5 minutes either side of this time limit is permitted with no penalty. You simply record your recital (in one unedited take) and submit it online for marking.
Program notes (1x A4 page maximum)
(There is no viva voce requirement for this exam)
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Choose to specialise in either:
- Musical theatre
- Pop/contemporary voice
- Jazz singing
- Classical voice
- Opera performance
- Country music
- Singer-songwriter. -
1. Apply for exam entry and submit the fee.
2. Select enough musical pieces to fulfil the time requirement.
3. Comprehensively rehearse your performance in its entirety.
4. Write your program notes and be sure to add any important information you feel is helpful from your research about each song.
5. Record your exam and have a great time doing it!
6. Submit your recording and program notes for marking.
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Apply anytime, year round.
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None specified.
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$360 gst inclusive
Level 1: Associate Diploma (Singing Performance) (AACVA)
ACVA’s Level 1 Associate Diploma is the perfect entry point for singers with some experience, who are developing their skills at an early professional level.
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Recital - 40 minutes duration (± 5 minutes either side of this time limit is permitted with no penalty. You simply record your recital (in one unedited take) and submit it online for marking.
Program notes (2x A4 pages maximum)
Live (online) viva vice discussion with examiner - 20 minutes
A single examiner will mark all assessments.
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Choose to specialise in either:
- Musical theatre
- Pop/contemporary voice
- Jazz singing
- Classical voice
- Opera performance
- Country music
- Singer-songwriter. -
1. Apply for exam entry and submit the fee.
2. Select enough musical pieces to fulfil the time requirement.
3. Comprehensively rehearse your performance in its entirety.
4. Write your program notes and be sure to add any important information you feel is helpful from your research about each song.
5. Record your exam and have a great time doing it!
6. Submit your recording and program notes for marking.
7 To prepare for the viva voce with your examiner, you should be able to explain and discuss:
All key elements of your performed musical pieces, including all music theory features (keys, form/structure, markings, broader works the piece comes within (e.g. if from an Oratorio or musical theatre production), and similar.
Be able to explain the meaning in English of any non-English text, including lyrics and markings on your pieces.
Explain why you selected each piece and what you feel it contributes to your program.
Biographical information about the composers of your pieces and their musical contemporaries.
Other general knowledge related to your programmed works.
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Apply anything, year round.
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Minimum age at exam time: 18 years.
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$490 gst inclusive.
Level 2 - Licentiate Diploma (Singing Performance) (LACVA)
ACVA’s Level 2 Licentiate Diploma is designed for singers with more more performance experience who are looking to upskill at an advanced level.
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Recital - 50 minutes duration (± 5 minutes either side of this time limit is permitted with no penalty. You simply record your recital (in one unedited take) and submit it online for marking.
Program notes (2x A4 pages maximum)
Live (online) viva vice discussion with examiner - 20 minutes
Two examiners (including a senior examiner) will mark all assessments.
-
Choose to specialise in either:
- Musical theatre
- Pop/contemporary voice
- Jazz singing
- Classical voice
- Opera performance
- Country music
- Singer-songwriter. -
1. Apply for exam entry and submit the fee.
2. Select enough musical pieces to fulfil the time requirement.
3. Comprehensively rehearse your performance in its entirety.
4. Write your program notes and be sure to add any important information you feel is helpful from your research about each song.
5. Record your exam and have a great time doing it!
6. Submit your recording and program notes for marking.
7 To prepare for the viva voce with your examiner, you should be able to explain and discuss:
All key elements of your performed musical pieces, including all music theory features (keys, form/structure, markings, broader works the piece comes within (e.g. if from an Oratorio or musical theatre production), and similar.
Be able to explain the meaning in English of any non-English text, including lyrics and markings on your pieces.
Explain why you selected each piece and what you feel it contributes to your program.
Biographical information about the composers of your pieces and their musical contemporaries.
Other general knowledge related to your programmed works.
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Anytime, year round.
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Minimum age at exam time: 18 years.
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$660 gst incusive
Level 3 - Fellowship Diploma (Singing Performance) (FACVA)
The Level 3 Fellowship Diploma in Singing Performance, our highest award is designed for expert singers with a strong command of diverse vocal techniques and approaches, and an elite understanding of music interpretation and performance theory.
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Recital - 80 minutes duration (± 10 minutes either side of this time limit is permitted with no penalty. Fellowship Diploma exams are only held in a live (not online) in-person environment.
Program notes (3x A4 pages maximum)
Live viva vice discussion with examiner - 20 minutes
Two examiners (including a senior examiner) will mark all assessments.
-
Choose to specialise in either:
- Musical theatre
- Pop/contemporary voice
- Jazz singing
- Classical voice
- Opera performance
- Country music
- Singer-songwriter. -
1. Apply for exam entry and submit the fee.
2. Select enough musical pieces to fulfil the time requirement. You must submit your programme for approval of ACVA to ensure suitability.
3. Comprehensively rehearse your performance in its entirety.
4. Write your program notes and be sure to add any important information you feel is helpful from your research about each song.
5. Perform your recital and complete your viva voce with your examiners immediately afterwards.
6. To prepare for the viva voce with your examiner, you should be able to explain and discuss:
All key elements of your performed musical pieces, including all music theory features (keys, form/structure, markings, broader works the piece comes within (e.g. if from an Oratorio or musical theatre production), and similar.
Be able to explain the meaning in English of any non-English text, including lyrics and markings on your pieces.
Explain why you selected each piece and what you feel it contributes to your program.
Biographical information about the composers of your pieces and their musical contemporaries.
Other general knowledge related to your programmed works.
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You may enter for examination any time throughout the year. However, because this exam is conducted live, in person, a specific date and time will be selected by ACVA (in liaison with you to ensure suitability).
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Minimum age at exam time: 24 years.
You must hold an Associate Diploma (Level 2) or higher in the same or similar subject area from any recognised examination board or institution (e.g. AMEB, Trinity College, ABRSM, universities, TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, etc). If unsure and to avoid disappointment, please ask us if your qualification meets these requirements before you apply and prepare for your exam.
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$1,320 gst inclusive.