Singing Performance Certificate & Diploma Exams
ACVA offers four (4) professional exams designed to examine and accredit the executive performance capabilities of singers. Learners 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 singing teaching diplomas, you can find them here.
Certificate in Singing Performance - CCVA
If you’re just starting out, ACVA’s entry level Certificate in Singing Performance is right for you!
-
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)
-
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 from our Repertoire List to fulfil the time requirement. Be sure to choose pieces from the correct sections in the List.
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.
-
Apply anytime, year round.
-
None specified.
-
$360 gst inclusive
Associate Diploma in Singing Performance - ACVA
ACVA’s Associate Diploma is the perfect entry point for singers with some experience, who are developing their skills at an early professional level.
-
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.
-
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 from our Repertoire List. You must select pieces from the correct section / qualification in the List (please contact us if you are not sure what list of pieces applies to your exam).
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.
-
Apply anything, year round.
-
Minimum age at exam time: 18 years.
-
$490 gst inclusive.
Licentiate Diploma in Singing Performance - LCVA
ACVA’s Licentiate Diploma is designed for singers with more more performance experience who are looking to up-skill at an advanced level.
-
Recital - 50 minutes duration (± 8 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 from our Repertoire List. You must select pieces from the correct section / qualification in the List (please contact us if you are not sure what list of pieces applies to your exam).
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.
-
Anytime, year round.
-
Minimum age at exam time: 18 years.
-
$880 gst incusive
Fellowship Diploma in Singing Performance - FACVA
The ACVA Fellowship Diploma in Singing Performance is 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.
-
Recital - 80 minutes duration (± 10 minutes either side of this time limit is permitted with no penalty.
You can choose to either: 1) simply record your recital (in one unedited take) and submit it online for marking, or 2) request to be examined live, in-person. We will endeavour to meet requests for in-person examinations, but this decision depends on a number of factors. Please ask us when you apply for your exam to avoid any later disappointment.
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 from our Repertoire List. You must select pieces from the correct section / qualification in the List (please contact us if you are not sure what list of pieces applies to your exam). NOTE - You must submit your FACVA programme to our office for pre-approval before sitting your exam.
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. 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.
-
You may enter for examination any time throughout the year.
However, if you are approved for an in-person exam (live), this will be held on a specific date and time that will be selected by ACVA in liaison with you to ensure availability.
-
Minimum age at exam time: 24 years.
You must hold an Associate Diploma 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.
-
$1,320 gst inclusive.