To answer this question, we must first understand musical graded examinations. There are certain musical boards like Trinity College of Music, Rock School London(RSL),  Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), etc. which provide grade certificates in various disciplines like Guitar, Piano, Drums, Music theory, etc. based on some assessments.

The assessment is usually a performance-based presentation that can be attended in offline centers as well as via online recorded video exams. A student is usually given a set of things that he/she has to perform and demonstrate, the difficulty of the evaluation is based on the level of grades, most of the boards provide grade certification from the initial level to Grade 8 which is considered the highest grade. 

These boards have their own curriculum and books which are designed as per the suggestion of the best musicians and music educators throughout the globe and the assessment is also assessed by experienced music educators. 

All candidates are assessed based on several strategies including technical proficiency, musical interpretation through musical exercises, and sight-reading.

Let us try to understand some more features of the grade certification to understand its importance.

Features of Grade Certification

a. Curriculum

The curriculum of the grade examinations is designed in a way that is both challenging and entertaining. For the examination, a student has to understand and prepare some contemporary and popular songs that keep the students interested and engaged. This often helps to assess the students' own skills and they derive ways of improving.

b. Syllabus

The syllabus of the grade examination is very structured on completion of the grade examination, students get expertise in technical exercises, music theory, sight reading, and also learn some popular songs to play, so that can be termed as an overall musical development of the students.

c. Performance

Music is a performing arts; the basic and key idea behind music lessons is that students should learn to perform. While preparing for the grade examinations under some expert's advice, the student learns to perform in front of the examination board, this reduces performance anxiety and builds confidence in the student, which is a key milestone to achieve in the journey of musicianship.

d. Internationally-recognised Certificates

The certificates from these boards are recognized globally, and the student's efforts, commitments, and musical abilities are recognized well, which is crucial for boosting the student's self-esteem.

e. Portfolio building for college admissions and musical career

Moreover, the certificates from these boards hold high value. Hence, upon gaining access to the certificates, the student can use the certificates to add value to their portfolio which is helpful in admission to universities and music schools. For students who want to pursue music seriously and want a music career, these certificates also define the eligibility to apply for the role of music teacher in many music teaching institutions.

f. Motivation and Encouragement

For kids and teenagers sticking to music can get difficult at times. It has been seen that after some time, students tend to get bored of the monotonous music classes. When the students enroll for a Graded Examination, it provides a value-added reward system for them where the students are continuously learning, assessing themselves, performing, and getting rewards through certificates. This engages the students more in music learning and they learn music more seriously and proficiently. 

How Spardha can help you get your Grade Certifications?

Spardha School of Music can be a one-step solution in your journey for grade certifications. At Spardha, the music teachers are grade-certified, and hence they have both experience and knowledge of how to guide students to get the grade certification. When a student enrolls for grade courses, the student does not have to go anywhere as Spardha helps with every process of the examination. 

Spardha registers students for the board of their choice, and the trainers of Spardha guide the students through the exam process and the curriculum, from preparing the pieces for the exam to understanding the theory behind the pieces, Spardha gets it all for you. 

Upon completion of the course, the student can upload the video in the portal of Spardha, Spardha gets it evaluated by the boards and helps the student to get the certification without any hassle. Spardha can be a one-stop destination for grade exams to help people who want to pursue music more than a hobby and who want to add professional attire to their music career. 

Click here to learn more about getting Grade Certifications with Spardha School of Music and Dance.

Written By,
Turja Das Gupta
SME, Department of Guitar and Ukulele. 
Spardha School of Music.