Archbishop of Dublin’s Certificate in Church Music Year 2 syllabus
Year 2
Section A
- Repertoire
The student will be required to play two contrasting pieces from the list provided. 30 marks
Liturgical Improvisation
A short improvisation suitable for liturgical use, maximum two minute’s duration. The steward will give an indication thirty seconds before the end. The improvisation should be structured. As this serves as an introduction to improvisation, the examiner will give feedback only.
- Anglican Chant
Accompany the Venite (verses 1 to 7, with Gloria), in either modern or traditional language, from the Book of Common Prayer, to a double chant from an unmarked copy. Approved chants are provided in the online resources. 10 marks
- Hymn playing
The student must prepare ten hymns as provided on the list in the online resources. At least four of these hymns must be prepared with pedals, as noted in bold on the online resources. In manual only hymns, occasional use of pedal for awkward places is permitted.
One of the hymns prepared with pedals will be performed as follows:
A suitable play-over/introduction
The first verse
A middle verse (chosen by the examiner)
The final verse 30 marks
Students should demonstrate musical leadership in choosing suitable tempi and registrations, appropriate for a full congregation, for each verse. Phrasing and articulation appropriate for the text should also be included.
The student will be asked to play single verses from a further four hymns as chosen by the examiner. 10 marks
Quick hymn study
Four weeks before the examination day all students will be sent one hymn to be learned in time for the examination. It should be prepared including pedals. The examiner will hear one verse. 15 marks
Marks awarded for the hymn playing section will reflect the overall examination mark.
For example, to achieve Honours (total marks greater than 120) the hymn section (3) must also have an Honours mark (40 marks or higher).
Section B
- Score reading
To play any two parts from an SATB hymn as directed by the examiner. The hymn will be taken from the set list. Two minutes preparation time will be given. 10 marks
- Transposition
To transpose, up or down a tone, a given and previously prepared single chant from a copy provided by the examiner. This is available in the online resources.
To transpose an unseen single melody line in the treble clef, at sight, up or down one semitone or tone. Two minutes will be allowed for preparation. 10 marks
- Pedal solo study
The student will be required to play a pedals-only solo, available in the online resources. 10 marks
7. Sight reading
To sight read a hymn texture with pedal, on two staves. A metronome mark will be given. Two minutes preparation time will be allowed. 20 marks
- Work experience
Work experience alongside an experienced parish organist for at least three Sundays. A log of each Sunday of work experience, completed by the student, must be kept, detailing what was played by them and a self-assessment of how it went. The log must be signed by the supervising parish musician. If a student already holds a church position, an alternative arrangement may be made. 5 marks
Marking Scheme
|
Year 2 |
Section A |
Mark |
|
1 |
Repertoire Improvisation |
30 5 |
|
2 |
Anglican Chant |
15 |
|
3 |
Hymn Playing Verse from 4 hymns |
30 10 |
|
4 |
Quick Hymn |
10 |
|
|
Section B |
Mark |
|
5 |
Score Reading
|
10 |
|
6 |
Transposition
|
10 |
|
7 |
Pedal exercise
|
10 |
|
8 |
Sight reading
|
15 |
|
9 |
Work Experience
|
5 |
|
10 |
Total |
150 |
Pass mark: 100 marks
Honours: 120 marks
End of Year 2 syllabus
