Record

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! 

Filming guides

• Music filming guidance (PDF)
• Drama filming guidance (PDF)

Some quick tips when planning your recording: 

• Make sure your whole body and face are in view, as detailed in the filming guidance
• For Music, examiners need to see enough of your face to assess focus and personal investment for the Overall Performance section of the exam
• Choose a quiet room without disruptions or background noise 
• Make sure you’re not standing in front of a light source which will turn you into a silhouette 
• The recommended maximum size for your video file is 1GB and your performance must be captured as one continuous take. Ensure your device has enough storage and battery before you begin 

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.

Checklist 

• Read the appropriate syllabus to understand what is expected at each step 
• Download the relevant technical work guidance (Classical & Jazz Technical Work pathway only)
• Access the Reflection task questions – printed in the syllabus (Drama only)
• Watch the How to film your Performance video (Music only), and download and read the associated filming guidance 
• Turn HD ‘off’ on your device 
• Check the battery and storage capacity 

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 Trinity backing tracks. 

Please refer to this page for information on recorded accompaniments published by Trinity.