Exam Structure

Choral Directing

Choir

Applications are based on individual CHOIRS as a unit.
All applicant choirs should comprise no less than 12 and no more than 48 singers exclusive of conductor and accompanist(s).
Only one conductor will be accepted for the entirety of the Examination programme, while different accompanists will be allowed.

Online Exam Requirements

One uninterrupted video recording of the examination performance in MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV or MOV format is to be submitted.
The video submission should preferably be of high quality resolution (preferably 1920x1080 in 16:9 ratio) with high sound quality recorded in stereo format.
The examination performance video must be recorded in one continuous session without any interruption or editing. Failing to comply with this requirement will result in disqualification.

On-site Exam Requirements

Applicant may indicate one’s preferences for on-site examination based on specific dates and places provided by the IPMA at time of application.
With valid reasons, applicant may suggest an alternative preferred venue for on-site examination. In such case, if accepted, all financial, logistics and safety requirements of the venue shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Applicant will be notified on the time, date & place of the on-site examination based on previously indicated preferences at least if not later than 30 days in advance.
Applicant should endeavour to start the examination performance at the specified time unless otherwise as arranged. No-show or late-comers will render the examination disqualified.

The IPMA Certificate of Choral Directing examination is operated in conjunction with the IPMA Choral Singing Examination Syllabus. It is structured to take place alongside the Intermediate Level Examination in the IPMA Choral Singing Syllabus. Hence, only conductors of applicant choirs in the IPMA Choral Singing Examination Intermediate Level are eligible to apply.

Part of the assessment in CCD examination will incorporate results from the candidate's performance in the IPMA Choral Singing Examination. In addition, a Quick Study Performance will be required to be performed with the same applicant choir immediately after the Choral Singing Examination session. Results of both performances will be counted towards the final result of the IPMA CCD:

IPMA Choral Singing Examination Result 50%

Quick Study Result 50%

Items

Max. marks

Part 1

IPMA Choral Singing Examination Result

Part 2

Quick Study Result

2.1 |

Set-piece performanc

2.2 |

Preparation Plan

2.3 |

Conducting Techniques

2.4 |

Podium Image & Communication

Total Marks : 100

Total Marks
Attainment level:

86-100

Distinction

75-85

Merit

50-69

Pass

under 50

Below Pass

86-100

Distinction

75-85

Merit

50-69

Pass

under 50

Below Pass

Candidates applying for the CCD will be given a specified choral set-piece* for Quick Study 14 days before the Choral Examination date. A Preparation Plan written by the candidate outlining the one’s preparation on how to interpret and perform the set-piece will have to be submitted on the date of the examination. Such Preparation Plan may include (but not limited to): score analysis, interpretation, rehearsal plan, etc. to illustrate the candidate’s plan for achieving the best performance result of the set-piece.

(*Set-piece will be selected according to the applicant choir’s voicing set-up; to be rehearsed within the limited time available in order to challenge the candidate’s ability in effectively administrating and training one’s choir.)

Brief Outline of
Assessment Rubrics

Items

Max. marks

Set-piece Performance

Same assessment rubrics and percentage weightings in the Choral Singing Syllabus applies, i.e. 4 assessment domains with a total of maximum 20 marks

Preparation Plan

Convincing musical analysis

Effective and clear interpretation, inspiring observations for effective performance

Workable rehearsal planning for effective problem-solving for potential choral demands /challenges

Conducting Techniques

Precision and clarity of beating gestures for cues and release

Ability to demonstrate effective gestural communication throughout the performance

Podium Image & Expression

Ability to express musically with full confidence relevant to the musical context

Ability to establish rapport with the choir and accompanist during performance

Total Marks : 50

CCD Final Result

Candidate must obtain a minimum Pass in theIPMA Choral Singing Examination Intermediate Level as a pre-condition forobtaining the ACCD.

The combinedresult of the Choral Singing Examination Intermediate Level and Quick StudyPerformance will form the final result of the ACCD.