ANZCA Singing performance exam

ANZCA Singing performance exam is probably the best exam syllabus ever invented.

When I was young, I have done all kinds of piano and singing exams. AMEB piano and singing I have completed all of them. ANZCA modern piano and singing I have completed all of them too. The exams I did were quite traditional and demanding. To be honest I didn't enjoy it much but I am glad I have done it. It's always good to know that you have completed and achieved something. 

At the early stage of my career I sent students to ANZCA (Australia and New Zealand Cultural Arts) modern piano and modern singing exams. ANZCA's repertoire are more modern and the examiners are very encouraging in general.
Then about 10 years ago ANZCA had a new exam syllabus -Singing Performance exam.

This exam has no scales, sight singing and aural test. Those frustrating elements are gone. You only need to sing 4 songs from different lists and styles and the exam has great emphasis on the "performing' side of it. We love it. 

Of course you still have to do your technique in the lessons but now we can really put our energy on the songs when it comes to exam. You need to dress up like a performer, select repertoire as if you are giving a public performance (we used to print your own program too). With higher level exams you will create your own improvisation or arrangements. Although the marking of this singing performance exam is quite strict the exam is no longer a stress.

Singing exams should never be stressful.  

This year they are doing it online so I didn't intend to students at first. However when I ask the kids, there are still many of them keen to continue doing it. 

I always believe no matter what you do, you should have a goal and have fun. 

ANZCA singing performance exam is the combination of goal and fun.