Additional general information

Certificates

In addition to the standard printed copy, a Braille certificate is automatically issued to all successful candidates who requested Braille memory tests or Braille Theory papers. Braille certificates are also available to successful candidates who opted to do aural repetition tests, but only if a specific request is made at the time of entry. Our certificates are produced by the RNIB, and will be forwarded to applicants a few weeks after the session has ended. We do our best to produce Braille certificates in the shortest possible time, but should you experience a delay, please call the Access Administrator on telephone: +44 (0)20 7467 8814.

Additional time allowances

Braille, large or modified staff notation memory test

Braille memory for singers: singers are given the choice of taking the test as a memory test, or performing directly from the Braille. For singers who opt to perform directly from the Braille, only 2 minutes additional time is allocated at all grades for this test. Otherwise additional time is allocated as above.

Large or modified staff notation sight-reading test: 5 minutes additional time is allowed during the exam, with up to 2 minutes for the sight-reading test at all grades.

Aural repetition test: 5 minutes additional time is allowed during the exam for this test.

Diplomas: candidates who are memorizing the quick study test before performing it (e.g. Braille memory test/large notation memory test) will be given 30 minutes to read and memorize the test. Candidates who wish to read and play the test at the same time (e.g. large notation or Braille memory for singers) will be given 10 minutes preparation time, and will be allowed to use the score when performing the test.

Theory exams: the time allowances for visually impaired candidates working

Theory papers is as follows:

Modified staff notation and print

Modified staff notation: candidates requiring modified staff notation should send in a copy of their preferred layout of music score with their entry. The Board has access to the Sibelius score writing program so a musical example in this format can be e-mailed to the Access Co-ordinator. When sending in a paper copy, the parameters required must be specified, as in the example below.

Modified print: candidates requiring a modified theory paper will need to send in a sample as described above, also including details of font size and paper size. We can produce papers in either A4 or A3, but you will need to consider how font and staff size will impact on the paper size needed.

Candidates requiring modified staff notation theory papers must also specify any modifications required for the text, for example: size, font and spacing.

Modified staff notation example

1. Made into landscape
2. Staff changed from 7 to 10
3. Beams 0.5 to 0.7 thick
4. Stems 0.1 to 0.2 thick
5. Leger lines 0.16 to 0.25 thick
6. Barlines 0.16 to 0.2 thick
7. Leggiero – Arial Bold
8. Tempo marking - Arial Bold
9. Moved four systems closer together
10. Altered length of some bars to make similar bars approximately the same size.

• Specimen Tests