UMA Guitar & Bass Proficiency Certification – Official Guide
United Musicians Association Guitar & Bass Certification
1. Introduction
The UMA Guitar & Bass Certification is an internationally recognized evaluation for guitar and bass learners across styles and genres. It includes Classical Guitar, Acoustic (Steel-string) Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Electric Bass.
Examinations are conducted via video submissions, reviewed by certified UMA examiners. Levels span Grade 1 through Grade 9, with an advanced Performance Diploma designed to assess professional-level performance and stylistic fluency.
2. Eligible Instruments
This certification applies to the following instruments:
Classical Guitar (Nylon string, fingerstyle)
Acoustic Guitar (Steel-string, fingerstyle or pick)
⚡ Electric Guitar (Lead, rhythm, improvisation-focused)
Electric Bass Guitar (Fretted or fretless, 4- to 6-string)
All standard tunings are acceptable. Alternate tunings must be noted in the repertoire list.
3. General Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | Grades 1–5: 2 contrasting pieces Grades 6–9: 3 pieces of different styles or technical demands Performance Diploma: 4 pieces across distinct genres |
| Repertoire Source | UMA-recommended or self-selected with teacher approval. Published works, transcriptions, or original compositions are allowed if level-appropriate. |
| Accompaniment | Solo or with backing track/live accompaniment. Accompaniment must not overshadow solo instrument. |
| Improvisation | (Optional) Candidates may include improvisation or solos if appropriate for the chosen genre. |
| Tuning & Setup | Standard tuning preferred; alternate tuning must be stable and consistent. Clean tone and proper setup required. |
| Video Rules | Each piece recorded as a single take (no edits). Landscape format. Full view of hands, fretboard, and instrument body. |
| File Size & Format | Each video ≤ 1GB. Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI. Naming: “FullName_GradeX_Instrument”. Example: SarahLin_Grade6_ElectricGuitar |
4. Certification Goals by Level
Grades 1–5 (Fundamental to Intermediate)
Focus: Basic technique, posture, strumming or picking, rhythm, chord transitions, musicality
Examples: Simple classical études, folk tunes, riff-based rock/blues exercises, bass grooves
Goal: Develop coordination, timing, articulation, and genre awareness
Grades 6–9 (Advanced to Pre-Professional)
Focus: Multi-position playing, complex fingerstyle or pick technique, phrasing, genre-specific elements (e.g., jazz voicings, funk slapping)
Examples: Solo pieces, jazz standards, classical works, blues/rock solos, basslines in ensemble style
Goal: Control across fingerboard, dynamic range, style accuracy, melodic interpretation
Performance Diploma
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Repertoire | 4 solo works demonstrating different musical styles or techniques (e.g., Classical, Jazz, Rock, Fusion, Latin) |
| Improvisation | At least one piece should include either improvisation, solo development, or real-time musical interaction |
| Technical Standards | Mastery in phrasing, tone shaping, fast passages, articulation, chord-melody or walking bass (as applicable) |
| Assessment Outcome | Successful candidates receive the UMA Guitar & Bass Performance Diploma Certificate |
Suggested Pieces (non-exhaustive):
Classical: Tarrega – Recuerdos de la Alhambra, Bach – Lute Suites
Acoustic: Tommy Emmanuel fingerstyle arrangements, modern percussive works
Electric: Satriani – Always with Me, jazz standards with improvisation
Bass: Jaco Pastorius etudes, funk slap lines, walking bass in standard jazz forms
5. Evaluation Criteria
| Dimension | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Accuracy | 30 pts | Finger or pick control, timing, hand coordination, tuning stability |
| Musical Expression | 30 pts | Dynamics, tone shaping, phrasing, stylistic nuance |
| Repertoire Mastery | 30 pts | Fluency, memory (if applicable), clarity, continuity |
| Presentation & Recording | 10 pts | Stage presence, visual clarity, clean audio, appropriate dress/background |
Passing Score: ≥ 75
Distinction Score: ≥ 90 (with “Distinction” badge on certificate)
6. Video Submission Guidelines
Self-Introduction (in English): Required at the beginning of the first video. Include name, age, country, instrument, grade level, and years of study.
Performance Quality: Use external microphone when possible; avoid over-compression or effects unless genre-appropriate.
Environment: Quiet space, proper lighting, stable camera; no MIDI or auto-accompaniment instruments.
Upload Platform: UMA official site or designated submission partner. Real-time progress and results available online.
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