🎻 UMA Strings Music Proficiency Certification – Official Examination Guide
United Musicians Association Strings Certification
1. Introduction
The UMA Strings Music Proficiency Certification is designed for string instrument learners worldwide. The exam is conducted through online video submissions, evaluated by certified international examiners from UMA.
Certification levels range from Grade 1 to Grade 9, with an additional Performance Diploma level designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for professional-level performance and artistic interpretation.
2. Instruments Covered
This certification applies to all bowed string instruments, including:
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Baroque string instruments (e.g., Baroque Violin)
Other bowed strings approved by UMA upon request
3. General Requirements
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | Grades 1–5: Submit 2 pieces Grades 6–9: Submit 3 pieces Performance Diploma: Submit 4 pieces |
| Repertoire Selection | Candidates may choose pieces from UMA’s recommended repertoire or self-selected works approved by their teacher. All selections must match the difficulty level of the grade applied for. |
| Video Submission | Each piece must be recorded in a single, uninterrupted take with no cuts or edits. Clear visual of posture, bowing, fingering, and dynamics is required. |
| Sheet Music | Unauthorized photocopies or pirated editions are strictly prohibited. Pieces may be memorized or performed with music, as long as the performance is complete and accurate. |
| Evaluation Criteria | Technical skill, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, tone control, stylistic interpretation, and musical expression are assessed across five core dimensions. |
| File Size Limit | Each video file must not exceed 1GB. If necessary, break the submission into multiple files. Accepted formats: MP4, MOV, AVI. |
| Introductory Speech | At the beginning of each video, candidates must give a short self-introduction in English, stating: name, age, country/city, grade level, years of study, and love for their instrument. |
4. Repertoire Requirements by Grade
🎼 Grades 1–5 (Beginner to Intermediate)
Number of Pieces: 2 contrasting pieces per grade
Source: UMA recommended repertoire or teacher-approved selection
Focus: Fundamental bowing techniques, pitch control, basic rhythm and musical phrasing
🎼 Grades 6–9 (Advanced to Pre-professional)
Number of Pieces: 3 pieces demonstrating technical range and stylistic diversity
Examples: Etudes, solo movements, sonatas, dance forms, arrangements of vocal works
Focus: Complex bowing, shifting, tone shaping, artistic interpretation
🏅 Performance Diploma
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 4 pieces from at least three different musical periods (e.g., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern) |
| Level of Skill | Must demonstrate advanced technical ability, artistic maturity, and concert-ready presentation |
| Submission Format | Each piece may be recorded separately but must be performed in one complete take |
| Result | Successful candidates will receive the UMA Strings Performance Diploma certificate |
Suggested Repertoire Examples (not limited to):
J.S. Bach: Unaccompanied Suites (for cello), Solo Sonatas & Partitas (for violin)
Beethoven: Selected Viola Sonatas
Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1, 1st movement
Saint-Saëns: The Swan, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata
Modern works: Hindemith, Shostakovich, Schoenberg String Etudes, etc.
5. Assessment Criteria
| Dimension | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Accuracy | 30 pts | Bow control, intonation, rhythm, shifting, fundamental fluency |
| Musical Expression & Style | 30 pts | Phrasing, emotional nuance, stylistic awareness, dynamics |
| Completeness & Execution | 30 pts | Full-length performance, flow, attention to detail |
| Stage Presence & Quality | 10 pts | Posture, attire, audio-visual clarity |
Pass Threshold: Total score ≥ 75
Distinction: Total score ≥ 90 will receive a "With Distinction" certification mark
6. Video Submission Guidelines
Orientation: Landscape (horizontal) filming
Framing: Full view of both the performer and instrument during the entire performance
Integrity: No editing, no audio enhancements, one-take per piece
Devices: Phones or cameras allowed; external microphones are recommended for better sound quality
Instrument Policy: No MIDI instruments or auto-accompaniment allowed
File Naming: “CandidateName + GradeLevel” (e.g., EmilyLi_Grade6)
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