🎺 UMA Wind Instruments Proficiency Certification – Official Guide
United Musicians Association Wind Instruments Certification
1. Introduction
The UMA Wind Instruments Proficiency Certification is designed for global learners of both woodwind and brass instruments, including flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, and euphonium.
Examinations are conducted via video submissions, assessed by certified UMA international examiners.
Certification levels include Grade 1 to Grade 9, as well as a Performance Diploma level for musicians demonstrating professional or concert-level performance ability.
2. Eligible Instruments
This certification applies to the following woodwind and brass instruments (regardless of brand or system):
Woodwinds:
Flute
Clarinet
Oboe
Bassoon
Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, etc.)
Brass:
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba
Euphonium / Baritone Horn
For rare or specialized instruments (e.g., piccolo, bass clarinet), please contact UMA for pre-approval.
3. General Requirements
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | Grades 1–5: 2 pieces Grades 6–9: 3 pieces Performance Diploma: 4 contrasting pieces |
| Repertoire | Chosen from UMA recommendations or self-selected with teacher approval. Must match the technical and stylistic level. |
| Accompaniment | Live piano, backing track, or unaccompanied. Accompaniment must not overpower the solo instrument. |
| Video Guidelines | Landscape mode; full view of upper body, hand positions, and instrument. Each piece submitted as one continuous, unedited video. |
| Introduction | A brief English self-introduction before the first piece: name, age, country, instrument, grade, years of study. |
| File Format | MP4, MOV, or AVI. Max size per video: 1GB. Name format: “FullName + GradeLevel” (e.g., JackChen_Grade3). |
| Prohibited Tools | No edits, effects, audio enhancement, reverb, or MIDI instruments allowed. Only acoustic/electroacoustic performances are accepted. |
4. Proficiency Levels and Goals
🎼 Grades 1–5 (Beginner to Intermediate)
Repertoire: 2 pieces, contrasting in style or tempo
Examples: Beginner studies, folk tunes, short adapted solos
Goal: Basic tone production, breath support, articulation, rhythm, and phrasing
🎼 Grades 6–9 (Advanced to Pre-Professional)
Repertoire: 3 pieces in contrasting keys, tempos, and styles
Examples: Intermediate-level concert pieces, movements from concertos, jazz excerpts
Goal: Clean technique, dynamic control, fluent articulation, stylistic versatility
🏅 Performance Diploma
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Repertoire | 4 pieces from at least three musical styles or periods (e.g., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, Jazz) |
| Technical Goal | Demonstrate high-level breath control, extended technique (where applicable), phrasing mastery, and expressive command |
| Video Format | Each piece recorded separately; unedited, full-length performance per video |
| Certification | Candidates who pass will receive the UMA Wind Performance Diploma certificate |
Suggested Repertoire (not limited to):
Flute: Mozart Concerto in D Major, 1st movement
Clarinet: Weber Concerto No. 1 or Rossini Introduction, Theme and Variations
Saxophone: Glazunov Concerto, or jazz etudes
Trumpet: Haydn or Hummel Trumpet Concerto
Horn: Mozart Horn Concerto KV.447
Trombone/Tuba: Barat Andante et Allegro, Haddad Sonata for Trombone
5. Evaluation Criteria
| Dimension | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Accuracy | 30 pts | Intonation, rhythm, articulation, breath control, finger coordination |
| Musicality & Style | 30 pts | Dynamic shaping, tone color, emotional expression, stylistic awareness |
| Completeness | 30 pts | Performance fluency, form, logical phrasing, piece fully delivered |
| Presentation & Quality | 10 pts | Stage presence, posture, video/audio clarity, attire, background |
Passing Score: Total ≥ 75
Distinction: Total ≥ 90, awarded with “Distinction” certification badge
6. Video Submission Guidelines
Orientation: Horizontal (landscape) format
Visual Framing: Full upper body and instrument visible at all times
Lighting: Well-lit environment, no strong shadows
Audio: Use of external microphones recommended; ambient room sound preferred
File Naming: “FullName + GradeLevel” (e.g., LeoWang_Grade7)
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