🌍 UMA World & Folk Instruments Proficiency Certification
Official Examination Guide
United Musicians Association
1. Overview
The UMA World & Folk Instruments Proficiency Certification is an internationally recognized assessment system for performers of traditional and indigenous instruments. It affirms musical skills across oral traditions, cultural styles, and historically rooted performance practices.
The certification includes nine graded levels (Grade 1–9) and a Performance Diploma, emphasizing authenticity, technical mastery, and deep understanding of folk and traditional musical contexts. All exams are submitted via video and evaluated by UMA-certified examiners with specialization in world music and ethnomusicology.
2. Accepted Instrument Categories
The certification supports solo and ensemble performance on the following instruments:
East Asia
China: Erhu, Zhonghu, Gaohu, Banhu, Jinghu, Pipa, Ruan, Sanxian, Liuqin, Yangqin, Guzheng, Konghou, Dizi, Xiao, Xun, Sheng, Bawu, Suona
Japan: Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi, Nokan, Hichiriki, Taiko (including O-daiko, Shime-daiko, Nagado-daiko)
Korea: Gayageum, Geomungo, Haegeum, Ajaeng, Daegeum, Piri, Taepyeongso, Janggu, Buk
South Asia
India: Sitar, Sarod, Veena (Rudra, Saraswati), Santoor, Sarangi, Esraj, Bansuri, Shehnai, Tabla, Mridangam, Pakhawaj, Ghatam, Kanjira, Harmonium
Pakistan: Rubab, Alghoza, Dhol, Chimta
Bangladesh: Dotara, Ektara, Dhol, Banshi
Central Asia
Mongolia: Morin Khuur, Yatga, Tovshuur
Kazakhstan: Dombra, Kobyz
Uzbekistan: Tanbur, Dutar, Ghijak, Doira
Kyrgyzstan: Komuz, Kyl Kiak
Turkmenistan: Gopuz, Gijak
Middle East & North Africa
Persian tradition (Iran): Tar, Setar, Santur, Ney, Kamancheh, Tombak, Daf
Arab countries: Oud, Qanun, Nay, Rebab, Mijwiz, Darbuka, Riqq, Tabl
Turkey: Baglama (Saz), Ney, Cümbüş, Davul, Zurna
Armenia: Duduk, Zurna, Dhol
Europe
Russia: Balalaika, Domra, Gusli, Treshchotki, Zhaleika
Balkans: Tambura (Croatia, Serbia), Kaval (Bulgaria), Gaida (Macedonia, Bulgaria), Tapan
Greece: Bouzouki, Cretan Lyra
Nordic region: Hardanger fiddle (Norway), Nyckelharpa (Sweden), Kantele (Finland), Langeleik
Celtic regions: Celtic Harp, Uilleann Pipes, Tin Whistle, Bodhrán, Scottish Smallpipes
Western Europe: Hurdy-Gurdy (France), Accordion (diatonic and chromatic as folk instruments), Jew’s Harp
Sub-Saharan Africa
West Africa: Kora, Balafon, Ngoni, Talking Drum, Djembe, Shekere
Central Africa: Likembe, Slit Drum
Southern Africa: Mbira dzavadzimu, Kalimba, Hosho
East Africa: Krar (Ethiopia), Nyatiti (Kenya), Zeze (Tanzania)
Americas
North America (Native/First Nations): Native American Flute, Hand Drum, Rattles, Water Drum, Apache Fiddle
Appalachian and African-American tradition: Banjo (fretless or gourd-based), Dulcimer, Washboard
Caribbean: Steel Pan (Trinidad), Buleador, Quinto, Maracas, Guiro, Cuatro (Puerto Rico), Tres (Cuba), Bongos, Congas, Claves
Andes region: Charango, Quena, Siku, Zampoña, Bombo Legüero
Brazil and Afro-Brazilian: Berimbau, Atabaque, Agogô, Cuíca, Pandeiro, Reco-reco, Surdo, Caixa
Oceania & Pacific
Australia (Aboriginal): Didgeridoo, Clapsticks
Papua New Guinea: Garamut (log drum), Kundu
Hawaii: ʻUkulele, Ipu
Polynesia/Micronesia: Nose Flute, Pahu, Toere (Tahitian drum)
3. Examination Format and Level Requirements
| Grade Level | Number of Pieces | Content Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1–3 | 1 piece | Fundamental tone production, basic rhythm, introductory melodies or rhythmic cycles rooted in traditional style |
| Grade 4–6 | 2 pieces | Moderate difficulty repertoire, stylistic variation, basic ornamentation, expression or improvisation appropriate to tradition |
| Grade 7–9 | 3 pieces | Advanced repertoire, full-length form, complex rhythmic structures, regional ornamentation, dynamic expression or improvisatory passages |
| Performance Diploma | 4 pieces | High-level repertoire from at least 3 distinct regional traditions or historical styles, demonstrating musical maturity, mastery of idiomatic techniques, and performance-level presentation |
4. Video Submission Guidelines
Camera orientation: Landscape
Framing: Full view of performer and instrument; hands and posture must be visible
Audio: No post-processing or editing; natural room acoustics or external microphones allowed
Self-introduction: In English; state full name, country, instrument, level, pieces, and origin of repertoire
Performance rules: One complete take per piece, no cuts or overlays
File type: MP4, MOV, AVI; maximum size 1GB per file
File naming: “FullName_Grade_Instrument” (e.g., AhmedHassan_Grade6_Oud)
5. Evaluation Criteria
| Dimension | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Proficiency | 30 | Tone production, tuning, rhythm, instrument-specific control |
| Stylistic Authenticity | 30 | Cultural accuracy, ornamentation, phrasing, rhythmic feel |
| Musical Expression | 20 | Dynamic range, articulation, expressive communication |
| Repertoire Execution | 10 | Accuracy, flow, memorization (if applicable), completeness |
| Presentation & Respect | 10 | Appropriate dress, setting, reverence to tradition and context |
Pass Mark: 75/100
With Distinction: 90/100 and above
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