🎶 UMA Sacred & Choral Music Certification
United Musicians Association Sacred & Choral Music Certification
I. Introduction
The UMA Sacred & Choral Music Certification is designed for learners and performers actively engaged in church services, choral ensembles, and religious music practices. It covers a broad range of repertoire from solo and ensemble singing to liturgical music performance.
The certification system includes Levels 1 through 9, along with a Performance Diploma. It comprehensively assesses musicality, understanding of religious and linguistic texts, choral collaboration skills, vocal technique, and stylistic interpretation.
II. Scope of the Certification
This certification covers the following musical categories and forms:
✝️ Sacred Solo & Ensemble
Including chants, hymns, mass settings, oratorio and cantata excerpts.
🎼 Choral & Ensemble Singing
Includes church choir, mixed chorus, treble choir, and small vocal ensembles.
🕊️ Liturgical Music
Encompasses commonly used pieces in religious services (Christian, Catholic, Jewish, etc.).
Candidates may choose a specialization based on their strengths. Teachers are encouraged to recommend or approve selected repertoire. For ensemble-based works, candidates may submit their individual solo, lead, or chorus parts.
III. Exam Requirements & Content
| Level | Number of Pieces | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Levels 1–5 | 2 pieces | Repertoire must have distinct style and clear diction; one traditional sacred piece and one choral adaptation are recommended |
| Levels 6–9 | 3 pieces | Should demonstrate diversity in sacred styles, linguistic accuracy, and intermediate-to-advanced vocal techniques (e.g., vibrato control, emotional expression) |
| Performance Diploma | 4 pieces | Repertoire must cover at least three different styles or languages (e.g., Latin, German, English, Hebrew); may include solo parts from choral works or oratorio excerpts |
IV. Repertoire & Language Requirements
Languages: Latin, English, German, Hebrew, and other commonly used sacred languages.
Each piece should represent a different source or style, such as:
Renaissance chant
Baroque mass settings
Contemporary choral compositions
Suggested sources (or self-selected):
Complete Mass Settings by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Fauré
Hymns & Psalms collections
Choral works by contemporary composers (e.g., John Rutter, Eric Whitacre)
Traditional religious selections from global traditions (e.g., African spirituals, Jewish evening prayers)
V. Submission Requirements & Evaluation Criteria
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Landscape format; show facial expression, diction, and posture; piano or choral accompaniment recommended |
| Self-Introduction | Begin with a short English intro (name, nationality, level, languages, and repertoire background) |
| Pitch & Rhythm | Clear tempo, accurate intonation, proper vocal technique and natural breathing |
| Appearance & Manner | Formal attire or performance wear recommended; poised posture; quiet and undisturbed environment |
| Accompaniment | Piano, backing tracks, or choir accompaniment allowed, but must not overpower the lead voice |
VI. Evaluation Rubric
| Dimension | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Accuracy | 30 pts | Pitch, vocal control, rhythm, and diction clarity |
| Expression & Emotion | 30 pts | Stylistic interpretation, emotional depth, musical phrasing |
| Repertoire Execution | 30 pts | Structural completeness, lyric accuracy, clarity of layers |
| Stage Presence & Visual | 10 pts | Attire, camera framing, recording quality and environment |
Pass Standard: Total Score ≥ 75
Distinction: Total Score ≥ 90 (awarded with "Distinction Badge")
VII. Target Audience & Key Advantages
Church musicians, vocal students, choir members, music high school and conservatory applicants
Emphasizes religious-cultural context and linguistic precision
Supports multilingual, multi-style, and multi-format certification
Can be used for applications to music institutions, church roles, and religious organization endorsements
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