🎷 UMA Pop & Jazz Music Proficiency Certification – Official Examination Guide
United Musicians Association Pop & Jazz Certification
1. Introduction
The UMA Pop & Jazz Music Proficiency Certification is tailored for global learners and performers of contemporary music styles. This program focuses on the unique demands of pop, jazz, funk, soul, R&B, fusion, and related genres, integrating technical skill with stylistic fluency, improvisation, and groove awareness.
Exams are submitted online via video and assessed by certified genre specialists from UMA. Certification levels range from Grade 1 to Grade 9, with a Performance Diploma available for candidates demonstrating professional-level artistry and improvisation.
2. Instruments Covered
The certification applies to both melodic and rhythm section instruments commonly used in pop & jazz contexts:
Voice (Pop/Jazz)
Piano / Keyboard / Synth
Electric & Acoustic Guitar
Bass Guitar / Upright Bass
Drum Kit / Percussion
Brass & Woodwinds (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
Others upon approval by UMA
3. General Requirements
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | Grades 1–5: 2 contrasting pieces Grades 6–9: 3 pieces Performance Diploma: 4 pieces from at least 3 subgenres |
| Repertoire Selection | Choose from UMA recommended lists or self-selected works approved by your teacher. At least one piece should include improvisation from Grade 4 onwards. |
| Video Submission | One-take per piece. No edits. Must clearly show instrument handling, rhythm/groove, and facial expression (especially for vocalists). |
| Sheet Music & Charts | Lead sheets, chord charts, and notated scores are accepted. Use of fake books or real books is permitted if legally sourced. |
| Improvisation Requirement | Required from Grade 4 upward, and mandatory in at least two pieces for the Performance Diploma. |
| Self-Introduction | Begin each submission with an English intro: name, age, country/city, instrument, grade level, years of study, and musical influences. |
4. Repertoire Requirements by Grade
🎼 Grades 1–5 (Foundation to Intermediate)
Pieces: 2 contrasting works
Focus: Groove accuracy, basic phrasing, rhythm patterns, stylistic articulation
Examples: Pop ballads, easy funk riffs, blues heads, R&B standards
🎼 Grades 6–9 (Advanced to Pre-professional)
Pieces: 3 pieces showcasing genre contrast and increasing technical challenge
Focus: Improvisation, chord voicings, modal playing, swing feel, rhythmic complexity
Examples: Jazz standards, funk fusion solos, Latin jazz, pop vocal with scat/improv
🏅 Performance Diploma
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 4 pieces from at least 3 styles (e.g., Swing, Bossa Nova, Neo-Soul, Funk) |
| Improvisation | At least 2 pieces must include improvised solos or fills |
| Skill Demonstration | Advanced groove control, harmonic vocabulary, rhythmic modulation |
| Submission | Each piece in one take; ensemble playing (combo or backing track) allowed |
| Award | UMA Pop & Jazz Performance Diploma certificate upon successful assessment |
Suggested Artists/Standards (non-exhaustive):
Jazz: Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are, Take Five
Pop: Adele, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder repertoire
Funk/Soul: James Brown, Tower of Power, Snarky Puppy
Latin Jazz: Blue Bossa, The Girl from Ipanema
Fusion/Modern Jazz: Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding
5. Assessment Criteria
| Dimension | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Accuracy | 30 pts | Groove precision, pitch accuracy, chord fluency, rhythmic placement |
| Musical Expression | 30 pts | Improvisation creativity, stylistic authenticity, emotional nuance |
| Repertoire Execution | 30 pts | Cohesion, completeness, transitions, energy flow |
| Stage Presence | 10 pts | Confidence, presentation, attire, clarity of video/audio |
Pass Threshold: ≥ 75
Distinction: ≥ 90 (awarded “With Distinction” badge)
6. Video Submission Guidelines
Orientation: Landscape format
Framing: Full view of performer and instrument; ensure hand movement is visible
Integrity: No edits, overdubs, pitch correction, or backing vocals (unless live ensemble)
Device: Smartphone, webcam, or camera acceptable; external mic strongly recommended
Accompaniment: Live band, backing track, or solo (unaccompanied) allowed
File Naming: Format: “CandidateName_Grade_Instrument” (e.g., JordanLee_Grade7_Sax)
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