Exams and Assesments

We offer opportunities for students to complete exams throughout their learning journey. Find out more below.

What is a CMA Star Award? 

Croydon Music and Arts has created a series of qualifications in performing arts, which track and reward progress, and are accessible to all. CMA Star Awards are low-cost & teacher-assessed, they are designed to cover musical technique, performance, improvisation & student voice/heritage. Star 1 is entry level (equivalent to pre-Grade 1). Those achieving Star 5 demonstrate sufficient skill and knowledge in that subject to embark on a Key Stage 4 course (GCSE level).  

 

What is required for the performance video/audio recording? 

The performance video requires the student to play a short piece of music and a short improvisation or composition at the required star level. The full criteria for each star award can be found here in our parent resources.  

  

How will the performance be recorded & stored? 

  • If recorded in lesson: All video recordings will be recorded onto a CMA/school device & uploaded onto the CMA Microsoft Teams online storage hub.  

  • If recorded at home: Recordings must be sent to the student Speed Admin account, or teacher CMA email, they will then be loaded directly onto the CMA Microsoft Teams account by the teacher.  

  • Video recordings can be made at home, but audio recordings must be made with the teacher present to ensure validity. 

 

All CMA Microsoft Teams accounts are monitored by at least two teachers for safeguarding purposes, no external partners can enter these accounts. The second teacher also internally moderates the exam. Recordings will be deleted at the end of each academic term. 

   

What about grade exams? 

CMA Star Awards are more accessible and achievable in the early stages of learning, especially if pupils receive group or paired lessons. Once a pupil has completed CMA Star 2 Award they will be ready to prepare for grade exams. Grade exams are more expensive (£50+) and generally require individual tuition. Please see the ABRSM for more information on grade exams.

How the ABRSM exam process works at CMA

How the ABRSM If your child plays an instrument or sings, they can work towards taking an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exam through CMA. Working towards an ABRSM exam or assessment can encourage the development of musical skills, knowledge and understanding that can support a life-long love of music.  

If you are interested in your child taking an ABRSM assessment or exam, the first step is to talk to your child’s instrumental/vocal teacher. They can offer advice on practice and let you know if your child is ready to take an assessment or exam. If the teacher is happy to put them forward, the process for exams at CMA works as follows: 

  1. Your child’s instrumental teacher gives us your child’s name to enter for the next exam session (either February or May) 

  1. Later in the term, we will send you a consent form to fill out. In order for your child to take the exam, this MUST be filled out. 

  1. You will then get a phonecall to make payment for the exam 

  1. Your child will be entered for the exam  

Exams take place at our centre (Oasis Academy Shirley Park), usually on the first Saturday of the February and May half terms, and we can offer accompanists and accompanist run throughs for students taking an exam up to grade 5.  

To find out more about exam specifics and grade, please visit the ABRSM website here: About our exams and assessments 

ABRSM also offer performance grades. These are exams done by video recording and submitted directly to ABRSM. Candidates must perform 4 pieces but don’t do scales, aural tests, or sight-reading. If you are interested in this form of exam, please talk to your child’s teacher.  

You can also find out more here: About Performance Grades