Composition Examinations
We offer three levels of diploma in composition, which are assessed based on the use of instruments, imagery, score layout and how the music reflects the theme on which it is based.
Composition is offered as an examination by itself, or as part of a performance or dissertation diploma at one of the four levels. There is also an option to do a diploma in performance, dissertation and composition. For more details on this, please see our combined examinations page.
Below is a list of the requirements for each level of composition examination
NMSM composition examinations
| Diploma | ANMSM |
| Outline Proposal | Up to 300 words + proposed title |
| Composition duration | 10 mins +/- 1 min |
| Viva | Yes |
| Requirements | 5 pieces (max) or suite (5 movements) or 1 work |
| Summary notes | Hand written or typed |
| Presentation | Hand written or typed plus recording |
| Diploma | LNMSM |
| Outline Proposal | Up to 300 words + proposed title |
| Composition duration | 15 mins +/- 2 mins |
| Viva | Yes |
| Requirements | 5 pieces (max) or suite (5 movements) or 1 work |
| Summary notes | Hand written or typed |
| Presentation | Hand written or typed plus recording |
| Diploma | FNMSM |
| Outline Proposal | Up to 300 words + proposed title |
| Composition duration | 25 mins +/- 4 mins |
| Viva | Yes |
| Requirements | 5 pieces (max) or suite (5 movements) or 1 work |
| Summary notes | Hand written or typed |
| Presentation | Hand written or typed plus recording |
