INSTITUTE OF PIPING CERTIFICATIONS
As I mentioned in an earlier entry, one of my goals is to take one of the Institute of Piping certifications by next summer. Here is the lowdown on those certifications.
The Institute of Piping is a pretty prestigious body made up of the Piobaireachd Society, The Army School of Bagpipe Music, The College of Piping and the National Piping Center. The Institute offers certifications for pipers,and piping teachers. These certifications are used as one measure of a students accomplishment as they achieve higher levels of ability in piping.
There are 8 levels of certification for students and 2 for teachers. Each examination consist of a practical, oral and written segment. Each exam tests the student on their musical ability, music theory and their knowledge of the history of piping Here are their basic descriptions (I think I will take either Level 2 or Level 3):
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THE LEVEL ONE CERTIFICATE (PRELIMINARY) is intended to allow a beginner to assure themselves that they are learning correctly. Candidates will probably have been having weekly lessons for approximately six months.
THE LEVEL TWO CERTIFICATE (ELEMENTARY) can be taken by the average beginner within a year of starting to learn.
THE LEVEL THREE CERTIFICATE (JUNIOR) can normally be taken within the first two years of learning.
THE LEVEL FOUR CERTIFICATE (INTERMEDIATE) This standard is equivalent to that attained by an average learner after five years on the bagpipe.
THE LEVEL FIVE CERTIFICATE (SENIOR) represents a high standard of knowledge and ability. The candidate will be expected to be able to play fluently in a professional manner.
THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE is intended for those who have reached an extremely high peak of proficiency in the playing of the bagpipe and in their knowledge of everything connected with the art of piping. They must be able to play accurately with correct expression and be able to win professional prizes in ceol mor and ceol beag, although not necessarily against the top performers.
THE DIPLOMA is for pipers who are outstandingly gifted and who have worked very hard to develop their talent to a peak. They must be very well versed on all aspects of piping and must have contributed something new and original to the art. Their playing standard will be equivalent to winning a Gold Medal for ceol mor and the top prizes in ceol beag.
TUTOR'S CERTIFICATE is designed to provide a universally recognized basic teaching qualification. The candidate will be expected to display a thorough knowledge of the fundamental aspects of piping technique, and to communicate effectively in both individual and group lessons. The candidate must hold the Intermediate Certificate for playing ability.
SENIOR TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE The holder of this certificate will have a complete knowledge of all aspects of piping, and will be able to teach all types of pipe music, including piobaireachd, at all levels . The knowledge of the instrument, staff notation, and history required are all at Diploma Level, and the candidate must hold the Graduate Certificate for playing ability.
PERFORMER'S CERTIFICATE This certificate is designed to ensure pipers who take on public engagements are of sufficient standard to satisfy the requirements of the engagements to an acceptable playing level.
_____________________________________________________________
I am looking at these certifications as just another way to judge my own progress. They should be fun.
The Institute of Piping is a pretty prestigious body made up of the Piobaireachd Society, The Army School of Bagpipe Music, The College of Piping and the National Piping Center. The Institute offers certifications for pipers,and piping teachers. These certifications are used as one measure of a students accomplishment as they achieve higher levels of ability in piping.
There are 8 levels of certification for students and 2 for teachers. Each examination consist of a practical, oral and written segment. Each exam tests the student on their musical ability, music theory and their knowledge of the history of piping Here are their basic descriptions (I think I will take either Level 2 or Level 3):
__________________________________________________________
THE LEVEL ONE CERTIFICATE (PRELIMINARY) is intended to allow a beginner to assure themselves that they are learning correctly. Candidates will probably have been having weekly lessons for approximately six months.
THE LEVEL TWO CERTIFICATE (ELEMENTARY) can be taken by the average beginner within a year of starting to learn.
THE LEVEL THREE CERTIFICATE (JUNIOR) can normally be taken within the first two years of learning.
THE LEVEL FOUR CERTIFICATE (INTERMEDIATE) This standard is equivalent to that attained by an average learner after five years on the bagpipe.
THE LEVEL FIVE CERTIFICATE (SENIOR) represents a high standard of knowledge and ability. The candidate will be expected to be able to play fluently in a professional manner.
THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE is intended for those who have reached an extremely high peak of proficiency in the playing of the bagpipe and in their knowledge of everything connected with the art of piping. They must be able to play accurately with correct expression and be able to win professional prizes in ceol mor and ceol beag, although not necessarily against the top performers.
THE DIPLOMA is for pipers who are outstandingly gifted and who have worked very hard to develop their talent to a peak. They must be very well versed on all aspects of piping and must have contributed something new and original to the art. Their playing standard will be equivalent to winning a Gold Medal for ceol mor and the top prizes in ceol beag.
TUTOR'S CERTIFICATE is designed to provide a universally recognized basic teaching qualification. The candidate will be expected to display a thorough knowledge of the fundamental aspects of piping technique, and to communicate effectively in both individual and group lessons. The candidate must hold the Intermediate Certificate for playing ability.
SENIOR TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE The holder of this certificate will have a complete knowledge of all aspects of piping, and will be able to teach all types of pipe music, including piobaireachd, at all levels . The knowledge of the instrument, staff notation, and history required are all at Diploma Level, and the candidate must hold the Graduate Certificate for playing ability.
PERFORMER'S CERTIFICATE This certificate is designed to ensure pipers who take on public engagements are of sufficient standard to satisfy the requirements of the engagements to an acceptable playing level.
_____________________________________________________________
I am looking at these certifications as just another way to judge my own progress. They should be fun.
posted by Viceroy De Los Osos at 5:53 PM
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