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Singing awards

Sample certificate

The RSCM provides a complementary system of awards to support the choir trainer and affirm the Voice for Life levels achieved within the choir. These Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are designed to be assessed through formal examination. (In some RSCM local areas the Bronze and Silver awards are called Dean’s and Bishop’s awards.)

Each award has its own syllabus and regulations. These come complete with guidelines to help prepare the candidate and the choir trainer for the standard expected during the examination. Successful candidates are entitled to wear a prestigious medal cast in the appropriately coloured metal (bronze, silver or gold) and these are worn on distinctive ribbons. Bronze awards are worn with a Green ribbon, Silver awards with a Purple ribbon and the Gold award with a Dark Red ribbon.

Go to UK and Ireland Area syllabuses >
Go to RSCM International >
Go to Gold award >

Where do these awards fit into the Voice for Life scheme?

The Voice for Life scheme and the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are designed to fit together. They should be attempted in the following order:

  • Voice for Life Light blue
  • Voice for Life Dark blue
    • Bronze award
  • Voice for Life Red
    • Silver award
  • Voice for Life Yellow
    • Gold award

In effect, the Voice for Life scheme provides training and preparation for the Bronze, Silver & Gold awards:

  • Light Blue and Dark Blue levels help a candidate prepare for the Bronze award
  • Red level helps a candidate prepare for the Silver award
  • Yellow level helps a candidate prepare for the Gold award.

The Bronze, Silver and Gold awards affirm each of the Voice for Life levels that have been awarded informally by the choir trainer.

What if I have a singer who does not want to take the Bronze, Silver and Gold examinations?

No-one should feel compelled to take these further awards. The Voice for Life scheme can be used on its own to provide training and motivation to singers within a choir. There is no need to take the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards if your singer is unhappy about undertaking such formal assessments.

Where can I obtain the syllabus for the Bronze, Silver or Gold awards?

In the UK, the Bronze and Silver awards are administered and examined on a local basis by a voluntary network of RSCM committees. Every local RSCM committee has its own syllabus for the Bronze and Silver awards. Although the syllabuses differ from area to area, the RSCM has validated all Bronze and Silver award syllabuses to ensure an even standard across the country. All examiners for the Bronze and Silver awards have also been validated by the RSCM to ensure consistency of marking.

If you do not know who your local RSCM representative is, please contact the RSCM Voluntary Networks Administrator on 01722 424846.

Gold award

In the UK, the Gold award is administered centrally by the RSCM. The examinations are arranged for June and November each year with entry deadlines of 1 May and 1 October respectively. More information and frequently-asked questions.

For details of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards outside the UK, please contact the RSCM on +44 (0)1722 424843 or email us.

Who should I contact if I have any further questions about Voice for Life or the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards?

Further advice and information can be obtained from the Administrator, Education programmes:
T: +44 (0)1722 424843, F 01722 424849, E: voiceforlife@rscm.com

Go to UK and Ireland Area syllabuses >
Go to RSCM International >
Go to Gold award >