Classical Piano

The St. Cecilia School of Music pianoforte syllabus is designed to provide a structured course that enables students to develop their piano skills while choosing from a wide selection of pieces that should appeal to various personal tastes. Whilst the syllabus is classically based, jazz and blues styles are included in the 20th / 21st Century section from grades one to five. Candidates may also play complete works, which become mandatory in grade eight. For the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary grades, major publications including Alfred, Bastien, Rhythm and Hall Leonard are included in the extensive syllabus.

Modern Keyboard – Organ, Electronic Keyboard, Jazz

St. Cecilia offers examinations in electronic organ and keyboard, in addition to modern piano and jazz. These syllabuses allow for much freedom in the choice of performance pieces and do not restrict the performer to works that may quickly become outdated. St. Cecilia recognises that improvisation and creativity forms a large part in the teaching of electronic instruments. This is reflected in each examination.

Strings – Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

The School has always been proud of its string teaching background. All major publications are included in the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary examination repertoire including the “Flying Start for Strings”  and the "Strings Rock" series. The major string repertoire forms the basis of each grade and there is an Own Choice section for Item 4.

Singing

St. Cecilia’s singing syllabus has a broad and updated repertoire that is suitable for all voices including early adolescents. The syllabus is integrated technically and artistically, and languages other than English are an important part of the overall experience. As with all St. Cecilia syllabuses, the singing syllabus is suitable for both private and school music curricula.

Classical Guitar

The classical guitar syllabus features current beginner methods as well as well known albums such as Noad, Shearer and Mel Bay. The “Fun with Fingers” (Rhythm Publications) series is used extensively from  grades one to five. The technical requirements are basic yet cover all aspects of tonality and technical coordination in a sensible developmental approach.

Modern Bass Guitar

The new modern bass exams (electric or double bass) offered by the St Cecilia School of Music  have been written to suit the needs of the contemporary bassist – be they student or teacher. Examinations are available at seven different levels: Preliminary, Certificates 1-4, Associate Diploma and Diploma.

Theory of Music

The aim of the St. Cecilia theory of music course is to develop rudimentary skills as early as possible and to apply them in a creative manner. Throughout the course, composition is a requirement and students apply simple skills right from the Junior level. A research project, based largely on composers, has been included from certificates one to five. This is completed externally and brought to the examination as a major part of the overall assessment. Students are always encouraged to produce these projects imaginatively with the guidance from their teachers. Theory examinations are available from Beginner level to Advanced Certificate Eight.

Drum Kit

Our drum kit examinations are uniquely designed and cover all aspects essential to the beginner, developing and advanced drummer. Examinations commence at Preliminary level and work through four certificates and a diploma.

Saxophone

The saxophone syllabus offers all grades from Beginner through to grade eight and may be taken on soprano, tenor, alto or baritone. A very extensive list of pieces has been set which allows for considerable imagination as well as style in the examination. Albums with CD accompaniment have been included and their use is encouraged in the actual examination.

Clarinet

Our very progressive clarinet syllabus is exciting in addition to being progressive. Ranging from Beginner level through eight grades and three diplomas, the syllabus gives every opportunity for students to naturally develop all the necessary skills and techniques. Students can use our syllabus for bass clarinet examinations as well.

Flute

The flute syllabus offers a structured course that enables students to develop their flute playing skills to the highest level of excellence. They can choose music from a wide selection of pieces that will appeal to all ages and tastes. Particular care has been taken to provide appropriate musical choices for adult students.

Drama & Communication – Performers and Speakers Syllabus (PASS)

St. Cecilia has recently established a unique Performers and Speakers Syllabus (PASS), which is now available for public examinations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

In line with its strong commitment to excellence, St. Cecilia sought the views of speech and drama teachers,  as well as communications professionals, to ensure this “new approach” to drama and communication assessments was both innovative and widely accepted.

Examinations in PASS are available at the Beginner, Junior and Preliminary levels and eight grades and diplomas.

Diplomas

St. Cecilia offers a complete range of professional diploma examinations in all subjects including Piano Duet and Performers and Speakers. All St. Cecilia Diplomas represent a high level of musical and technical competency.

The Associate Diploma (A.Dip.SCSM) requires a performance programme between 30-35 minutes in length. The choice of items is a major part of the overall assessment.

The Diploma of the St. Cecilia School of Music (Dip.SCSM) represents a professional level of study and performance practice.

Diplomas are also offered in Teaching, Duet Performance, Theory, Composition, Research and Musicology, Church Music.

The Fellowship Diploma may be taken at most centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Special application must be made for this exceptionally high level of examination.