Digital Recording Guidance

This article provides essential guidance on how to successfully record and submit your Trinity digital music exam. It covers key requirements for video size and format, filming environment, accompaniment, and file requirements.

Before You Start Recording

• Continuous Performance: Your video must be one continuous recording that includes all required exam elements (pieces/songs, technical work if applicable). Editing, pausing, or stopping the recording will invalidate the submission.

• Video Size and Format: Record in MP4 or MOV format. Turn off high-definition (HD) or select the lowest available HD setting before you begin, as high-definition video can create very large files unsuitable for upload. The maximum file size is 1GB for graded exams and 2GB for diplomas.

• File Naming: Use this format:
  ForenameSurname_Classical(Instrument)_Grade(Number)
  e.g. SamSmith_ClassicalPiano_Initial or JennyJohnson_JazzFlute_Grade5

• Legal Music Copies: Your books or legally downloaded music must be in shot. Show book covers and the first page briefly to camera before you begin, even if performing from memory. If using a digital copy, show the watermark clearly on screen so the examiner can verify purchase.

• No introduction: Do not give spoken introductions (name, pieces, etc.). Show your music to camera, then begin your performance.

Filming Setup

• Camera Placement: Position the camera so your body, face, and instrument are visible. Follow instrument-specific guidance in the syllabus (e.g. piano side view with face, both hands and full keyboard visible; drum kit side angle with both hands and feet in shot).

• Lighting: Ensure good lighting without backlighting. Avoid silhouettes.

• Sound: Do a soundcheck to confirm clarity and balance. Only one external microphone may be used. Multi-mic setups or studio rigs are not permitted, and unused microphones should not appear in shot.

• Environment: Choose a quiet room, silence devices, and ensure your recording device is fully charged with sufficient storage.

Accompaniment & Backing Tracks

• Recorded accompaniments must be clearly audible and played through an external speaker.

• For Rock & Pop graded exams only, backing tracks can be captured using a DAW and merged with the performance, but post-production effects must not be applied.

• Balance must be clear between your performance and the track.

• The solo part must not be included in the track unless written into the accompaniment.

• Drum Kit and Rock & Pop Drums candidates may use headphones with a splitter if required.

Technical Work Filming (Classical & Jazz – Technical Pathway)

• Remove sheet music from the stand for any items that must be played from memory (e.g. scales, arpeggios).

• A prompt sheet may be used to list item names and required technical details only (no extra notes). Show the prompt sheet clearly to the camera before starting.

Optional Equipment and Techniques

• Audio + Video: You may record audio and video separately only if captured simultaneously and merged without edits. Audio must come from the same live performance and remain unprocessed (no EQ, compression, reverb, pitch correction, or mastering). Turn off automatic noise reduction or similar settings.

• Microphones: One external microphone may be used. Multi-mic setups or sound-treated studio rigs are not permitted.

File Submission

• Size limits: 1GB maximum for graded exams; 2GB for diplomas.

• Compression: If uploading from a mobile device, compress the file if needed. Check that audio and video remain in sync and the recording is complete.

• Backups: Keep a backup copy until you receive your result and certificate.

Important Restrictions

• No cueing: Verbal or non-verbal cues (e.g. counting in), clicks, or instrumental prompts are not permitted.

• No resubmission: Do not submit the same video more than once unless Trinity specifically requests it.

• Copyright: You must not share your performance online unless you hold the appropriate copyright permissions.

See also:
Digital Submission Guidance

Exam Formats (Face-to-Face / Digital)