Chinese Instrumental Music Grading Examinations
23 November - 30 November 2026
Latest Announcement
Change in the Examination Requirement for Certificate In Professional Performance (CIPP) Examinations
In line with our ongoing pursuit of excellence, and to raise the overall standards of instrumental performance, the Examination requirements for the Certificate In Professional Performance level have been revised.
Effective from the 2027 Year-End Examinations (November - December 2027), candidates taking the Certificate In Professional Performance will need to perform the two music pieces from memory, i.e. memorization is required.
The change aims to encourage candidates to demonstrate not only accurate execution of the repertoire, but also deeper musical understanding, expressive communication and refined performance skills. The revision is also intended to encourage more holistic music development and to better prepare the candidates for advanced study and higher-level performance opportunities.
In summary, the requirements for the Certificate In Professional Performance Examination are:
• Have attained at least a Pass in Grade 8 Examination, certified by any exam board
• Two music pieces to be performed from memory
For more information on the repertoire list, please click here.
Examination Registration for DSA Applicants
Results and certificates will be posted to candidates by Singpost Local Tracked Mail Service from 20 May 2026.
For more details, please click here.
Change in Examination Requirements
Effective from Year 2025, candidates will only be required to perform two pieces:
• Grades 1 to Grade 8: one etude and one choice piece.
• Certificate In Professional Performance: two choice pieces.
*For Percussion Grade 5 to Grade 8: The Cymbals component will be removed from the Percussion syllabus. Candidates will not be able to select Cymbals as the choice piece.
This change is in line with our ongoing pursuit of excellence, and in response to the evolving landscape of Chinese instrumental music education in Singapore.
For more details, please click here.
Established in 2017, the Chinese Instrumental Music Grading Examinations is a partnership between The TENG Company (TENG) and Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University (CI-NTU).
The Examinations are structured as a systematic and progressive grading system, which will help schools, parents and instructors better assess their children’s and students’ progress in mastering Chinese instrumental performance.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE EXAMINATIONS ARE TO:
Set up an examination system that will be recognised and accepted by academic and music institutions in Singapore and abroad.
Establish a structured and consistent set of guidelines for the systematic training of various Chinese musical instruments.
Promote the appreciation and education of Chinese music in Singapore and the surrounding region.
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