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 format, filming environment, accompaniment, file handling, and technical standards.

Before You Start Recording

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

• Video Format: You must 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.

• File Naming: Name your file using this format:
  ForenameSurname_ClassicalInstrument_GradeNumber
  (e.g. SamSmith_ClassicalPiano_Grade5)

• Legal Music Copies: Your books or legally downloaded music must be in shot.
  If using a digital copy, show the watermark clearly to the camera before beginning, even if performing from memory.

Filming Setup

• Camera Placement: Position the camera so that your full body, face, and instrument are visible. Follow instrument-specific guidelines (e.g. piano side view, drum kit side angle).

• Lighting: Ensure good lighting without backlighting. Avoid becoming a silhouette.

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

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

Accompaniment & Backing Tracks

• General Rules:

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

  • Ensure a good balance between your instrument/voice and the track.

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

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

Technical Work Filming (Classical and Jazz – Technical Pathway)

• Music must be removed for any items that must be performed from memory, such as scales and arpeggios.

• A prompt sheet may be used to list item names and required technical details only.

• If using a prompt, hold it clearly up to the camera before beginning.

Optional Equipment and Techniques

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

• Microphones: A single external microphone is allowed. Multi-mic setups or sound-treated studio rigs are not permitted.

File Submission

• Size Limits: The recommended maximum file size is 1GB for graded exams and 2GB for diplomas.

• Compression: If uploading from a mobile device, use a compression app if needed.

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

Important Restrictions

• No cueing: Verbal or non-verbal cues (e.g. “1–2–3–4”), clicks, or instrumental prompts are not permitted.

• No resubmission: You must not submit the same video more than once unless Trinity specifically requests a resubmission.

• 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)