General Notes and Regulations
Both learners in a Duo examination must be entered at the same grade level.
Learners may not enter for both Solo and Duo examinations at the same grade level in the one examination session.
Learners may not enter for both Solo and Duo examinations at different grade levels in the one examination session.
Duo partners may not interchange with other learners. Substitution will only be allowed under exceptional circumstances.
Songs/scenes may be presented in the order of the learner’s choice.
Movement and dance may be incorporated where appropriate and relevant to enhance the overall performance.
Costumes and hand props are permitted, if appropriate, but must be kept to a minimum;however, they will not be assessed specifically and the learner will not be awarded any extra marks for their inclusion.
Any time taken for changes and the setting or striking of props must be included in the time of the scene.
The examiner reserves the right to halt songs/scenes that exceed the stipulated time allowance.
Hairstyles must not obscure the face and shoes must not hinder movement. Suitable shoes must be worn for all scenes unless the character portrayed is barefoot. Nudity is not permitted.
Learners must bring legible copies of the libretti for the examiner.
Copies of the songs must adhere to copyright laws.
Learners must write the title and character (if applicable) at the top of the Examination Report prior to entering the examination room.
Learners must not present the same song/scene for more than one examination.
Songs and/or libretti which are directly addressed to an audience must not be focused solely on the examiner;however the examiner should be included in the wider imagined audience.
Although the use of accent/dialect is not compulsory, the style and intent of the librettist/ composer should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of a role.
Duo learners will be assessed through open discussion with both learners in the Knowledge section of each examination.
The key of a song may be transposed to accommodate the vocal range of the learner.
It is the responsibility of the learner to provide an accompanist necessary to support their performance. The accompanist will only remain in the room for the portion of the examination for which s/he is required. A piano, electronic keyboard, guitar or other appropriate instrument may be used to accompany the pieces, but it is the responsibility of the learner to provide the instrument or make prior arrangements with the centre organiser. If necessary, a pageturner will also bepermitted in the examination room. However, they will only remain in the room for the portion of the exam for which s/he is required.
Where a learner wishes to use a recorded accompaniment, playback equipment of good sound quality must be provided and operated by a technician. If a technician is used, they will only remain in the room for the portion of the examination for which s/he is required.
Electronic sound enhancement is not permitted, including the use of microphones.