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VOICE for LIFE is the RSCM’s acclaimed guide to training choirs and singers of all ages. The VOICE for LIFE scheme provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, their musical understanding, and their knowledge of the repertoire.

The completely revised and up-dated VOICE for LIFE is

• A structured guide to vocal training
• Based on graded targets with informal assessment
• Complete with supporting resources to enable teachers and choir trainers to deliver the program with confidence
• Designed for use in schools, churches, and other community choirs
• Easy to use with a clear layout
• Fully compatible with the RSCM Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards

Levels

There are four levels in the VOICE for LIFE scheme providing training from beginners to advanced singers. The levels are designed to be used by both children and adults. The levels are:

Each level comes complete with:

• Teaching material in the Choir Trainer’s book to enable the teacher or choir trainer to provide the appropriate training for each level;
• Clear targets which state exactly what a singer should have achieved and be able to demonstrate in order to complete each level;
• Singer’s workbooks containing questions, exercise, and puzzles. On completion, the workbook is signed and dated by the choir trainer.
• Ribbons and medals/lapel badges to award singers on completion of each level. For school choirs and other non-robed choirs, there are colored lapel badges. For church choirs and other robed choirs, medals can be worn on the appropriately colored ribbon.

Each level is assessed informally by the choir trainer and the badge/ribbon and medal is awarded once the singer has reached the targets and finished the workbook.

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Content
Each level of VOICE for LIFE provides training in the following areas:

• Using the voice well
• Musical skills and understanding
• Repertoire
• Belonging to the choir
• Choir in context.

Where to purchase materials
The following U.S. suppliers offer a 25% discount to Affiliate members on multiple copies of RSCM music and materials, and a 25% discount to Individual members on single copies of RSCM music and materials.

Cliff Hill Music
1-800-819-8772
cliff@cliffhillmusic.com
www.cliffhillmusic.com

Lois Fyfe Music
1-800-851-9023
sales@loisfyfemusic.com
www.loisfyfemusic.com

GIA Publications, Inc.
1-800-GIA-1358
www.giamusic.com

For comprehensive information about VOICE for LIFE, visit this website: www.voiceforlife.info

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RSCM Awards

To support the choir trainer and to affirm the VOICE for LIFE levels achieved within the choir, the RSCM provides a complementary system of awards designed to be assessed through formal examination: the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. These awards affirm the VOICE for LIFE levels that have been awarded informally by the choir trainer. Light and Dark Blue levels prepare the chorister for the Bronze award, Red helps the candidate prepare for the Silver award, and Yellow helps the candidate prepare for the Gold award.

• Light Blue
• Dark Blue
• BRONZE AWARD
• Red
• SILVER AWARD
• Yellow
• GOLD AWARD

Examination for the formal awards is entirely at the option of the individual singer. Choristers may work through the VOICE for LIFE program and choose not to participate in the formal assessment for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. A chorister must be a member of an RSCM America affiliated choir or an individual member in order to be eligible for the exam.

Each formal award has its own syllabus, complete with guidelines to help prepare the candidate and the choir trainer for the standard expected during the examination. See below to download the entry requirements.

Examination fees are $50 for the Bronze Award, $75 for the Silver Award, and $110 for the Gold Award and should be submitted with the entry form. Click below to download the appropriate Entry Form.

Bronze, Silver & Gold Medals:
Successful candidates are entitled to wear a prestigious medal cast in the appropriate colored metal worn on distinctive ribbons (green ribbons for Bronze, purple ribbons for Silver, and dark red ribbons for Gold). After the RSCM America Office has received confirmation of a successful exam, the candidate may purchase their medal from the RSCM America office for $20.

Examination Locations & Scheduling
All inquiries and requests for exams must be directed to Linda Buzard. Examinations are held at most Training Courses (see course listings or contact the RSCM America Awards Coordinator for more information).

Examiners are located in many cities around the United States. To schedule an exam or to find an exam center close to you, contact Linda Buzard. Candidates will be advised of the specific examination venues and times once entries have been received. Candidates are responsible for their (and their accompanist's) travel costs to and from the examination. Where there are several candidates in one place, it may be possible to arrange for the examiner to travel to the candidates (in which case the candidates will still be responsible for any travel and accommodations expenses).

How the RSCM Runs Its Singing Awards

If you have any questions please contact:

Ms. Linda Buzard, The Chapel of St. John the Divine,
1011 S. Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
Telephone: (217) 344-1924;
Email: buzards@sbcglobal.net

View names of recent RSCM AWARD RECIPIENTS

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