[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]oung contemporary musicians of Nagaland had their first taste of Rock & Pop exams today at Symphony School of Rock, Kohima. The exam is being conducted under the International Music Exams Board of Trinity College London (UK) for the first time in Nagaland.James Godfrey, a performer, sessionist and educator with experience in both the Rock & Pop and classical industries, was the examiner. Interacting with media persons after the first session of the exam Friday, Godfrey said the examination was going smoothly and well organized. He said the student musicians were being assessed on standard international examination guidelines, touching upon the performance ability, flair, accuracy and technical performance, among other aspects.
To be successful commercially, a musician needs natural talent, determination, support and a passion for what he/she does, he opined, adding, “and a bit of luck as well”.
“From what I have seen today, it is very encouraging,” is what he had to say on the capability of the Nagas as contemporary musicians.
He encouraged young aspiring musicians to keep doing what they are doing, sharing their music.
Twenty-eight candidates from Kohima as well as from other districts appeared the Rock & Pop exams for drums, vocals, keyboards and electric guitar ranging from the entry level of Grade 1 to Grade 8. Eight year-old Sadimenla of Symphony School of Rock, Kohima is the youngest candidate taking the exams.
“The unique feature of the Rock & Pop exams is the familiarity of the music materials. This means that the syllabus for the examinations are taken from current songs and music from the rock and pop genres currently played and sung around the world,” Trinity Area Representative, Khyochano TCK Ngully said.
She observes that whether self-taught or taking lessons, learning for fun or heading for a career in the music industry, these exams will help musicians develop valuable playing skills and achieve their musical ambitions.
The Rock & Pop exams are fully accredited and are part of a suite of qualifications offered by Trinity College (UK). It was informed that the Rock & Pop exams will be held annually at Symphony School of Rock, Jail Colony, Kohima. Other than Rock & Pop, Trinity practical and theory examinations of different genres are held twice a year.
