Kalymi Music Assessments
Kalymi Music Assessments are optional practical music assessments with clearly published requirements, defined playing tasks and written feedback. They are designed for independent musicians who want a specific goal to work toward and a clear record of what they have achieved.
Purpose
Practical goals for independent musicians
Kalymi Music Assessments focus on what a player can actually do with the instrument. Depending on the pathway and grade, requirements may include technique, rhythm, repertoire, improvisation, listening, reading and other practical musicianship skills.
Each assessment is based on published requirements, so candidates know exactly what is being asked of them before they enter.
Optional by design
Use the assessment if it helps you
An assessment is not required to use a Kalymi Music book, course or learning path. It is an additional goal for players who want a defined standard, feedback on their playing and a formal record of successful completion.
How you prepare is up to you. Kalymi Music materials, a teacher, another suitable resource or independent study are all acceptable, provided you meet the published requirements for the assessment you enter.
The process
How a Kalymi Music assessment works
The Exam Book defines what you need to prepare. When you are ready, Exam Entry registers you for the assessment itself.
Choose a pathway
Select the instrument and grade that match the skills you want to work toward.
Prepare the requirements
Use the official Exam Book to see the repertoire, technique and musicianship requirements for that grade.
Enter when ready
Exam Entry is separate from the Exam Book. Register only when you are ready to take the assessment.
Receive your result
Every candidate receives a result and written feedback. The expected turnaround is published with Exam Entry before you register.
Current pathway
Cigar Box Guitar
Cigar box guitar is the first Kalymi Music Assessments pathway, beginning with Grade 1 for 3-string cigar box guitar in Open G (G–D–G). Grade 1 is in production, with Grades 2 to 4 planned for the cigar box guitar pathway.
Cigar Box Guitar, Grade 1
Grade 1 provides a practical beginner-level goal built around country and bluegrass playing skills.
Grade 1 covers
- Tuning & Technique
- Riffs
- Scales & Arpeggios
- Chords, Rhythm & Capo
- Improvisation
- Repertoire
- Listening & Playback
- Sight Reading & Note Finding
Grade 1 is a practical assessment based on the published requirements. Delivery format, entry fee and booking or submission details will be published with Exam Entry when entry opens.
View the Cigar Box Guitar assessment pathway →
Preparing for Grade 1? The Cigar Box Guitar Country & Bluegrass Method develops many of the same skills and is a good place to start.
In development
Future guitar pathways
Kalymi Music Assessments is being developed beyond cigar box guitar. Planned 6-string guitar pathways include Country & Bluegrass Guitar, Blues Guitar and Celtic Guitar.
Requirements, grades and entry information will be published as each pathway is developed.
After the assessment
What candidates receive
A result
Every candidate receives the outcome of the assessment, marked against the published requirements for that grade.
Written feedback
Every candidate receives written feedback identifying strengths and areas that can be developed further.
Certificate of Achievement
Candidates who achieve the required standard receive a Kalymi Music Certificate of Achievement, awarded through Kalymi Music Assessments.
Important distinction
Exam Book and Exam Entry are separate
Buying an Exam Book does not enter you for an assessment. Preparation and entry are two different purchases, and they do different jobs.
- Exam Book
- The official publication containing the grade requirements, repertoire and preparation material.
- Exam Entry
- The separate registration and payment used when you are ready to take the assessment.
- The assessment
- The graded performance itself, marked against the published requirements.
- Certificate
- Candidates who achieve the required standard receive a Kalymi Music Certificate of Achievement, awarded through Kalymi Music Assessments.
Questions & transparency
About the assessment program
Are Kalymi Music Assessments required to use Kalymi Music books or courses?
No. Assessments are entirely optional. Books, courses and learning paths can all be used without entering an assessment.
How is an assessment taken?
The assessment follows the published requirements in the Exam Book. The delivery format, entry fee and booking or submission instructions will be published with Exam Entry for each grade when entry opens.
Which grades and instrument pathways are planned?
Cigar Box Guitar Grade 1 is the first assessment. Grades 2 to 4 are planned for cigar box guitar. Future 6-string guitar pathways in development include Country & Bluegrass Guitar, Blues Guitar and Celtic Guitar. Details will be published as each pathway is developed.
What happens if I do not reach the required standard?
You still receive a result and written feedback identifying strengths and areas to improve, so you have a clear record of what was achieved and what needs further work.
Do I need a teacher to enter?
No. Assessments are open to independent and self-taught players. What matters is meeting the published requirements, not how you prepared for them.
Are Kalymi Music Assessments government, conservatory or academic accreditation?
No. Kalymi Music Assessments are independently developed and administered by Kalymi Music. They are not government, conservatory or academic accreditation.
Assessment & Cigar Box Guitar Updates
Stay Updated
Get updates on Cigar Box Guitar Grade 1, Exam Entry, new assessment pathways, and other Kalymi Music cigar box guitar releases and resources.
Elsewhere on the site
Where to start preparing
Assessment materials are separate from teaching materials. These cigar box guitar resources can help you build the skills Grade 1 asks for.