Graded music exams you can sit anywhere in Kenya
Cheza Music School Examinations (CMSE) are graded practical music exams from Grade 1 to Grade 8, offered on every instrument we teach. They give learners a clear, motivating goal to work towards and a recognised certificate to show for it.
You don't need to be a Cheza student, and it doesn't matter where in Kenya you are: we can send someone to record your exam at a location of your choice, or you can record at our Membley studio. Our examiners then score the recording and results are out in 3 weeks.
How CMSE works
Choose your package
When you register, you choose how much of your musicianship you'd like assessed:
- Performance only — out of 100. Four prepared pieces, each marked out of 25.
- Full — out of 150. The four pieces (100), plus Scales & Arpeggios (25) and Sight-reading (25) — the closest to a full graded exam and the best preparation for ABRSM.
| Assessed component | Performance | Full |
|---|---|---|
| Pieces (4 × 25) | 100 | 100 |
| Scales & Arpeggios | — | 25 |
| Sight-reading | — | 25 |
| Total marks | 100 | 150 |
Your grade (Distinction / Merit / Pass) is worked out as a percentage, so both packages are marked to the same standard.
CMSE exam fees (Grades 1–8)
One simple fee per grade — the same price whether we record at your location or at our Membley studio. The Full package adds Scales & Arpeggios and Sight-reading for a flat KES 1,000 more.
| Grade | Performance only /100 | Full /150 |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | KES 6,000 | KES 7,000 |
| Grade 2 | KES 7,000 | KES 8,000 |
| Grade 3 | KES 8,000 | KES 9,000 |
| Grade 4 | KES 9,000 | KES 10,000 |
| Grade 5 | KES 10,000 | KES 11,000 |
| Grade 6 | KES 11,000 | KES 12,000 |
| Grade 7 | KES 12,000 | KES 13,000 |
| Grade 8 | KES 13,000 | KES 14,000 |
Instruments you can be examined on
CMSE exams are offered on every instrument Cheza teaches, including:
Piano · Guitar · Voice · Violin · Drums · Keyboard · Bass Guitar · Ukulele · Cello · Recorder.
Not sure which grade to enter? Register and we'll help you choose the right level.
What you get: a certificate you can prove
Every CMSE pass earns a Certificate of Achievement carrying a unique reference and a QR code anyone can scan to verify it on our website — so your qualification can always be trusted.
You also receive a detailed score sheet: your mark on each component — the four pieces, and (on the Full package) Scales & Arpeggios and Sight-reading — with examiner comments and your grading band:
- Distinction — 90–100
- Merit — 80–89
- Pass — 65–79
- Referred (retake) — 0–64
A cheaper way to prepare for ABRSM
CMSE works two ways. It's a complete internal Cheza qualification in its own right — and it's an affordable way to build real graded-exam experience before ABRSM, without paying for every ABRSM grade along the way.
Already preparing for ABRSM? You can sit CMSE at the same level first to rehearse under exam conditions. See our ABRSM theory practice too.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a Cheza student? No — CMSE is open to everyone.
What's the difference between the packages? Performance only assesses four pieces (out of 100). Full adds Scales & Arpeggios and Sight-reading (out of 150) for KES 1,000 more.
Is there a written theory exam? Not for now. CMSE is practical — Scales & Arpeggios and Sight-reading are played, not written.
When can I sit the exam? Any time. Book, get your pieces, practise, then submit and pay when ready.
Where is it recorded? At your chosen location (we come to you) or at our Membley studio — same price either way.
How long for results? Within 3 weeks of your recording.
Ready to sit your exam?
Booking is free — you only pay the exam fee when you submit.
Register for an ExamRegister for an Exam
