We are delighted to announce that the new RSCM Chief Examiner for Singing Awards is Christopher Sparkhall; he will be starting in role on 13th January 2026. 

Chris has extensive, senior-level experience in examining and moderation, and in assessment design. 

He is a senior examiner for GCSE and A level Music. He has also been (and continues as) an ABRSM examiner for the last 18 years, and is a skilled singer, conductor and ARCO organist. 

Chris spent nearly 20 years until August 2024 as Director of Music at Canford School, where he led a large, successful department achieving consistently exceptional results. At Canford, he conducted chapel and chamber choirs (the chapel choir numbered 80 singers); and directed ensembles from choral societies to jazz bands 

Chris writes: ‘I have extensive experience as an examiner and music educator, and I am motivated by a passion for supporting and developing musicians through clear, fair, and inspiring assessment. I am a passionate advocate for choral singing; I am committed to helping singers of all ages and backgrounds find confidence and joy in performance. I want to help further the work of the RSCM in building foundations for the singers’ future progress and success’. 

We look forward to welcoming Chris to the RSCM staff team, and to him leading our team of examiners into the next, exciting chapter of the RSCM’s Singing Awards.