9-10

A convincing and stylish performance which demonstrates excellent technique.

• Melodic accuracy/intonation  Excellent level
• Rhythmic accuracy Excellent level
• Tempo and flow Appropriate and musically convincing
• Mood and character Conveyed with sensitivity
• Tone Confident, convincing and well-developed instrumental/vocal sound
• Dynamics Convincing

 7–8

A secure performance musically and technically

• Melodic accuracy/intonation Secure
• Rhythmic accuracy Secure
• Tempo and flow Appropriate and consistent
• Mood and character Conveyed securely
• Tone Secure and effective control of instrumental/vocal sound
• Dynamics Effective

5–6

A mainly accurate performance displaying effective technical and musical control

• Melodic accuracy/intonation Mainly accurate
• Rhythmic accuracy Mainly accurate
• Tempo and flow Appropriate and mainly consistent
• Mood and character Conveyed with some success
• Tone Some evidence of development and control
• Dynamics Some contrast

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Before your exam

In many cases a score less than 5 would just mean you have not yet finished this piece.  4 – ‘nearly done’, 3 – ‘over halfway’, 2 – ‘first chunk sorted’, 1 – ‘just started’.  However the scores below can be awarded during your final practical exam if things go wrong!

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 3–4

An inconsistent performance lacking sufficient technical and/or musical skill to communicate the sense of the music

• Melodic accuracy/intonation Inconsistencies in melodic accuracy and/or passages of poor intonation
• Rhythmic accuracy Inconsistencies in rhythm
• Tempo and flow Inappropriate speed and/or some breaks in continuity
• Mood and character Not conveyed satisfactorily
• Tone Little evidence of development and control
• Dynamics Not observed satisfactorily

 0–2

A poor performance with little or no evidence of required technical and/or musical ability

• Melodic accuracy/intonation Inaccurate melody and/or consistently poor intonation
• Rhythmic accuracy Frequent inaccuracies
• Tempo and flow Totally inappropriate speed and/or frequent stumbling
• Mood and character Not conveyed
• Tone Poor
• Dynamics Ignored