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
********
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!
********
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
