Pieces Mark Distinction

Grades 15

Grades 68 Musically authoritative playing, showing a high level of technical assurance Sensitive use of tonal qualities and rubato where appropriate An instinctive and communicative sense of performance

2730

Technical fluency Confident sense of performance and tonal control Sensitivity to musical detail and mood A musically convincing tempo

Merit

2426

Attention to dynamics and phrasing Evidence of tonal awareness and control A suitable, sustained tempo Sense of the character of the piece Good sense of rhythm

Awareness of style shown by good use of dynamic range, shape of phrasing and rubato Tonal control contributing to the musical character A musically convincing tempo Attention to the musical detail

Pass

2023

General security of notes and rhythm Suitable tempo A reasonable sense of continuity Evidence of careful preparation Prompt recovery from any slips

Overall security at a suitable and sustained tempo Evidence of musical awareness, e.g. appropriate dynamics, phrasing, articulation

Below Pass standard

1719

Just under the acceptable standard in general accuracy Inadequate sense of continuity Poor recovery from slips

Just under the acceptable standard in general accuracy A few slips or breaks in continuity Absence of dynamics, phrasing and articulation Unsuitable or unsustained tempo Inappropriate style Serious difficulties with notes and/or time Frequent stumbles and breaks in continuity

1316

Serious difficulties with notes and/or time Frequent stumbles and breaks in continuity

Halting or incomplete performance Serious lack of tonal control Very weak in all respects

Halting or incomplete performance Absence of musical detail Serious lack of tonal control Only some passages mastered Technically totally inadequate Unable to continue for more than a short section without error No work offered

1012

Technically totally inadequate Unable to continue for more than a few beats without error No work offered

Scales, arpeggios, and unaccompanied traditional song Mark 1921

All grades Quick response Fluent and musically presented Confident and even tempo Prompt response Well prepared Technically mostly secure and even Few small slips or corrections Cautious response Moderate tempo Keys known, despite some errors Momentum generally maintained

1718

1416

Below Pass standard 1113

Poor response Slow and inconsistent tempo Frequent errors Some incomplete items Very poor or incomplete response Extremely sporadic and uneven playing Very slow tempo Technically inadequate No work offered

710

Sight-reading Mark 1921

All grades Fluent Attention to expressive details Musically aware Mostly accurate Usually steady pulse Appropriate tempo Outline in place, despite errors Momentum generally maintained Some awareness of key and time signatures

1718

1416

Below Pass standard 1113

Poor recognition of time and notes Lack of continuity Inconsistent awareness of key Very poor recognition of time and notes No continuity or incomplete attempt Complete disregard for key No work offered

710

Aural tests Mark 18 1517

All grades Quick, accurate and perceptive response Good response Minor errors or hesitation Approximately half the tests correctly answered Evidence of awareness, despite hesitation and error

1214

Below Pass standard 911

Slow and uncertain responses Inaccuracy in parts of all tests Very slow and mostly incorrect responses All tests entirely inaccurate No work offered

68