How the exams are marked

Assessment area

Criteria include the following elements:

Songs 1 & 2

Song 3    Technical focus

Fluency & Musical Detail

Sense of pulse, synchronisation with backing track, continuity, rhythm, notes, dynamics, phrasing, articulation

8

8

Technical Control

All instruments and Vocals:

balance, tone, sound quality, co-ordination, expressive shaping of phrases, use of instrumental resources

8

12

Bass & Guitar:

bends, slides, vibrato, use of fx pedals and amp

8

12

Drums:

stick control, rudiments, posture, independence of hands and feet, use of the kit

8

12

Keyboards:

pedalling, fingering, use of function keys

8

12

Vocals:

breathing, diction, intonation, use of microphone

8

12

Communication & Style

Giving a confident performance, being musically engaged, feel and expression, communicating the musical mood and character, demonstrating stylistic awareness in ad libs, fills, improvised bars and solos

9

10

TOTAL

25

30

Component

Criteria

Total mark

Playback

How accurately and fluently the candidate performs the music 

20

OR

Improvising

How effectively the candidate creates an original response to a backing track 

20