The accuracy of notes and intonation, rhythmic accuracy and control of tempo.

Technical facility, ease of playing and general control of the instrument.

Quality of tone, execution and variety of articulation.

Understanding of stylistic considerations within a given musical period. Musical shaping showing an understanding of form and underlying harmonic structure.

Expressive capability, imagination, flair and ensemble skills (if applicable).

The candidate has provided sufficient execution of notes and rhythm with some musical phrasing and demonstration of musical detail. Overall the performance showed sufficient signs of a musical understanding in terms of style, musical phrasing and musical detail.

The candidate has demonstrated a good overall standard in the majority of the areas examined. Notes and tempo were generally correct, although there may have been slight blemishes. There was an understanding of musical shaping and attention to detail, overall a mostly fluent performance with a degree of performance flair.

The candidate has demonstrated high and commendable standards in most areas examined and excellence in some. Notes were mostly accurate with an overall good sense of rhythm and consistent tempo. Musical shaping was evident and well performed with good musical quality and sense of communication of character and style, an overall polished performance with well-demonstrated performance flair.

The candidate has demonstrated outstanding standards in the areas examined. Pieces were played with a high level of accuracy in pitch, strong fluency and control of rhythm, excellent shaping with close attention to detail, sensitive use of tonal qualities throughout and an overall well-communicated sense of Style. An overall mature performance with outstanding performance flair.

The candidate has demonstrated a good performance, exhibiting technical competence and a developed musical understanding. Notes and rhythm were generally correct with sufficient stylistic realisation to meet the demands of this level and a generally well-controlled performance, overall a satisfactory performance.

The candidate has demonstrated a confident and well-polished performance that was of a high and commendable standard. The performance was well presented with a high level of accuracy in the notes and rhythm with a clear demonstration of artistic understanding and evident musical shaping.

The candidate has demonstrated an exemplary performance comparable to a professional concert performance standard. In addition to an excellent level of note accuracy and rhythmic fluency, close attention to detail and musical phrasing, the overall performance demonstrated a high level of maturity in the artistic understanding and the technical challenges were met with ease and securely performed.