In the last edition of MT (September, Vol. 99, No. 9), I mentioned ABRSM's new Performance Grades, which will be assessed from recordings – I am delighted to now share more information about these. The Performance Grades booking period is from 28 September to 5 October and the exam submission date for recordings is between 19 October and 7 November. Because of the nature of the exam, you are able to make your recordings today and then submit from 19 October.
‘I'm only just starting out on my learning journey. With a passion for being on the stage, I am very keen to take Performance Grades’ - Ben, age 10, South East
Why?
As a teacher, you will understand that not every child you teach is the same. You can now play to their strengths with two different assessment options: Practical or Performance Grades. Our Performance Grades have been designed for learners who want to develop skills in the programming and delivery of a sustained performance, and, at the heart of it, gain and be credited for their performance skills.
Inspiring Performance
At the centre of every performance is a musician's ability to tell a story, communicate musical interpretation, and share their craft. Performance Grades now provide the opportunity to bring all of these essential skills to a regulated qualification. To showcase and reward students in a new way.
With greater musical choice, you and your student can choose the pieces/songs, control how to arrange them into a programme and decide how to best put across musical interests, tastes, strengths and personality.
As the exams are assessed from recordings, we are able to offer flexibility and accessibility. Performances can take place at home, at school or in a community setting – perfect for all ages with the freedom to choose where to record the performance, and with whom.
Practical or Performance Grades?
With this wider offering, you and your students can choose to switch between Practical and Performance Grades as progress is made through the grades across all ABRSM instrumental and singing syllabuses.
Performance Grades at 6 to 8 will attract the same UCAS points as our Practical Grades at these levels. They are equivalent in demand, recognition and value as a qualifi cation, but with a different emphasis. They are based on the same repertoire and syllabuses, assessment criteria and quality assurance measures as our existing exams and will be assessed by the same highly trained examiners.
We believe that a thorough understanding of the elements of music is essential for a full and satisfying performance at the higher grades. Therefore, a pass at ABRSM Grade 5 or above is required in either Music Theory, Practical Musicianship or any Practical Music solo Jazz instrument before learners can enter for a Grade 6, 7 or 8 exam.
Marking
As with our Practical Grades, a total of 150 marks will be available overall:
- The four pieces/songs will be marked individually with a maximum of 30 marks for each.
- Examiners will use our established criteria to mark the pieces – assessing pitch, time, tone, shape and performance.
- There will then be a separate 30 marks available for the ‘performance as a whole’ – the examiner will be assessing communication, interpretation and delivery.
As experienced performers themselves, our examiners are here to help you, to help your students flourish.
Find out more and read FAQs
We are passionate that Performance Grades will be the perfect fit for many.
Find out more at: abrsm.org/performancegrades
