This site is no longer updated and will not be available after December 2010. Performance Examination Grading Criteria
The following Grading Criteria are applicable to all Practical Study, Music Performance, Diploma in Music and Minor Practical Study recital exams.
H1 EXCELLENT (80–100)
The level of the recital examination overall demonstrates instrumental capability and musical understanding of a very high order. The program is of appropriate examination length and difficulty for the year level. The performance is excellently presented and reveals suitable musical insight and persuasive interpretations of the works performed. Technical assurance and interesting musical perceptions are maintained throughout the examination, and a high level of musical communication is evident. The overall level of performance would be regarded as excellent at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school.
H2A VERY GOOD (75–79)
The recital examination reflects strong musical qualities and is generally technically assured. The examination overall is of suitable length and difficulty for the year level. The recital is well presented, showing thorough musical understanding of the works presented. Features are present, however, which when taken together exclude the recital from the excellent category. The overall level of the recital would be regarded as very good rather than excellent at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school.
H2B GOOD (70–74)
The recital examination reflects sound musical qualities and a general level of technical competence. The performance overall is of adequate length and difficulty for the year level. The recital is fairly well presented and shows a commendable musical understanding of the works presented. Certain weaknesses and limitations are present, however, which exclude consideration of the recital from the high honours categories. Such things might include occasionally faltering technical command, some limited musical insights or a certain lack of communicative projection. The overall level of performance would be regarded as above average at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school.
H3 FAIR (65–69)
The recital examination demonstrates reasonable musical qualities and sufficient technical capacity for the works to be performed with fluency. An overall attempt at the examination presentation is evident, and adequate musical understanding is demonstrated. Weaknesses and limitations are present, however, which exclude consideration of the recital from the higher honours categories. The level of the recital overall is fair at this level without being either poor or distinguished, and would be regarded as such at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school.
P SATISFACTORY (50-64)
The recital examination demonstrates an attempt at conveying musical qualities and passable technical capacity for the works to be performed with some degree of fluency. Some attempt at the examination presentation is evident, and some general musical understanding is demonstrated. Weaknesses and limitations will be present although not to such a degree that the recital cannot be considered for a passing result. The level of the recital overall is adequate at this level without being either poor or fair, and would be regarded as such at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school.
N NOT SATISFACTORY (0–49)
The recital does not demonstrate sufficient technical control or musical understanding to meet the requirements of the undergraduate recital examination at the appropriate year level. The level of playing is generally inadequate, flawed or lacking in musical insight. There may also be severe problems with the performance overall and with the level of musical communication. The level of performance would be regarded as inadequate at the appropriate year level in any comparable music school