Performance Assessment
Music Theory exams – March 2021
Online Music Theory exams (Grades 1 to 5) – we are cancelling the online exams planned for 16 March. Exams in May and June will go ahead as planned.
Paper Music Theory exams (Grades 6 to 8) – we will not be offering these exams in March. The next exams at Grades 6 to 8 will be in June 2021.
Grade 5 Music Theory requirement - from 1 January to 30 April 2021 only, candidates can take Grade 6 to 8 Performance or Practical exams without first passing Grade 5 Music Theory. From 1 May 2021, the Grade 5 Music Theory requirement will return with flexibility about timing.
Available to musicians of any age or grade, the Performance Assessment is an opportunity to have solo work assessed by a professional musician, where performers receive constructive comments about their playing or singing written on the certificate that they receive at the end of the assessment.
Performers play or sing a short programme of music of their own choice lasting no longer than 15 minutes in total. Suitable for musicians of all levels, the assessment is delivered by a professional musician providing an objective, independent evaluation with no pass or fail and without marks awarded.
Suitable for musicians of all levels and ages
Completely free choice of repertoire
No scales, sight-reading or aural tests
Objective, independent evaluation with no pass or fail
Introductory Leaflet
Key assessment information
How to enter for an assessment
Hints and tips for the assessment
"I enjoy doing Performance Assessments because I can walk into the exam room without worrying about whether I'm going to pass or fail. Instead I look forward to showing the examiner what I can do in a supportive situation which allows me to achieve the best of my ability."
Nicola Clapp
"I enjoyed the journey of preparation as much as the destination. It was wonderful to dedicate time to getting my three chosen pieces to the best standard I could, and to get to a stage in playing them where I knew the notes so well I could truly focus on other aspects of playing the music. The experience gave me a great focus and renewed motivation to continue playing the piano."
Elaine Marriott