ABRSM ES Introduction and overview

Introduction and overview

An introduction to the pulse, metre and overall structure of the piece.

Pieces - Grades 1-8

Mark	Pitch	Time	Tone	Shape	Performance
Distinction 27–30	Highly accurate notes and intonation	Fluent, with flexibility where appropriate Rhythmic character well conveyed	Well projected Sensitive use of tonal qualities	Expressive, idiomatic musical shaping and detail	Assured Fully committed Vivid communication of character and style
Merit 24–26	Largely accurate notes and intonation	Sustained, effective tempo Good sense of rhythm	Mainly controlled and consistent Good tonal awareness	Clear musical shaping, well-realised detail	Positive Carrying musical conviction Character and style communicated
Pass 20-23	Generally correct notes Sufficiently reliable intonation to maintain tonality	Suitable tempo Generally stable pulse Overall rhythmic accuracy	Generally reliable Adequate tonal awareness	Some realisation of musical shape and/or detail	Generally secure, prompt recovery from slips Some musical involvement
Below Pass 17-19	Frequent note errors Insufficiently reliable intonation to maintain tonality	Unsuitable and/or uncontrolled tempo Irregular pulse Inaccurate rhythm	Uneven and/or unreliable Inadequate tonal awareness	Musical shape and detail insufficiently conveyed	Insecure, inadequate recovery from slips Insufficient musical involvement
13-16	Largely inaccurate notes and/or intonation	Erratic tempo and/or pulse	Serious lack of tonal control	Musical shape and detail largely unrealised	Lacking continuity No musical involvement
10-12	Highly inaccurate notes and/or intonation	Incoherent tempo and/or pulse	No tonal control	No shape or detail	Unable to continue for more than a short section
0	No work offered	No work offered	No work offered	No work offered	No work offered

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