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Performance Assessment

About the Performance Assessment

The Performance Assessment is an opportunity to have your playing or singing assessed by one of our examiners in a face-to-face setting. You can choose what to perform and there are no scales, sight-reading or aural tests. The examiner listens to your performance and provides an objective, independent evaluation with no pass or fail and without awarding marks.  

There is no pass or fail and no marks are awarded. At the end of the assessment the examiner gives you a certificate with their constructive comments about your playing or singing. 

Coming soon

In early 2024 we’re changing the name of the Performance Assessment to the Open Music Assessment to reflect the accessible nature of this assessment. We're not making any changes to the assessment itself, but we’re excited to announce that along with the change of name we’ll also be making it available to Clarion players during 2024. This is in addition to the wide range of instrumentalists and singers who can already choose this flexible, relaxed assessment.

“I enjoy Performance Assessments because I can walk into the exam room without worrying about whether I'm going to pass or fail. I look forward to showing the examiner what I can do in a supportive situation.” 

Why do a Performance Assessment?

The Performance Assessment is open to musicians of any age or level including:  

  • Performers preparing for a concert, competition, audition or diploma 
  • Musicians with specific needs who may not want to take graded music exams 
  • Adult learners looking for a goal to work towards 
  • Teachers who would like an independent assessment of their playing or singing  

The assessment is available for the following subjects: 

  • Piano, Organ, Harpsichord 
  • Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass 
  • Guitar, Harp 
  • Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone 
  • Horn, Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, E flat Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba 
  • Percussion 
  • Singing 
  • Jazz – Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet/Cornet/Flugelhorn 

For Harpsichord, Organ and Percussion you must provide a suitable Private Visit venue. 

Jazz Performance Assessments are only available in Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK. 

How to book your exam

What’s in the assessment

A short programme of up to 15 minutes of own-choice music. You should provide your own accompanist, if needed. You can have a brief conversation with the examiner about your objectives before your performance.  

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Cello with colourway