Recognising Talent,
Rewarding Achievement

Performance Assessments

All NMSM performance assessments focus on the performance ‘on the day’ and can be on any instrument or voice. Combinations of instrument and/or voice for the assessment are also encouraged.

They are practical assessments, which do not attract any written paperwork. However, there is a post-assessment viva voce.

This focuses on the selection of music and the way it was performed. Therefore, questions are focused on the mechanics of the pieces performed, rather than any specific technical or historical perspective.

From the outset, the candidate is the driving force in the process. Candidates may nominate a day, date and time for their assessment with an assessor present or via a live video link.

In respect of the works performed, candidates are expected to propose their own programme and each level should correspond with established standards.

Below is a grid to help you find which assessment level is right for you:

Performance Assessment Levels

Assessment LevelANMSMLNMSMFNMSM
Duration30 mins +/- 3 mins40 mins +/- 4 mins50 mins +/- 5 mins
Works3-6 Contrasted pieces4-8 Contrasted pieces4-8 Contrasted pieces
VivaYesYesYes
Perform from memoryCandidate’s choiceCandidate’s choiceCandidate’s choice
ImprovisingCandidate’s choice – up to two minutesCandidate’s choice – up to three minutesCandidate’s choice – Three to five minutes
Public recitalCandidate’s choiceYes – may be in front of friends/familyYes
Address audienceCandidate’s choiceYesYes
Programme notesYesYesYes (comprehensive)
Written element & aural testsNoneNoneNone
Assessment LevelANMSM
Duration30 mins +/- 3 mins
Works3-6 Contrasted pieces
VivaYes
Perform from memoryCandidate’s choice
ImprovisingCandidate’s choice – up to two minutes
Public recitalCandidate’s choice
Address audienceCandidate’s choice
Programme notesYes
Written element & aural testsNone
Assessment LevelLNMSM
Duration40 mins +/- 4 mins
Works4-8 Contrasted pieces
VivaYes
Perform from memoryCandidate’s choice
ImprovisingCandidate’s choice – up to three minutes
Public recitalYes – may be in front of friends/family
Address audienceYes
Programme notesYes
Written element & aural testsNone
Assessment LevelFNMSM
Duration50 mins +/- 5 mins
Works4-8 Contrasted pieces
VivaYes
Perform from memoryCandidate’s choice
ImprovisingCandidate’s choice – Three to five minutes
Public recitalYes
Address AudienceYes
Programme notesYes (comprehensive)
Written element & aural testsNone