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 nominate a day, date, time and venue for their assessment.
In respect of the works performed, candidates are expected to propose their own programme and each level should correspond with established standards.
Candidates are issued with a performance assessment grid, as will be used by our assessors. This enables candidates to prepare for their assessment, knowing what assessors will be looking for.
Below is a grid to help you find which assessment level is right for you:
| Assessment Level |
Certificates |
| Duration |
10 mins |
| Playing Time |
+/- 2 mins |
| Works |
3-5 Contrasted pieces |
| Viva |
Yes, 5 mins |
| Perform from memory |
Candidate's choice |
| Improvising |
This option is not offered |
| Public recital |
No |
| Address audience |
No |
| Programme notes |
No |
| Written element & aural tests |
None |
| Assessment Level |
INMSM (Grades5/6) |
| Duration |
20 mins |
| Playing Time |
+/- 2 mins |
| Works |
3-7 Contrasted pieces |
| Viva |
Yes, 10 mins |
| Perform from memory |
Candidate's choice |
| Improvising |
This option is not offered |
| Public recital |
Candidate's choice |
| Address audience |
Candidate's choice |
| Programme notes |
Candidate's choice |
| Written element & aural tests |
None |
| Assessment Level |
ANMSM |
| Duration |
30 mins |
| Playing Time |
+/- 3 mins |
| Works |
3-8 Contrasted pieces |
| Viva |
Yes, 15 mins |
| Perform from memory |
Candidate's choice |
| Improvising |
Candidate's choice - 3 to 4 mins |
| Public recital |
Candidate's choice |
| Address audience |
Candidate's choice |
| Programme notes |
Yes |
| Written element & aural tests |
None |
| Assessment Level |
LNMSM |
| Duration |
40 mins |
| Playing Time |
+/- 4 mins |
| Works |
4-10 Contrasted pieces |
| Viva |
Yes, 20 mins |
| Perform from memory |
Candidate's choice |
| Improvising |
Candidate's choice - 4 to 6 mins |
| Public recital |
Yes |
| Address audience |
Yes |
| Programme notes |
Yes |
| Written element & aural tests |
None |
| Assessment Level |
FNMSM |
| Duration |
60 mins |
| Playing Time |
+/- 5 mins |
| Works |
Suitable national pieces standard or specialised programme by a single composer |
| Viva |
Yes, up to 30 mins |
| Perform from memory |
Candidate's choice |
| Improvising |
Candidate's choice - 5 to 8 mins |
| Public recital |
Yes |
| Address Audience |
Yes |
| Programme notes |
Yes (in depth) |
| Written element & aural tests |
None |
Read about our current President Elizabeth Stratford.
Lord Street West Church Hall, 14th March 2020 at 2pm. Members' recital at 3.30pm.