| Exceptional: A1-2 | Outstanding control of musical parameters; highly effective and imaginative use of musical materials; an exceptional level of technical control; originality and willingness to experiment. | An outstandingly creative and imaginative portfolio that projects an individual and sophisticated voice. | An exceptionally advanced understanding of a broader musical context. Outstanding presentation skills, in all aspects. |
| Excellent: A3-5 | Excellent control of musical parameters, with highly effective and imaginative use of musical materials. Technically sophisticated, demonstrating an assured control of musical resources. | Engaging and imaginative musical ideas, approached with considerable invention and adventurousness, projecting an excellent sense of an individual creative voice in an impressive and ambitious portfolio. Musical ideas are consistently handled with great confidence. | An excellent understanding of a broader musical context and evidence of a convincing approach to musical structures. Presentation skills are excellent, with a sophisticated command of notational conventions and/or documentation. |
| Very Good: B1-3 | Very good control of musical parameters, displaying a very secure and confident technique that facilitates a high level of control in the handling of compositional resources. | Generally engaging and imaginative musical ideas, approached with some impressive invention and ambition, projecting a strong sense of an individual creative voice, with musical ideas that are consistently handled with confidence. | A very good understanding of a broader musical context, and evidence of a convincing well-assimilated approach to musical structures. A convincing command of approaches to notation and/or documentation. |
| Good: C1-3 | Good control of musical parameters, displaying a secure technique; good control in handling of compositional resources. Any errors in the handling of resources are minor and do not detract from the composition. | Coherent and engaging musical ideas, demonstrating creativity and imagination. A sense of an individual voice in a portfolio that demonstrates some commendable ambition. A few misjudgements do not significantly detract from the overall success of the work. | A good understanding of a broader musical context and structures, with an appreciation of idiom and style. Approach to notation and/or documentation is good, with only minor errors. |
| Satisfactory: D1-3 | An adequate compositional technique with some evidence of ability to control musical parameters. Errors and misjudgements may detract from the effectiveness of the work. | The portfolio communicates a mature musical personality, although this may not be completely consistent. Mostly coherent and engaging musical ideas demonstrate creative imagination, with some originality. | Some understanding of structure and idiom. Approach to notation and/or documentation is acceptable, but there may be lapses in clarity and accuracy. |
| Unsatisfactory: E1-2 | An overall lack of technical security and understanding for this level. | Evidence of creativity, but overall coherence and development of musical ideas is inconsistent at this level, with limited evidence of experimentation. | The work does not project an appreciation of idiom and/or understanding of structure appropriate to the level. Inadequate and/or inappropriate presentation of notation and/or documentation, with issues in legibility and coherence. |