Jazz

	Technical and expressive mastery	Musical personality	Knowledge, understanding and critical thinking in-and-through performance
Exceptional: A1-2	Outstanding technique; fluent and commanding playing and improvising.	A strong and distinctive jazz voice; superb communication and interaction with performers and audience.	A profound exploration of contexts and styles; a deep understanding of the repertoire.
Excellent: A3-5	Excellent sound, dexterity, and rhythmic drive. Full command of musical resources: form, harmony, chord/scale facility.	An original and personal musical voice demonstrated through programme choices, arrangements/compositions and/or development of ideas. Excellent communication skills.	A compelling approach to context and style within the chosen repertoire.
Very Good: B1-3	Strong technique. Secure playing and improvising, with room for improvement in some areas.	A performance displaying clear musical ideas and an emerging musical personality. Communicative and engaging.	A well-developed approach, demonstrating a clear understanding of context, style and repertoire.
Good: C1-3	A generally secure technique, sometimes marred by lapses in control. Playing shows clear intention, but not always fully sustained or convincing.	Some sense of individuality expressed in musical choices, but there may be aspects that are predictable or unimaginative. Room for improvement in communication.	An understanding of the repertoire in context, although there may be some errors and misjudgements.
Satisfactory: D1-3	Sufficient technical ability, but noticeable issues affecting fluidity and control. Playing is inconsistent; moments of engagement but lacking sustained impact.	The performance communicates an identifiable musical personality, although this may not be consistent or convincing. Communication is functional but unengaging.	A basic grasp of jazz repertoire and relevant contexts and styles.
Unsatisfactory: E1-2	Significant technical weaknesses that hinder communication of the music. Playing and improvising underdeveloped, unconvincing.	Inconsistent and unconvincing musical choices; little sense of a coherent musical personality; significant failings in communication.	Little or no grasp of relevant contextual and stylistic features of the repertoire.