| Exceptional: A1-2 | Exceptional command of rhythm, tempo and musical structure. Performance demonstrates complete technical security, whether in class playing, repertoire or improvisation. Musical choices consistently support and enhance movement, collaboration and artistic communication. | An exceptionally imaginative and distinctive musical voice. Demonstrates outstanding adaptability, responsiveness and stylistic range, with a highly developed ability to shape music in real time where required. | A profound understanding of repertoire, dance practice and stylistic context. Interpretative decisions reveal exceptional insight, originality and critical engagement. An exceptionally perceptive and articulate reflective voice. |
| Excellent: A3-5 | Highly accomplished playing with assured rhythmic control, tempo management and technical fluency. Performance is consistently reliable, responsive and expressive across a range of contexts. | An excellent level of imagination and adaptability. Musical choices demonstrate clear artistic purpose, strong communication and sensitivity to performers, dancers or collaborators. | A perceptive and thoughtful understanding of repertoire, dance context and style. Performance reflects strong critical engagement and informed artistic decision-making. An excellent and confident reflective voice. |
| Very Good: B1-3 | Secure and fluent playing with strong rhythmic and technical control. Tempo and pacing are generally well judged, with only occasional inconsistencies. Performance demonstrates a very good level of responsiveness and awareness of context. | A very good sense of musical personality, with clear stylistic awareness and adaptability. Musical ideas are well developed and communicated effectively. | A very good understanding of repertoire, dance practice and stylistic context, though interpretative insight is not always fully integrated into performance. A very good level of self-awareness, with the ability to reflect meaningfully on their practice. |
| Good: C1-3 | Technically reliable playing, though inconsistencies in rhythm, tempo control, pacing or fluency may affect effectiveness at times. Performance demonstrates a reasonable level of responsiveness, but reliability is not always sustained. | A good level of engagement and stylistic awareness, though musical ideas may lack individuality, flexibility or consistency. | A good understanding of repertoire and context, though interpretative approaches tend towards the conventional and may not always demonstrate deeper insight. A good level of reflection, though responses tend towards the descriptive rather than genuinely evaluative. |
| Satisfactory: D1-3 | A basically secure technique, but limitations in rhythmic control, tempo stability, responsiveness or fluency are evident. These restrict the effectiveness of the performance and its support of movement or collaboration. | A satisfactory level of musical responsiveness, with occasional evidence of stylistic awareness or imagination, but limited consistency or impact. | A satisfactory understanding of repertoire, dance practice and style, though interpretative choices show limited originality, confidence or depth. A satisfactory level of reflective engagement. Can describe aspects of their practice but shows limited ability to evaluate it critically. |
| Unsatisfactory: E1-2 | Significant technical difficulties, including unreliable rhythm, tempo control or responsiveness, impede effective performance. Musical support for movement, collaboration or structure is compromised. | An unsatisfactory level of imagination, communication or adaptability, with little evidence of artistic intent. | Interpretation demonstrates an unsatisfactory grasp of style, repertoire, dance practice or contextual understanding. An unsatisfactory level of reflection. Little evidence of self-awareness or ability to evaluate their own practice. |