How do we mark exams?
ABRSM exams avoid the potential bias of instrument specialism by:
- applying universal, non-instrument-specific criteria
- focusing on the musical outcome, not the technical means behind it!
The marking criteria
The tables below show the marking criteria that will be used by examiners in Jazz exams as of 1 January 2017. Please note that the structure of the exams themselves will not change.
Marking principles
In each element of the exam, ABRSM operates the principle of marking from the required pass mark positively or negatively, rather than awarding marks by deduction from the maximum or addition from zero.
In awarding marks, examiners balance the extent to which the qualities and skills listed below (broadly categorized by pitch, time, tone, shape and performance) are demonstrated and contribute towards the overall musical outcome.
Total marks
Jazz graded music exams are marked out of a total of 150, with:
- 100 marks required for a Pass
- 120 marks required for a Merit
- 130 marks required for a Distinction
A Pass in each individual section of the exam is not required to pass overall.
Tunes
Grades 1-5
|
Mark |
Pitch |
Time |
Tone |
Shape |
Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Distinction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pass |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Below Pass |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13-16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10-12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other exam elements
-
Grades 1-5
Mark
Scales and arpeggios
Quick study
Distinction
19–21- Highly accurate notes/pitch
- Fluent and rhythmic
- Straight/swing feel consistently realised
- Musically shaped
- Confident response
- Highly accurate given material
- Improvised answer in keeping with style
- Well-balanced and confident presentation
Merit
17–18- Largely accurate notes/pitch
- Mostly regular flow
- Straight/swing feel realised
- Mainly even tone
- Secure response
- Broadly accurate given material
- Controlled improvised answer
- Largely secure presentation
Pass
14-16- Generally correct notes/pitch, despite errors
- Continuity generally maintained
- Straight/swing feel attempted
- Generally reliable tone
- Cautious response
- Outline of given material in place
- Improvised answer has basic contour
- Cautious presentation
Below Pass
11-13- Frequent errors in notes and/or pitch
- Lacking continuity and/or some items incomplete
- Straight/swing feel not realised
- Unreliable tone
- Uncertain response and/or some items not attempted
- Given material not sufficiently realised
- Improvised answer lacking coherence
- Insecure presentation
7-10
- Very approximate notes and/or pitch
- Sporadic and/or frequently incomplete
- Serious lack of tonal control
- Very uncertain response and/or several items not attempted
- Very approximate given material
- Improvised answer incoherent or absent
- Very uncertain presentation
0
- No work offered
- No work offered
-
Grades 1-5
Mark
Aural tests
Distinction
17–18- Accurate throughout
- Musically perceptive
- Confident response
Merit
15–16- Strengths significantly outweigh weaknesses
- Musically aware
- Secure response
Pass
12-14- Strengths just outweigh weaknesses
- Cautious response
Below Pass
9-11- Weaknesses outweigh strengths
- Uncertain response
6-8
- Inaccuracy throughout
- Vague response
0
- No work offered