2. Brass levels explained
Descriptions of assessment levels for brass pupils.
Level 1
Pupils can produce a tongued note when desired and can control its length and volume. They can play rhythmic patterns and have a range of approximately a 5th. They can read basic notation and can recognise simple structure and patterns in the music they play.
Level 2
Pupils produce and sustain a clear controlled sound.
They have a range approaching an octave and understand notation for this range.
They grasp the concept of rhythm and basic dynamics, can recognise F# and Bb and have the ability to introduce basic changes of articulation.
Level 3
Pupils play with a sense of melody and can maintain the pulse despite slips.
Their range extends one or two notes above and below the basic octave scale.
They can grasp the different moods of pieces and have the technique to portray basic expression.
Level 4
Pupils can identify how different markings can reflect different musical intentions and can use this to play in the correct musical style.
They think about overall effect and use their technique to realise the desired effect.
They can think about and put their own ideas into the music and they have a range of approximately a 12th.
Level 5
Pupils achieve a good overall performance with attention to detail of dynamics, articulation, tempo and style.
They recognise a varied range of musical markings and can react accordingly.
They evaluate their own playing and can grasp how venue and occasion can affect this.
They can judge others objectively and have a range approaching two octaves.
Level 6
Pupils play with a sense of style and show good control of dynamics, articulation and tempo.
They have a sense of ensemble and can react to others in group performance.
They can evaluate and analyse their own performance and that of others, using this skill to improve their own playing and offer advice to others.
They have a range of at least two octaves.
Level 7
Pupils can discriminate between different genres and can adjust their playing to be sensitive to the relevant style.
They play with good melodic shape and a sense of direction and can tell where musical emphasis should lie; they can improve their playing to a high degree with minimal teacher input.
Level 8
Pupils can discriminate and exploit the expressive potential of the music they play.
They pay great attention to tuning and can adjust tone and timbre to suite the desired style.
Their range covers at least two octave and they can move fluently, with good flexibility across this range.