Performance

The level performance assessment allows students to develop their technical and musical skills through focused preparation and live performance. It emphasises building confidence, stylistic understanding, and interpretive expression while showcasing their ability to perform substantial pieces as a soloist. This assessment challenges students to refine their musicianship and deliver polished, engaging performances.

Title: Perform Two Substantial Pieces of Music as a Featured Soloist
Credit Amount: 6 Credits

Link to NCEA booklet

Brief Explanation:
This assessment focuses on live solo performance, where students demonstrate technical ability, musicality, and confidence through the performance of two substantial pieces. The pieces should reflect a level of complexity suitable for at least four years of instrumental study or equivalent experience.

The Student's Task for Assessment:

• Select two substantial pieces of music that showcase technical and musical skills.

• Prepare and perform these pieces live as a featured soloist.

• Performances may be unaccompanied, accompanied, or as a soloist in a small group, provided the solo part is clearly identifiable.

• The two performances can take place on different occasions.

Grading Criteria:

• Achievement: Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist, demonstrating accuracy and technical competence.

• Merit: Perform two substantial pieces effectively, showing technical security, stylistic appropriateness, and confident communication with the audience.

• Excellence: Perform two substantial pieces convincingly, displaying musical expression, interpretive understanding, and assured presentation.

Title: Demonstrate Ensemble Skills by Performing a Substantial Piece of Music as a Member of a Group
Credit Amount: 4 Credits

Link to NCEA Booklet

Brief Explanation:
This assessment focuses on the development of ensemble skills, where students contribute to the cohesion, balance, and style of a group performance. The task involves performing a substantial piece of music in a group setting, showcasing individual contributions to the overall sound.

The Student's Task for Assessment:

• Perform a substantial piece of music as a member of a group, ensuring individual parts are clear and contribute to the overall ensemble performance.

• Select music that challenges all performers to demonstrate ensemble skills such as intonation, feel, and accuracy.

• The performance will be assessed live, with the group ideally consisting of 3-7 members.

Grading Criteria:

• Achievement: Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing the piece as a member of the group, contributing to its cohesion and accuracy.

• Merit: Perform effectively, showing confident and consistent contribution to the group's overall performance.

• Excellence: Perform convincingly, with a sustained and assured contribution, enhancing the group’s overall musical expression.

Title: Perform a Substantial Piece of Music as a Featured Soloist on a Second Instrument
Credit Amount: 3 Credits

Link to NCEA Booklet

Brief Explanation:
This assessment focuses on performing a substantial piece of music as a featured soloist on a second instrument. It challenges students to demonstrate their proficiency on a different instrument from the one used in their first solo performance, showcasing a range of techniques and skills on both instruments.

The Student's Task for Assessment:

• Select a substantial piece of music to perform as a featured soloist on a second instrument.

• The performance can be unaccompanied, accompanied, or as a soloist in a small group.

• The second instrument should demonstrate different playing techniques and skills compared to the first instrument assessed.

• Present the piece live to an audience.

Grading Criteria:

• Achievement: Perform a substantial piece of music as a featured soloist on a second instrument, demonstrating technical proficiency.

• Merit: Perform effectively, showing technical security, stylistic appropriateness, and confident communication with the audience.

• Excellence: Perform convincingly, displaying musical expression, interpretive understanding, and assured presentation.

Students have the option to complete one or all of these performance assessments. Performance contexts outside of the classroom, such as school events or recitals, can be used as submissions for assessment. It is expected that students will complete at least one performance assessment as part of this course, with an emphasis on solo performance being the priority.