Nationwide Music Examinations have been offering this type of assessment option for more than a decade.

As a candidate you can submit a recording of your performed repertoire to our examination office directly, or via your present teacher, and one of our examiners will assess your music-making.  You can literally mail us your recorded repertoire at any time during the year… so when you feel you’re ‘good to go’ pop it in the post to our main Exam Office – the address appears on our ‘Contact Page’.

Who are PAA’s popular with?
First – this is a good option if you’re seeking an independent assessment direct via Nationwide Music Exams or through a number of established music teachers/schools around the country who offer our syllabus range as part of your continuing studies.

Second – if you cringe at the very idea of performing your examination pieces ‘live’ in front of an examiner (and that can be down to a whole stack of reasons such as ‘haven’t got the time…’ or ‘nerves will get the better of me’) this format could suit you.

What do candidates have to do for a Performance Assessment Award?
These awards are assessed purely on an individual candidate’s music-making performance.  You are required to play or sing four pieces instead ofthree as outlined on each syllabus grade.

Here’s what you have to do:

Select the syllabus and grade and then….

You are required to play four pieces each attracts a maximum of 25 marks.

You can elect to play

• all four pieces from those listed within our syllabus
• OR you can opt for four pieces of your own choice (* please find guidance in ‘Own Choice’ Zone‘)
• OR you can mix repertoire featuring in our syllabus list combined with pieces of your own choice (* again please visit ‘Own Choice’ Zone‘ for guidance

Are there any theory or supplementary tests?
Quite simply no!

How do I enter?
Download a Performance Assessment Award Entry Form complete it and send it with your recording and fee to our Examination Office

How do I find out the result of my assessment?
You will receive a written Assessment Report Sheet plus a Certificate if your submission hits the pass mark.  This will be posted to you or your teacher, whoever presented you for the Performance Assessment Award.  Our target is to dispatch results within 15 working days however very rarely this does slip.

Anything else I need to know?
Please ensure the recording submitted is of good quality, most material is submitted on DVD or CD. We are looking in the future to receive digital MP3 files and video upload formats.

We cannot be held responsible for transit and delivery of your material. Also, we cannot return your recording, so you may wish to retain a copy for yourself.  We destroy submitted copy after 45 days. The Examiners’ adjudication is final. Please refer to our main Terms and Conditions.