How your repertoire pieces are marked
Print 
PDFGraded Exams
Each syllabus has a specifically designed mark sheet.
NMEs’ Mark Sheet has been developed to help reduce the subjectivity of music-making assessment. Generally for graded exams repertoire pieces are marked out of 25. These 25 marks are sub-divided into 5 element marks. These elements are specific to the instrument/singing and grade that is being examined. For example:
Ukulele Grade 1
| Element |
Maximum Element Mark |
|
Timing |
5 |
|
Tempo |
5 |
|
Note Accuracy |
5 |
|
Fingering |
5 |
|
Touch/Tone |
5 |
Additional component marks
Generally the maximum mark for additional components of a graded exam is 25.
For example: Contemporary Piano – Grade 1
|
Maximum Mark |
|
| Keyboard Harmony or Playing a Piece From Memory |
15 |
| Musical Knowledge |
10 |
Overall, Graded exams are marked out of 100
Achievement bands:
|
Mark |
|
| Pass With Distinction |
90 |
| Pass With Merit |
80 |
| Pass Mark |
60 |
| Below Pass Mark |
59 |
How are Popular Songwriting exams marked?
Debut Level and Breakthrough Level
Part One
NME’s Level Mark Sheet has been developed to help reduce the subjectivity of music creation assessment. Each original composition carries 40 marks. These 40 marks are sub-divided into 4 element marks.
For example: Popular Songwriting Breakthrough Level
| Element |
Maximum Element Mark |
| Establishment of a hook |
10 |
| Effectiveness of lyrics |
10 |
| Structure with modulation |
10 |
| Conviction of presentation |
10 |
Part Two
A maximum of 20 marks are awarded.
For example: Popular Songwriting Debut Level
|
Maximum Mark |
|
| The candidate will be required to discuss with the examiner how each song was composed providing rough, initial workings. |
20 |
Overall, Level exams are marked out of 100
Achievement bands:
|
Mark |
|
| Pass With Distinction |
90 |
| Pass With Merit |
80 |
| Pass Mark |
60 |
| Below Pass Mark |
59 |
Artist Level
Part One
NME’s Level Mark Sheet has been developed to help reduce the subjectivity of music creation assessment. Each original composition carries 25 marks. These 25 marks are sub-divided into 5 element marks.
For example: Popular Songwriting Artist Level
| Element |
Maximum Element Mark |
| Use and selection of keys |
5 |
| Vocal harmony and instrumentation |
5 |
| Establishment of a hook and maintaining interest |
5 |
| Inventiveness and originality |
5 |
| Conviction of presentation |
5 |
Part Two
A maximum of 25 marks are awarded.
For example: Popular Songwriting Debut Level
|
Maximum Mark |
|
| Transcription |
10 |
| Discussion with the examiner detailing candidates’ personal method of songwriting, providing initial working to illustrate |
15 |
Overall, Level exams are marked out of 100
Achievement bands:
|
Mark |
|
| Pass With Distinction |
90 |
| Pass With Merit |
80 |
| Pass Mark |
60 |
| Below Pass Mark |
59 |