Assessments

Formal assessments (similar in format to entrance auditions) take place for all students in year 8 (Spring term) and year 11 (late Autumn term/early Spring term), though a student's teacher or the Head of Junior Programmes can request an assessment at any time if there are areas of concern.

We will give you plenty of notice of your assessment and ensure that your assessment is a positive experience.

What formal assessments involve

Year 11

• One prepared piece on first study/joint first study instrument/voice (see below)
• One prepared piece on second/third study only if the student is involved in a JD ensemble (chamber music/orchestra)
• First study/joint first study sight-reading
• Opportunity to discuss progress, any JD timetable issues, suggestions for future provision, HE/career path options etc

Year 8

• One prepared piece on first study/joint first study instrument (see below)
• One prepared piece on second/third study if lessons are at JD and/or if the student is involved in a JD ensemble (chamber music/orchestra)
• First study/joint first study sight-reading
• Opportunity to discuss progress, any JD timetable issues and suggestions for future provision

Please talk to your teacher(s) as soon as you know about your assessment to ensure that you have an appropriate piece to play/sing – please note that year 11 students are expected to perform a piece by an under-represented composer.

Composers, percussionists, guitarists, harpists and pianists please also read the special instructions below.

Where an accompanist is needed, one will be provided by JD - students should not bring/use their own. There will the opportunity to warm up and run through assessment piece(s) 15 minutes before the assessment.

RCMJD assessment special instructions