REFORMED MARKING SCHEME The following applies to examinations in musical instrument playing.

It does not apply to Speech, Drama or Musical Theatre exams. Some anomalies have crept into the number of marks allocated to various parts of music examinations as changes have been made over the years. Therefore, having consulted a number of experienced people, VCM exams will have a new Marking Scheme from 1 January 2014. It is emphasised that this will not affect the way in which teachers and candidates have been preparing work for exams and no candidate will be adversely affected by the new scheme. In future, all examiners will allocate a mark for each of the solo pieces performed, rather than show a single mark for the combined performance. From January 2014, the maximum marks attainable will be as follows: Grades One to Eight 20 marks each for the three Solo Pieces; 10 marks each for Scalework, Questions, Sight Reading, and Musicianship Tests/Own Composition. Introductory exams: A - First Steps & B Preliminary 20 marks for the Exercises; 30 marks each for the two Solo Pieces; 10 marks each for Questions and Scalework. Introductory exams: C - Preparatory & D Advanced Preparatory 20 marks for the Exercises; 25 marks each for the two Solo Pieces; 10 marks each for Questions, Scalework and Sight Reading. Medals: Junior Bronze; Junior Silver; Bronze and Silver. Also Diploma DipVCM. 20 marks for each of the four Solo Pieces; 10 marks each for Questions and Sight Reading Medals: Gold and Platinum. Also Fellowship Syllabus One FVCM 90 marks in total for the solo pieces performed (i.e. 18 marks each when five solos are required, 30 marks each when there are three, etc.); 10 marks for the discussion. Associate and Licentiate Syllabus One AVCM & LVCM 20 marks each for the three solo pieces; 20 marks for the Scalework; 10 marks each for Questions and Sight Reading. Associate and Licentiate Syllabus Two AVCM & LVCM 20 marks each for the four solo pieces; 10 marks each for Questions and Sight Reading. Teaching Diplomas: AVCM(TD); LVCM(TD); FVCM(TD) 40 marks in total for the Performance Section (i.e. 20 marks each where two main Solo Pieces are required); 50 marks for the Teaching Section (including the Grade Pieces/Scales demonstrated and the Viva Voce interview); 10 marks for Sight Reading.