Grade Examinations

Students who receive individual performance tuition are required to take the appropriate Cork School of Music Grade Examination at the end of each academic year.

Students who, for any reason, do not sit a Grade Examination will be required to show evidence of progress by performing for the relevant Head of Department or their nominee before being allowed to re-enrol. In exceptional circumstances, dispensation may be granted by the relevant Head of Department on the recommendation of the relevant lecturer.

 

Panels

Examination panels for Grades 2, 5 and 8 will normally consist of three examiners, one of whom will be an external moderator. For all other grades, the examination panel normally consists of three internal examiners.

For all Cork School of Music Grade Examinations, the panel's decisions are final. 

 

Marking Scheme

A total of 100 marks is awarded for all grade examinations as follows:

• Technical & Repertory requirements: 85 - 90 marks;
• Sight-reading: 10 - 15 marks.

 

Results

The results for all grade examinations are classified as follows:

• Pass with Distinction: a total mark of 90 or over;
• Pass with Merit: a total mark between 85 and 89;
• Pass with Credit: a total mark between 80 and 84;
• Pass: a total mark between 60 and 79.

 

Certificates are issued to students in respect of the Grade Examinations held at the end of each cycle, that is:

• Grade 2 (Junior); 
• Grade 5 (Intermediate); and
• Grade 8 (Senior).

 

Appeals

Appeals of Grade Examination results must be lodged in writing before the end of term with the Head of School, who will review the result in consultation with the relevant Head of Department, lecturer and examination panel.

 

Progression

A mark of 80% or above is normally required for progression from any grade to the next (with the exception of Grade 6, which requires a mark of 85% to have been achieved at Grade 5 - see 'Progression to the Senior Cycle' below).

 

A student who receives a mark between 70% and 79% in any grade is not automatically entitled to continue receiving lessons. The relevant Head of Department will facilitate such a student to continue studying in the School only if they are aware of a good musicianship record, in receipt of a very positive recommendation from the lecturer concerned, and a place exists. The relevant Head of Department also reserves the right to require any student to repeat the grade.

 

A mark between 60% and 69% is regarded as a basic level of achievement, but does not evidence an ability to undertake the next grade. Lessons will be discontinued unless the relevant Head of Department is aware of extenuating circumstances, is aware of a good musicianship record, is in receipt of a very positive recommendation from the lecturer concerned, and a place exists. The relevant Head of Department also reserves the right to require any student to repeat the grade.

 

Cycles

The School organises the provision of individual tuition in the following way:

• Junior Cycle: Primary, Grade 1 and Grade 2
• Intermediate Cycle: Grades 3, 4 and 5
• Senior Cycle: Grades 6, 7 and 8

 

Whereas the School provides tuition for as many students as resources permit up to the end of the Junior Cycle, certain criteria are necessary for progression to both the Intermediate and Senior Cycles.

 

Progression to the Intermediate Cycle requires:

1. a mark of at least 80% in the School’s Grade 2 examination; 
2. a satisfactory lecturer’s report; 
3. a satisfactory performance in the relevant Musicianship classes (except where an exemption has been granted); and 
4. the availability of a place.

 

Students studying Suzuki violin/viola/cello in their primary school must achieve a minimum of 80% in at least the School’s Grade 3 Examination by the end of sixth-class to be eligible for lessons to continue when they begin secondary school.

 

Progression to the Senior Cycle requires:

1. a mark of at least 85% in the School’s Grade 5 examination; 
2. a satisfactory lecturer’s report; 
3. a satisfactory performance in the relevant Musicianship classes (except where an exemption has been granted); 
4. a satisfactory contribution to a designated School ensemble; and 
5. the availability of a place.