CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS
Criteria Level 2 - Grades 4 and 5

Processes are moderate in range, established and familiar, employing basic operational skills using readily available information. These are applied in directed activities which are supervised by the teacher. Learners have some responsibility for quantity and quality. Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 2 entrants.

• Comfortable and well balanced posture and comfortable relationship with the instrument.
• Appropriate and comfortable hand and arm position with developing flexibility in the use of hands and arms.
• Shifting action showing developing inner ear ability and increasing knowledge of the finger board.
• Technical facility, sufficient to allow:
  • Developing controlled co-ordination of the finger action and bowing movements
  • Rhythmic stability
  • Systematic fingering in scales and arpeggios
  • Well projected, resonant, full and clear sound quality
• Accurate and prompt performance of all technical work
  • at the minimum tempo or faster with bowing patterns as specified in the Essential Technique for Violin - Edward Pople (available from the NZMEB office).
  • Performance from memory as listed in Essential Technique for Violin.
  • A developing sense of pulse to allow accurate performance of rhythmic figures
• Accurate and fluent performance of pieces
• Effective use and control of dynamics and tempo
• Awareness of phrasing.