PDMC Performance assessments
key information
You can also click here for a downloadable version of our Key Information.
What are PDMC Performance Assessments? Introductory grade assessments similar to exams offered by official music exam boards. They are offered by the PDMC as an affordable and flexible in-house alternative. Anyone considering applying to take a PDMC Performance Assessment should first speak to their instrument teacher to discuss whether they are ready.
Who Performance Assessments for? Young string players, who are in their early years of learning violin, viola or cello.
Why take Performance Assessments? Experience shows that graded music assessments offer a significant motivation for pupils. With sufficient preparation from everyone involved (teacher, pupil, parents/carers) the Assessments will lead to a greater satisfaction in playing and higher technical accomplishments.
What will Performance Assessments consist of?
Introductory Assessment - Two pieces from the PDMC syllabus, two scales, and a short sightreading test (playing a simple piece of unknown music presented by the examiner). This is similar to official exam board Initial Grade requirements.
Level 1 Assessment - Three pieces from the PDMC syllabus, three scales and also an appropriate sightreading test. The Level 1 certificate will be similar to official exam board Grade 1 requirements.
Level 2 Assessment - Three pieces from the PDMC syllabus, scales and an appropriate sightreading test. The Level 2 certificate will be sumilar to the official exam board Grade 2 requirements.
All pupils will receive written feedback on their performance and successful candidates will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Who will assess? The assessor will be a string teacher, known to PDMC, with years of experience of working with pupils in the region and will be fully DBS checked.
Can adjustments be made for pupils who need them? We may be able to adjust the assessment procedure in special cases. Please speak initially to your child’s string teacher if you think this may be appropriate.
How much does it cost?
Initial level- £20 per child per assessment
Levels 1 and 2- £30 per child per assessment
These contributions include an accompanist. This is significantly cheaper than an exam board fee. If paying the assessment fee may be difficult for your family Bursaries may be available. Click here for more information and our Bursary application form.
When is the next assessment day and how do I apply? See below.
Please note that Performance Assessment places are strictly limited so we would recommend signing up early. We will e-mail you to confirm whether we are able to offer your child a place but no place is confirmed until payment (or a Bursary application) has been received.
Need more information? Contact admin@pdmc.org.uk.
Performance assessments 12 July 2026- how to apply
The next assessments will be on Sunday 12 July at Buxton Community School.
To apply for a place, please complete the online form here If you have any problems with this form please contact admin@pdmc.org.uk
Please note that places are strictly limited so we recommend applying early. We will e-mail you to let you know whether we are able to offer your child a place, and send you a payment link, but no place is confirmed until we receive payment (or a Bursary application).
what to prepare
Violin and Cello introductory assessment: Two pieces, which must incorporate at least second fingers (violin) and third fingers (cello). This must include varied rhythm patterns, for example, whole notes, half notes and rests. D and A major scales for violin, one octave. G and D major scales for cello, one octave. Scales to be played in separate bows. A short example of sightreading will be given.
Violin and Cello Level 1 Assessment: Three pieces that have featured in official exam board syllabi for a number of years. Scales and arpeggios for violin on D and A, one octave. G major, two octaves with slurred and separate bowing, as requested by the examiner (scales only, not arpeggios). For cello, G and D major, one octave and C major, two octaves, plus arpeggios. Scales must be prepared with separate and slurred bowing. Arpeggios separate bows only. Sight reading similar to official exam board grade 1 level will be given.
Violin and cello level 2 assessment: 3 pieces that have featured in official exam board syllabi for a number of years. Your child’s
instrumental teacher will be able to advise suitable pieces. Scales and arpeggios for violin: F major, C major (one octave). G major, A major, B flat major (two octaves). In addition, G minor and D minor (one octave) with corresponding arpeggio. Scales must be prepared with separate and slurred bowing. Arpeggios separate bows only. Scales and arpeggios for cello: F major, A major, B flat major, G minor and D minor (one octave). C major and G major (two octaves). Corresponding arpeggios for all scales. Scales
must be prepared with separate and slurred bowing. Arpeggios separate bows only.
If pieces have a piano accompaniment, music for this must be provided. You can also download a printable version of the syllabi here.
what happens next?
We will contact you to let you know whether we are able to offer your child a place, and with a payment link. Once we have received payment (or a Bursary application) we will confirm your place and let you know your child's assessment time.