The Benefits of Con Brio Examinations (CBE)

Violin Grade Preliminary - High Distinction

List A: “Highly developed sense of rhythm and fantastic control of notes. A most beautiful sound production and well-controlled articulation.”

List B: “Secure control of notes with appropriate choice of tempo and accurate rhythms. Excellent performance flair.”

List C: “High level of note accuracy with accurate timing and rhythm. A wonderful performance.”

Violin Grade 1 - High Distinction

List A: “An exceptional sense of personal expression. “

List B: “Phrasing of melody was mostly beautiful and there was a well developed sense of style.”

List C: “An engaging performance with excellent performance flair. “

Viola Grade Preliminary - High Distinction

“Flawless note execution and excellent rhythm and fluency. Beautiful, colourful phrases. Dynamics well noted. Excellent phrasing of melodies and a well developed sense of style. Melodies were beautifully phrased. “

Viola Grade 1 - Distinction 

“Full of flair and confidence. Strong tonal awareness and articulation. Highly developed sense of rhythm and control of notes.”

Cello Preliminary - High Distinction

List A: “Fingers curved beautifully; dynamics project effectively; intonation is secure; an exciting performance.”

List B: “Posture developing beautifully; musically and dynamically shaped melodic line; flowing bow stroke.”

List C: “A lilting and energetic rendition; harmonic projected clearly; accents punctuated well; tuning is secure; a confident performance.”

Overall comment: “A very well prepared exam; technique is developing beautifully; you play very musically and well in tune; tone is strong and resonant.”

Cello Grade 1 - High Distinction

List A: "Fluently performed at a good tempo. Tone was overall clearly projected and dynamics were nicely contrasted. Clear articulations for the fortes. Rhythm and intonation secure."

List B:  "Confident opening and again excellent tempo conveying the bright and energetic dance character. Lovely dynamics to secure rhythm and intonation."

List C: "Double stops clearly and evenly projected. An enjoyable performance with good attention to detail."

Overall comment: "Your work demonstrated excellent preparation in all sections for today. You are a musical boy with potential. Keep up the lovely work."

Cello Grade 2  - High Distinction

List A: "Fast strokes and string crossings were controlled and pitch was accurate."

List B: "This was a stylish and stately minuet with a warm tone displayed, due to a loose vibrato. Just lovely!"

List C: "Fast notes were performed accurately and the dance style was conveyed clearly in the bowing style. Well played!

Overall comment: "Your tone is strongly projected and vibrato is providing resonance and warmth. A promising player!"

Cello Grade 3 - High Distinction

List A: This was an enjoyable and generally accurate performance.

List B: The waltz rhythm was well conveyed, with some nice variety of articulation. 

List C: This was played at a bright tempo with good rhythmic drive.

Overall comments: The performance was enjoyable generally. You have good developing technique and music skills.

Cello Grade 4 - High Distinction

List A: ”Melodies were beautifully phrased; beautiful tone and articulation”.

List B: “Flawless note execution and excellent rhythm and fluency.”

List C: “Well developed technique and excellent performance flair.”

Overall comment: ”It was a pleasure to hear your exam, well done! You are on the right rack, very good work!”