From their first day at Primo Piano, all students work toward assessment badges (Levels A to D) and then move on to take piano examinations through Trinity College London. We are a registered exam centre for Trinity.
What is a Primo Piano Assessment?
A Primo Piano Assessment is similar to an examination. However it is much less intimidating as it takes place during class time and is led by the teacher. The assessment includes:
- group playing (ensemble)
- solo playing
- sight reading skills
- After successfully completing each level, students are presented with a certificate of achievement and an extremely smart pin badge – a highly-valued prize!
Why do we conduct regular assessments?
- to motivate the students
- to acknowledge the achievement of the students – and the support of their parents!
- to have a formalised system which allows us to track the progress of students, make informed decisions about re-organising groups and to prepare students for more formal examinations
- to give parents regular written feedback on their child’s progress
How does the Primo Piano Assessment system work?
- levels go from A to D
- assessments take place approximately every twenty sessions
- students are awarded a smart Pin Badge which can be displayed on their music bag and a certificate upon completion of each level
- parents receive a report of their child’s progress with some helpful suggestions for future progress.
Can a child ‘fail’ a Primo Piano Assessment?
No. It is extremely negative to fail students who have only just embarked on their playing careers. However levels (and pin badges!) will not be awarded if they are falling below the required standard or have not sufficiently prepared their assessment pieces. They will have the opportunity to have these sections re-assessed as soon as possible (usually the following week) and their badge awarded.
Is there any charge for Primo Piano Assessments?
A charge of £12 is made for each assessment to cover the cost of report writing and the pin badges which are specially made for Primo Piano.
How do Primo Piano Assessments integrate into Trinity piano examinations?
After the level D assessment children start to work towards external examinations. Students will already have learned all of the scales and have sight reading skills appropriate to a grade one musician. The next step is to learn the three pieces and sit their grade one piano exam.
