The candidate plays an individual line in an ensemble piece for two, three or four players. Each line must be performed by a single player. Only the Medal candidate is assessed, and not the other ensemble members.

What is the aim of this component?

Making music together is a distinctive and essential part of Music Medals. Leading the ensemble, counting in, giving appropriate cues, listening, balancing and blending are all vital skills that the Ensemble component of the Medal helps to develop.

• Further information about the Ensemble section

The candidate plays one piece from the solo repertoire list for their instrument.

What is the aim of this component?

Performing as a soloist helps a Music Medals candidate to develop musical independence and individuality, allowing young musicians to focus on their own sound as well as their personal expression.

• Further information about the Solo section

The candidate selects one Option test from a choice of four. Candidates can play to their own individual strengths.

What is the aim of this component?

While it is expected that candidates will play to their strengths in the Medal, it is hoped that teachers will encourage pupils to develop their ability in the full range of activities covered by these tests, within a general framework of creativity, game-playing and experimentation.

The four Options have been designed so that pupils can choose a test which best displays their developing skills. Those who are particularly fluent with notation may wish to choose the Sight-reading option, while others will prefer to use their creativity in the Make a tune test by improvising a short melody using a given rhythm. Call & response also nurtures improvisation skills, with the candidate reacting to a melodic stimulus given by the Teacher-Assessor. Question & answer combines the elements of sight-reading and creativity.

• Further information about the Option tests
• Bassoon Option tests parameters (PDF)