ABRSM Sie Ref/SC 1 May 2024 Dear Zonghua Yang, |_am writing in response to your request for a Results Review for Keyue Zhu's Performance Grade 8 Piano exam. Your concerns have been fully investigated, and the findings have been received from the Reviewer, so | am now in a position to provide a considered reply. Our exams aim to provide an independent assessment of a candidate's musical attainment, through ‘a summative ‘snapshot’ of achievement, based on the musical outcome heard during the exam itself. ‘A Results Review aims to assess the validity of the examiner's marking by a member of our Reviewer Panel listening to the recording of the exam and determining whether the original result is justifiable. The mark form is also reviewed alongside the recording. In this case, the Reviewer found the result to be robust with the marks for the individual sections fully justifiable. They also provided the following feedback: Result: Review of the recording of this exam leads clearly to the conclusion that the overall result, a Pass, is fully justified. The playing showed character, but some insecurities related to note and rhythm accuracy kept the performance from achieving a higher category of result. Greater detail has been provided below, to give full clarity as to why the marks for the individual sections have been unchanged. Mark form comments and note regarding the stated Grounds for review: The overall result of a Pass is fully robust. Comments highlight the strengths and weaknesses in the playing appropriately, but at times have room for a more supportive tone. Pieces: The Mozart began with smooth legato shaping, the buoyant tempo apt. Ornamentation prompted some pulling back of the pulse, and as the movement went on the pace fluctuated with rhythmic inaccuracies and losses of focus unsettling the flow, the faster movingpassages less stable and secure. Notes were largely under the fingers though, and it managed to hold together, with some clear tonal contrast added. The Coleridge-Taylor was delicate in tone at the start, the speed sensible. Losses of rhythmic focus jogged the lines, and the middle section was less rhythmic and stable, with quite frequent rhythmic approximations and fluctuations of pace unsettling the flow. Some misplaced notes gave further unease, the pedal needing more control and the dynamic contrasts a broader spectrum, with the tone tending towards the more delicate levels. It kept going though, with overall security managed. A reflective opening tempo was chosen for the Tchaikovsky, the tone gently presented at the start. The pace fluctuated outside of the directions as the piece progressed, with the middle section surging forwards in pace after the change of speed. Missed accidentals, Inspiring a life with music in partnership with four of the world’s leading Royal Schools of MusicABRSM Sie misplaced notes, and wayward chords unsettled the playing further, but the safer areas showed character ‘nd colour. The Debussy began rhythmically, with the speed opt. The semiquavers needed precision and clarity, and the rhythms became less focussed and stable as the piece continued, some hesitations and clipped short rests unsettling the lines. Misplaced notes and wayward chords appeared, the legato, slower moving section around the middle less stable and secure, but it had dynamic contrast, with overall security shown, Performance as a whole: There was a clear sense of personal ownership and involvement, each piece afforded time and space within the programme to settle, Some insecurities related to note and rhythm accuracy affected the delivery; each piece needing a more stable and consistent flow, with the various keys compromised at moments. Tone tended towards the more delicate levels, having room for more sonority ‘and strength, but the safer areas of the programme showed some characterful musical details, the challenges met with composure and sincerity. Whilst we recognise that this may be a disappointing outcome to receive, we hope nevertheless that the reasons behind it are clear, and that the additional feedback is helpful as Keyue Zhu continues their musical journey. Yours sincerely, Sam Collins ABRSM Quality Assurance Coordinator E ea@abrsmac.uk Inspiring a life with music in partnership with four of the world’s leading Royal Schools of Music