Adjudication Criteria

The following criteria provide guidance as to the standard adjudicators will consider when assessing competitors in VPA solo piping competitions.

The criteria are intended to reflect a progressive development in technical execution, rhythm and tempo, musical expression, instrument control, tuning, independence and performance presentation as competitors advance through the grades.

Competitors in higher grades are expected to demonstrate the fundamental skills required at lower grades, but with progressively greater accuracy, consistency, musical maturity and independence.

These criteria should be considered in conjunction with the repertoire, playing standard and other requirements outlined in the VPA Solo Piping Grading Guidelines.

All competitors are expected to present themselves in a neat and appropriate manner for solo competition.

Novice Grade

Novice Grade competitors are beginning their competitive solo piping journey. Adjudicators should recognise that competitors at this level are developing fundamental technique, musical understanding and control of the bagpipe.

Competitors should demonstrate:

Technical Execution

  • The ability to perform basic notes, gracenotes and movements clearly and recognisably.
  • Developing control of fingering, with an emphasis on clear and correct execution rather than advanced technical precision.

Rhythm, Tempo and Musical Expression

  • A reasonably steady tempo appropriate to the tune being performed.
  • A basic awareness of rhythm and phrasing.
  • A developing understanding of musical expression.

Instrument and Sound

  • The ability to maintain sufficiently steady blowing and pressure to produce a reasonably consistent sound.
  • Developing control of the instrument appropriate to a piper who has only relatively recently progressed to the full bagpipe.

At this level, adjudicators should place appropriate emphasis on the competitor demonstrating the fundamental skills necessary to continue progressing as a solo piper.

D Grade

D Grade represents the first full competitive grade within the VPA grading structure. Competitors should demonstrate greater consistency and control than is expected at Novice Grade.

Competitors should demonstrate:

Technical Execution

  • The ability to perform notes, gracenotes and movements accurately and in their correct rhythmic position.
  • Reasonably clear and consistent execution appropriate to the repertoire required at D Grade.
  • Increasing control of transitions between notes and movements.

Rhythm, Tempo and Musical Expression

  • A steady and consistent tempo throughout the performance.
  • A clear understanding of the underlying pulse and rhythmic structure of the music.
  • A basic but recognisable understanding of musical phrasing and expression.

Instrument and Sound

  • Reasonably steady blowing and consistent tone throughout the performance.
  • A suitably tuned and balanced bagpipe appropriate to D Grade competition.
  • Sufficient instrument control and stamina to complete the required performance without significant deterioration in sound.

Adjudicators should be looking for evidence that the competitor is progressing beyond the introductory stage and developing the technical, musical and instrument-management skills required for advancement to C Grade.

C Grade

C Grade represents the stage at which competitors are expected to perform as increasingly independent solo pipers. Competitors should demonstrate a sound technical foundation, musical understanding and the ability to manage their instrument without external assistance in the competition room.

Competitors should demonstrate:

Technical Execution

  • Clear and accurate execution of notes, gracenotes and movements.
  • The ability to place embellishments and movements accurately within the rhythmic structure of the tune.
  • Reasonably consistent technical execution throughout the complete performance.

Rhythm, Tempo and Musical Expression

  • A steady and controlled tempo maintained throughout each element.
  • A clear understanding of pulse, rhythm and phrasing.
  • An appropriate level of musical expression for the tunes being performed.
  • The ability to demonstrate and maintain the appropriate rhythmic character of each tune type.

Where appropriate, competitors should demonstrate this through established performance conventions, including marching during March events and maintaining a clear physical pulse during other Light Music events.

Instrument and Sound

  • A steadily blown bagpipe producing a reasonably consistent quality of tone.
  • A well-balanced and appropriately tuned instrument.
  • Sufficient stamina and instrument control to complete all required elements while maintaining an appropriate standard of sound.
  • The ability to monitor and adjust drone tuning independently between elements where required.

Performance and Stagecraft

  • An understanding of appropriate solo competition stagecraft.
  • Confident and orderly preparation for, commencement of and completion of the performance.
  • Appropriate awareness of the competition environment, including interaction with the steward and adjudicator where required.

Adjudicators should be looking for a competitor who demonstrates the developing independence, consistency and musical understanding expected of a competent solo piper.

B Grade

B Grade is intended for accomplished and experienced solo competitors. Adjudicators should expect a high degree of technical accuracy, musical maturity, instrument control and consistency.

Competitors should demonstrate:

Technical Execution

  • Accurate and controlled execution of notes, gracenotes, embellishments and movements.
  • Good clarity and consistency of technique throughout the performance.
  • Precise placement of technical movements within the rhythmic structure of the music.
  • The ability to maintain technical accuracy across the full range of Light Music and Piobaireachd requirements appropriate to B Grade.

Rhythm, Tempo and Musical Expression

  • A steady, controlled and appropriate tempo throughout each performance.
  • Strong rhythmic accuracy and a clearly established pulse.
  • A high level of understanding of musical phrasing, expression and the particular character of each tune type.
  • The ability to shape and present the music convincingly rather than merely execute the notes correctly.

Where appropriate, competitors should demonstrate established performance conventions, including controlled marching during March events and a clear physical pulse during other Light Music events.

Instrument and Sound

  • A consistently well-blown and controlled bagpipe.
  • A well-balanced chanter producing an appropriate and consistent tonal quality.
  • Accurately tuned drones and a stable overall instrument.
  • The ability to prepare, tune and maintain the instrument independently before and throughout the performance.
  • The ability to maintain an appropriate quality of sound across all required competition elements.

Performance and Stagecraft

  • A high level of confidence and composure in the competition environment.
  • Effective preparation and management of the performance.
  • Strong stagecraft appropriate to an experienced competitive solo piper.
  • The ability to recover appropriately from minor errors or disruptions without unnecessarily affecting the overall performance.

Adjudicators should be looking for a mature and accomplished performance demonstrating a standard clearly above C Grade and approaching the advanced requirements of A Grade.

A Grade

A Grade represents the highest level within the VPA grading structure. Competitors should demonstrate an advanced to expert standard across all aspects of solo piping performance.

Competitors should demonstrate:

Technical Execution

  • A high degree of accuracy, clarity, control and consistency across all notes, gracenotes, embellishments and movements.
  • Precise rhythmic placement of technical execution.
  • The ability to maintain a high technical standard throughout demanding repertoire and complete performances.
  • Technical execution that supports the musical presentation rather than detracting from it.

Rhythm, Tempo and Musical Expression

  • Highly controlled and appropriate tempi.
  • Strong rhythmic precision and consistency.
  • An advanced understanding of phrasing, expression, musical structure and the stylistic characteristics of each tune type.
  • The ability to communicate and interpret the music with maturity, confidence and individuality while remaining stylistically appropriate.
  • A convincing and musically cohesive performance rather than simply a technically accurate presentation.

Instrument and Sound

  • Advanced control of blowing, pressure and overall instrument management.
  • A consistently high quality of tone throughout the performance.
  • A well-balanced chanter and accurately tuned, stable drones.
  • The ability to independently prepare, tune and maintain the instrument to a high competitive standard.
  • The ability to maintain tonal quality, tuning and stability across all required competition elements.

Performance and Stagecraft

  • A high degree of confidence, composure and professionalism in the competition environment.
  • Advanced stagecraft and effective management of all aspects of the performance.
  • The ability to commence, present and conclude performances in a controlled and professional manner.
  • The ability to manage minor errors, instrument changes or other disruptions without significantly compromising the overall presentation.

Adjudicators should expect A Grade competitors to demonstrate a consistently advanced standard across technical execution, musicianship, sound production, instrument control, tuning and overall performance presentation.

An A Grade performance should demonstrate the maturity, independence and overall capability expected of a highly accomplished competitive solo piper.

General Guidance For Adjudicators

These criteria are intended to describe the overall standard expected within each grade and should not be interpreted as an inflexible checklist in which every individual criterion carries equal weight.

Adjudicators should assess the performance as a whole, taking into consideration:

  • technical execution;
  • rhythm and tempo;
  • musical expression and interpretation;
  • tone and sound production;
  • tuning and instrument balance;
  • consistency;
  • stagecraft and presentation; and
  • the expected playing standard of the grade.

The relative importance of these considerations may vary according to the event being adjudicated.

A competitor’s placing in an individual event does not, by itself, determine whether that competitor is appropriately graded. Where requested by the VPA Grading Panel, adjudicators may provide recommendations regarding whether a competitor’s overall playing standard appears consistent with their current grade or with progression to another grade.