Awards Scheme
Celebrating Every Musical Journey
The Awards Scheme recognises and celebrates learners’ achievements throughout their musical journey. Open to all ages and abilities, the awards acknowledge not only musical progress, but also commitment, creativity, confidence and perseverance.
Designed as both a complement to graded exams and an alternative pathway, the scheme provides inclusive, progressive milestones that encourage continued growth and enjoyment of music.
What Do the Awards Recognise?
• Musical development and achievement
• Commitment and regular participation
• Creativity and self-expression
• Confidence and resilience
• Long-term engagement with music
Award Progression
Awards are available for learners at every stage, from beginners to those with seven or more years of study, celebrating dedication, participation and personal growth along the way.
Supporting Lifelong Music-Making
At Berkshire Music Trust, we believe every musical journey is unique. By recognising effort and achievement at every stage, the Awards Scheme helps inspire confidence, motivation and a lifelong love of music.
Find Out More
Full criteria of the awards is available here.
For further information, please speak to your child’s music teacher.
Because every musical journey deserves recognition. 🎵
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Awards Scheme?
The Awards Scheme is a recognition scheme that celebrates learners’ progress, commitment and achievements throughout their musical journey. The awards acknowledge not only musical development but also qualities such as dedication, creativity, confidence and perseverance.
Who can take part in the Awards Scheme?
The scheme is open to Berkshire Music Trust learners of all ages and abilities. Whether a student is just beginning their musical journey or has been learning for many years, there is an award level that reflects their stage of development.
What do the awards recognise?
The awards recognise a range of achievements, including:
• Musical progress and development
• Commitment to regular learning and practice
• Participation in lessons, ensembles and performances
• Creativity and personal expression
• Confidence, resilience and perseverance
• Long-term engagement with music
How do learners achieve an award?
Each award level has a set of criteria that learners work towards with the support of their music teacher. Once the criteria have been met, the learner will be eligible to receive the relevant award from their teacher.
Who assesses the awards?
Awards are assessed by Berkshire Music Trust teachers, who work with learners throughout the process and can advise on the criteria for each level.
How many award levels are there?
The scheme includes progressive award levels that recognise learners from beginner Amethyst stage (one term of lessons) through to Ambassador (those who have been studying for seven or more years).
Can learners work towards awards on any instrument?
Yes. The programme is designed to recognise musical development across Berkshire Music Trust’s range of instrumental and vocal learning opportunities.
My child has already been learning for several years. Do they have to start at the first award level?
No. Teachers will advise on the most appropriate starting point based on a learner’s current experience, skills and musical journey. Existing learners will be able to begin at a level that reflects their current stage of development rather than starting from the beginning.
Can learners achieve awards if they attend group lessons or ensembles?
Yes. The programme is intended to be inclusive and can recognise learning and participation across a variety of musical settings.
Is there a cost to take part?
No. Participation in the scheme is free for all Berkshire Music Trust students. Learners receive their first badge and certificate free of charge. If a badge or certificate needs to be replaced due to loss or damage, a small charge will apply to cover production costs.
How can parents support their child?
Parents and carers can support learners by:
• Encouraging regular practice
• Celebrating progress and achievements
• Supporting attendance at lessons and ensembles
• Helping learners work towards their award goals
• Discussing their progress with their music teacher
Where can I find the award criteria?
Full award criteria and guidance documents are available here. If you would like further information, please speak to your child’s music teacher.
Why has Berkshire Music Trust created the Awards Scheme?
The Awards Scheme reflects our commitment to making music accessible, inclusive and rewarding for everyone. It provides meaningful milestones that celebrate effort, progress and achievement, helping learners to develop confidence and enjoy a lifelong connection with music.