EASY: E
- Key Signature: key of C
- Octaves: 1-2 with notes played predominately on 1 octave at a time
- Music Notation: no accidentals
- Meters: 4/4, C (common time), 3/4, 2/4
- Ringing Pattern: predominately up and down scale with limited jumps between notes
- Rhythmic Elements: whole notes, quarter notes, dotted half notes, a few eighth notes
- Technique: proper use of strike point
- Dynamic Levels: differentiating loud and soft
- Tempo: slow
EASY MEDIUM: EM
- Key Signature: key of C, keys with 1 sharp or 1 flat
- Octaves: 1-2
- Music Notation: limited accidentals
- Meters: 4/4, C (common time), 3/4, 2/4
- Ringing Pattern: up and down scale with repetitive and simple jumps or transitions between strands
- Rhythmic Elements: simple combinations of eighth and quarter notes
- Technique: proper use of strike point
- Dynamic Levels: differentiating loud and soft
- Tempo: slow to moderate
MEDIUM: M
- Key Signature: key of C, keys with 1-2 sharps or flats, one key change
- Octaves: 1-2
- Music Notation: use of some accidentals
- Meters: 4/4, C (common time),3/4, 2/4
- Ringing Pattern: more jumps and transitions between strands
- Rhythmic Elements: dotted eighth notes and triplets
- Technique: more attention to graceful hand/arm movement
- Dynamic Levels: entire range
- Tempo: slow to moderate
MEDIUM DIFFICULT: MD
- Key Signature: key of C, key with several sharps or flats and several key changes
- Octaves: use of notes beyond 2 octaves
- Music Notation: use of accidentals
- Meters: some mixed meters
- Ringing Pattern: jumps or transitions between strands and patterns which require more hand speed
- Rhythmic Elements: syncopation
- Technique: making decisions on which hand to use for musicality between strands and some use of 4 mallets
- Dynamic Levels: entire range
- Tempo: slow to moderately fast
DIFFICULT: D
- Key Signature: all keys
- Octaves: 3 octaves or more
- Music Notation: accidentals
- Meters: use of all meters
- Ringing Pattern: frequent and quick movements between strands and notes
- Rhythmic Elements: syncopation and complex mixed patterns
- Technique: use of 4 mallets, incorporating standing sidewise to reach bells
- Dynamic Levels: entire range with use of crescendo and decrescendo
- Tempo: multiple tempo changes with use of all ranges