Instrumental (Grades 3 - 5)

Exceptional

5 Points Each

Outstanding

4 Points Each

Above Average

3 Points Each

Average

2 Point Each

Tone Quality

☐ Tone is warm, resonant, controlled, clear, focused, consistent, vibrant, rich, full, and beautiful

*Percussion: Exceptional tone with appropriate sick/mallet in the correct area of the instrument

☐ Tone has resonance and clarity with some apparent inconsistencies

*Percussion: Consistent tone with appropriate sick/mallet in the correct area of the instrument

☐ Tone is inconsistent but has occasional moments of clarity and resonance

*Percussion: Mostly consistent tone with appropriate sick/mallet primarily in the correct area of the instrument

☐ Tone is weak, breathy, forced, unclear, or uncontrolled’

*Percussion: Developing tone and inconsistently plays in the correct area of the instrument

Accuracy

☐ Pitches/rhythms are performed accurately

☐ Pitches/rhythms are performed accurately most of the time

☐ Pitches/rhythms are performed accurately some of the time

☐ Pitches/rhythms are occasionally performed with accuracy

Intonation

☐ Intonation is within or above the appropriate developmental range.  The student shifts cleanly if shifts are performed

☐ Occasional lapses in intonation, but generally within the appropriate developmental range

☐ Frequently out of tune but with several moments of developmentally appropriate intonation

☐ Occasionally plays  in tune most of the time and shows signs of developing intonation  

Rhythm and Pulse

☐ Gives notes and rests proper value and always maintains a steady pulse

☐ Gives most notes and rests proper value and keeps a steady pulse most of the time

☐ Gives some notes and rests proper value and sometimes keeps a steady pulse

☐ Gives few notes and rests proper value and seldom keeps a steady pulse

Technique and Articulation (Bowing, Tonguing, Sticking, Fingerings)

☐ Student uses appropriate playing technique (Piano includes: posture, arm/wrist movement & fingerings)

☐ Student uses appropriate articulation, including attacks and releases

☐ Some flaws in playing technique but does not detract from the performance (See piano technique)

☐ Plays most notes with the correct articulation

☐ Some flaws in playing technique that detract from the performance

(See piano technique)

☐ Plays some of the notes with the correct articulation

☐ Frequent flaws in playing technique

(See piano technique)

☐ Occasionally  plays the correct articulation

Interpretation (Musicality, Phrasing, Expressive Elements, Nuance, Tempo, Range)

☐ Phrasing and dynamics are performed with nuance (Piano includes appropriate use of pedal)

☐ The style and tempo are appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance is expressive and sensitive to style

☐ Phrasing and dynamics are performed with nuance most of the time (piano pedaling)

☐ The style and tempo are mostly appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows expressive elements performed above grade level

☐ Phrasing and dynamics are performed some of the time

(piano pedaling)

☐ Style and tempo are somewhat appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows some use of expressive elements

☐ Phrasing and dynamics are occasionally performed

(piano pedaling)

☐ Style and tempo are occasionally appropriate.  

☐ Developing use of expressive elements in the performance

Level of Difficulty

☐ 2 or more years above grade level

☐ Above Grade level

☐ At Grade level

☐ Below Grade Level