CATEGORY

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Note Accuracy

Notes are consistently accurate.

An occasional inaccurate note is played, but does not detract from overall performance.

A few inaccurate notes are played, detracting somewhat from the overall performance.

Wrong notes consistently detract from the performance.

Rhythm

The beat is secure and the rhythms are accurate for the style of music being played.

The beat is secure and the rhythms are mostly accurate. There are a few duration errors, but these do not detract from the overall performance.

The beat is somewhat erratic. Some rhythms are accurate. Frequent or repeated duration errors. Rhythm problems occasionally detract from the overall performance.

The beat is usually erratic and rhythms are seldom accurate detracting significantly from the overall performance.

Tone Quality

Tone is consistently focused, clear, and centered throughout the range of the instrument. Tone has professional quality.

Tone is focused, clear and centered through the normal playing range of the instrument. Extremes in range sometimes cause tone to be less controlled. Tone quality typically does not detract from the performance.

Tone is often focused, clear and centered, but sometimes the tone is uncontrolled in the normal playing range. Extremes in range are usually uncontrolled. Occasionally the tone quality detracts from overall performance.

The tone is often not focused, clear or centered regardless of the range being played, significanltly detracting from the overall performance.

Dynamics

Dynamic levels are obvious, consistent, and an accurate intrepretation of the style of music being played.

Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent.

Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned.

Attention to dynamic levels is not obvious.

Phrasing

Phrasing is always consistent and sensitive to the style of music being played.

Phrasing is usually consistent and sensitive to the style of music being played.

Phrasing is usually consistent and occasionally sensitive to the style of music being played.

Phrasing is rarely consistent and/or rarely sensitive to musical style.

Expression and Style

Performs with a creative nuance and style in response to the score and limited coaching.

Typically performs with nuance and style that is indicated in the score or which is suggested by instructor or peer.

Sometimes performs with nuance and style that is indicated in the score or which is suggested by instructor or peer.

Rarely demonstrates expression and style. Just plays the notes.

Articulation

Secure attacks. Markings (staccato, legato, slur, accents, etc.) are executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Attacks are usually secure, though there might be an isolated error. Markings are executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Attacks are rarely secure, but markings are often executed accurately as directed by the score and/or the conductor.

Few secure attacks. Markings are typically not executed accurately.

Style Markings

All style marking were played well and accurately. Made music more than notes and rhythm.

Most style markings were played well and accurately. May have missed one or two, but did not distract from overall style.

Failed to play several style markings accurately. Style of piece was barely recognizable.

Little or no attention was given to style markings. Style of piece was not recognizable.