Observational Rubric for Music Performance

Rubric for Scoring Music Performance Evaluation for Grades K-12
Student _____________________________________________ Grade _______ Age _______ Date _________________________________
School District _______________________________________ Building _______________________________________________________
CRITERIA EMERGING
(0 Points)
Rhythm o Infrequently able to
replicate complex
rhythmic patterns while
sustaining a steady beat.
Melody o Only with considerable
assistance can
independently replicate a
new melodic phrase.
Improvisation o Spontaneously creates an
ineffective improvisation
as compared to those by
students of the same age
or experience.
Expressiveness o Occasionally responds to
the requirements of the
music, but not with
sensitivity.
Engagement o Performs with little
energy, focus, and/or
confidence.
TYPICAL
(1 Point each)
o Occasionally able to
replicate complex
rhythmic patterns
while sustaining a
steady beat.
o With repeated
hearing and
moderate assistance
can independently
replicate a new
melodic phrase.
o Spontaneously
creates an acceptable
improvisation that is
typical of students of
the same age or
experience.
o Responds to the
requirements of the
music, but not with
sensitivity.
o Performs with some
energy, focus, and/or
confidence.
ABOVE AVERAGE
(2 Points each)
o Generally able to
replicate complex
rhythmic patterns
while sustaining a
steady beat.
o With minimal
assistance can
independently
replicate a new
melodic phrase.
o Spontaneously creates
an effective
improvisation that is
advanced for students
of the same age or
experience.
o Generally responds
with sensitivity to the
requirements of the
music.
o Performs with a great
deal of energy, focus,
and confidence.
SUPERIOR
(3 Points each)
o Consistently able to
replicate complex
rhythmic patterns
while sustaining a
steady beat.
o Without assistance can
independently
replicate a new
melodic phrase.
o Spontaneously creates
a highly effective and
innovative
improvisation that is
extremely advanced
for students of the
same age or
experience.
o Consistently responds
with nuances and
sensitivity to the
requirements of the
music.
o Performs with an
unusual amount of
energy, focus,
intensity, and
conviction.

Technique o Technique is typical of
students of a younger age
or of less training.
Over-All Performance o Performance is typical of
students of a younger age
or students with less
training.
Emerging
Total Points __________
o Technique is typical
of students of the
same age or training.
o Performance is
typical when
compared with
students of the same
age or training.
Typical
Total Points
__________
o Technique is advanced
compared to students
of the same age or
training.
o Performance is
advanced when
compared with
students of the same
age or training.
Above Average
Total Points
__________
o Technique is superior
compared to students
of the same age or
training.
o Performance is
superior when
compared with
students of the same
age or training.
Superior
Total Points
__________
Scoring: Total Points __________
Screening: 14-17
Identification: 18-21 Rater’s Signature ___________________________________ Date ___________________
Rater’s Comments