WMTA Scoring Rubric: Updated 11/2023 Printable version Here

WMTA wishes to cultivate a positive audition experience for all students. We also recognize students in the State Track, specifically, will have additional time between the District and Regional Auditions to improve their pieces. As such, WMTA encourages judges to keep this in mind when assigning points. Students who play pieces that are generally well prepared should be getting a “5” or “4” on those works. Only when significant problems are evident should judges consider a “3” or lower. At all times, comments should reflect why a lower score has been given. For reference, the following rubric may be used.

A RATING OF A “5” DEMONSTRATES MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• In-depth knowledge of the piece reflected in security of memory
• Technical control and musically expressive playing
• Accuracy in rhythm and markings in the score, including dynamics, articulation, balance, appropriate tempos
• Effective projection of mood and style

A RATING OF A “4” DEMONSTRATES MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Secure memory and/or ability to recover well from slight memory slips
• Good technical control
• Accuracy in rhythm and markings in the score, including dynamics, articulation, balance, appropriate tempos
• General awareness of mood and style

A RATING OF A “3” DEMONSTRATES MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Insecure memory evidenced by significant memory slips
• Lack of consistent technical control
• Insecurity of rhythm effecting fluency and tempo
• Inattentiveness to markings in the score, thus affecting the style and musical conviction of the piece

A RATING OF A “2” DEMONSTRATES MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Major breakdowns in memory
• Lack of technical control many times in the piece
• Lack of steady beat and/or highly inaccurate counting
• Inattentiveness to many markings in the score, thus affecting the style and musicality of the piece

A RATING OF A “1” DEMONSTRATES MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Memory breakdowns whereby the student is unable to recover without using the music
• Lack of technical control throughout
• Lack of steady beat and/or highly inaccurate counting
• Inattentiveness to almost all markings in the score, thus affecting the style and musicality of the piece.

EXCEPTION: D2-NM has a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the highest number of points per piece. All judging criteria to reflect this scale should be adjusted accordingly for these students.