Category

Accomplished

(10-9)

Solid

(8-7)

Developing

(6-5)

Emerging

(4-3)

Beginning

(2-1)

Tone Production (Stick Choice, Surface, Setup)

Tone is consistent across the piece; stick choice and playing surface match the musical context; setup allows for clear sound.

Tone is clear in most passages; stick choice and surface are appropriate; setup supports sound with minor inconsistencies.

Tone is generally appropriate but inconsistent across passages; stick choice or surface sometimes reduces clarity.

Tone is often unclear; stick or surface choice negatively affects sound; setup causes repeated issues.

Tone is unclear throughout; stick choice or setup is incorrect and prevents proper sound production.

Technique (Grip, Control, Dexterity)

Grip remains correct throughout; sticks move evenly; control evident at all speeds and dynamic levels; hands show independence.

Grip is correct; control is consistent at moderate tempos and dynamics; minor lapses at extremes.

Grip is adequate but inconsistent; control and dexterity vary; uneven motion at faster tempos.

Grip is often incorrect; frequent loss of control; difficulty maintaining even strokes.

Grip is consistently incorrect; lacks control; strokes are uneven or not maintained.

Accuracy (Notes, Rhythm, Pulse)

Notes, rhythms, and pulse are consistently precise across all passages; subdivisions remain steady.

Notes and rhythms are accurate with only minor errors; pulse remains steady overall.

Generally accurate with some errors; pulse occasionally inconsistent; corrections made mid-piece.

Frequent note or rhythm errors; pulse drifts but stabilizes at times.

Persistent errors in notes, rhythms, and pulse; no stable beat established.

Interpretation (Dynamics, Phrasing, Tempo)

Dynamic contrasts are clear and intentional; phrasing shapes are audible; tempo remains steady with appropriate stylistic choices.

Dynamics are present and mostly controlled; phrasing supports the music in most sections; tempo is steady with rare lapses.

Some dynamic variation and phrasing evident; tempo generally steady with noticeable lapses.

Basic awareness of dynamics or phrasing but not sustained; tempo fluctuates often.

Little or no dynamic contrast, phrasing, or tempo control; performance remains flat.

Sight Reading (Preparedness and Execution)

Performs unfamiliar passage fluently with steady tempo, accurate notes/rhythms, and clear tone throughout.

Performs with steady tempo and mostly accurate notes/rhythms; minor hesitations corrected quickly.

Plays with basic fluency; several errors but maintains overall flow.

Frequent hesitations, stops, or breakdowns; accuracy inconsistent.

Unable to maintain tempo or accuracy; performance incomplete or unrecognizable.