Category

Accomplished

(10-9)

Solid

(8-7)

Developing

(6-5)

Emerging

(4-3)

Beginning

(2-1)

Tone Quality (Bow Control, Focus, Projection)

Produces clear, stable tone across full range; bow control consistent in speed, weight, and contact; sound projects without distortion.

Produces consistent tone in most passages; bow control steady with minor lapses; projection is clear.

Produces adequate tone with some clarity; occasional bowing issues affect sound.

Tone varies noticeably; frequent bow slips, uneven pressure, or inconsistent contact reduce clarity.

Tone weak or scratchy throughout; bow control lacking in speed, weight, or contact.

Technique (Right/Left Hand Coordination)

Posture and instrument hold correct throughout; right and left hands coordinate smoothly; shifting, fingering, and bowing are accurate and efficient.

Posture and instrument hold mostly correct; hands coordinate well in most passages; minor issues in shifting or fingering.

Posture and hold functional; coordination developing but uneven; errors in fingering or bow placement appear in faster sections.

Hand posture inconsistent; frequent loss of coordination; incorrect finger placement or bowing affects playability.

Posture incorrect; poor hand coordination; unable to execute basic fingering or bowing accurately.

Accuracy (Pitch, Intonation, Rhythm)

Pitches are consistently correct and in tune; rhythms precise and steady across all passages.

Pitches accurate with strong rhythmic control; minor slips do not disrupt flow.

Most pitches and rhythms accurate; occasional errors in intonation or timing.

Several pitch or rhythm errors; timing uneven in multiple sections.

Frequent pitch and rhythm mistakes; intonation unstable; no steady pulse maintained.

Interpretation (Dynamics, Expression, Style)

Dynamics applied with clear contrast; phrases shaped with deliberate starts and endings; articulation and bowing match style of piece.

Dynamics controlled in most sections; phrases show consistent shaping; articulation generally appropriate.

Some dynamic variation and phrasing present; shaping uneven or inconsistent with style.

Limited dynamic contrast; minimal phrasing; articulation unclear or inconsistent.

No noticeable dynamics, phrasing, or stylistic choices; performance remains flat.

Sight Reading (Accuracy and Fluency)

Performs unfamiliar passage steadily with accurate notes, intonation, and rhythm; maintains flow without stops.

Performs with steady tempo; mostly accurate pitches and rhythms; rare hesitation.

Performs with moderate fluency; several errors but maintains overall flow.

Performs with frequent errors or hesitations; tempo breaks down; intonation unstable.

Attempt incomplete or unrecognizable; notes, rhythm, and tempo unclear.