Category

Accomplished

(10-9)

Solid

(8-7)

Developing

(6-5)

Emerging

(4-3)

Beginning

(2-1)

Tone Quality (Support, Focus, Posture)

Tone remains clear and stable throughout range; breath support consistent; posture aligned to allow free sound; no signs of strain.

Tone is generally clear and supported; posture supports sound with minor lapses; rare moments of breathiness.

Tone is mostly supported with occasional lapses in focus; posture or breath inconsistent in some sections.

Tone often thin or unstable; weak breath support; posture frequently limits sound quality.

Tone consistently unsupported or strained; posture prevents proper sound production.

Technique (Breath Control, Articulation, Flexibility)

Breath is managed evenly across long phrases; articulation crisp across registers; flexibility allows smooth transitions between notes and vowels.

Breathing is controlled in most phrases; articulation clear in most passages; transitions between notes generally smooth.

Breath control adequate for short phrases; articulation sometimes unclear; flexibility uneven in passages.

Breath support inconsistent; frequent breaks in phrases; articulation unclear or imprecise.

Breath not managed; phrases broken; articulation consistently unclear; little to no flexibility shown.

Accuracy (Pitch, Intonation)

Notes consistently in tune across full range; intonation maintained in sustained tones and intervals.

Notes accurate with strong overall intonation; rare slips corrected quickly.

Most notes accurate; occasional lapses in pitch or intonation.

Several noticeable pitch or tuning errors; difficulty maintaining intonation in longer passages.

Frequent pitch errors; intonation unstable throughout performance.

Interpretation (Dynamics, Expression, Style)

Dynamics applied with clear contrast; phrases shaped with deliberate beginnings and endings; articulation and tempo reflect style of piece.

Dynamics controlled in most sections; phrasing consistent; stylistic choices mostly appropriate.

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

Limited dynamic contrast or phrasing; expressive choices minimal or inconsistent.

No noticeable dynamics or phrasing; performance remains flat and without stylistic cues.

Stage Presence (Confidence, Engagement)

Maintains steady eye focus and posture; enters and exits with confidence; gestures and expression match piece; engages audience throughout.

Stands with good posture; maintains eye focus most of the time; expression consistent in most sections.

Shows some confidence; occasional eye contact and expression but not sustained.

Appears hesitant; limited expression or engagement with audience; posture unsteady.

Avoids eye contact; posture closed or withdrawn; disengaged from performance.