Piano Audition Rubric (Grades 3 - 7)

Exceptional

4 Points Each

Outstanding

3 Points Each

Above Average

2 Points Each

Average

1 Point Each

Accuracy (pitch, rhythmic values)

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately

☐ Gives notes and rests proper value 

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately most of the time

☐ Gives most notes and rests proper value

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately some of the time

☐ Gives some notes and rests proper value

☐ Printed pitches are occasionally performed with accuracy

☐ Gives few notes and rests proper value

Ease of Technique (wrist and arm ease, fingerings)

☐ Technique is well developed  and natural, including posture, arm wrist movement, and fingerings

☐ Technique is developed  and approaching natural  in terms of posture, arm / wrist movement, and fingerings.

☐ Technique somewhat developed, in terms of posture, arm / wrist movement, and fingerings.

☐ Technique is still developing in terms of posture and arm / wrist movement, and fingerings.

Phrasing and articulation (legato, staccato, accents and other marks of expression, pedaling)

☐ Phrasing and articulation is exceptional with control and shaping throughout; pedal, if used, is appropriate to the musical selection

☐ Phrasing and articulation is evident, with some control and shaping; pedal, if used, is mostly appropriate to the musical selection

☐ Phrasing and articulation is sometimes demonstrated; pedal, if used, is somewhat appropriate to the musical. selection

☐ Phrasing, articulation, and pedal (if used) are developing and may detract from the overall performance

Dynamics and balance/voicing

☐ Dynamics, balance, (and voicing if applicable) and dynamic contrast are observed throughout

☐ Dynamics, balance, (and voicing if applicable) and dynamic contrast are mostly observed

☐ Dynamics, balance, (and voicing if applicable) and dynamic contrast are sometimes observed

☐ Dynamics, balance, (and voicing if applicable) and dynamic contrast are developing

Interpretation (Musicality, Phrasing, Expressive Elements, Nuance, Tempo, Range)

☐ Tempo is appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance is expressive and sensitive to style

☐ Tempo is mostly appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows expressive elements performed above grade level

☐ Tempo is somewhat appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows some use of expressive elements

☐ Tempo is occasionally appropriate. 

☐ Developing use of expressive elements in the performance