Professional Performance Division: Teacher's Grading Criteria

Private lesson grading consists of one assessment (50%) that is the final exam and a second assessment (50%) which is the teacher's way of measuring a student's performance and progress in the private lesson using a number of different criteria.

Listed below are the criteria with which students will be graded.

GRADE - A (90-100)

• Shows up to lessons on time, tuned up and ready to play
• Makes the private lesson a priority and keeps the teacher well informed as to musical and academic activities
• Focuses on weaknesses as well as strengths, takes suggestions, and at the same time, has own inner direction
• Works above and beyond teacher's expectations, prepares assigned materials, and performs at a high level
• Shows improvement of instrumental skills and musicianship
• Is an active student player/performer, seeks playing (as well as listening) opportunities around the college, and is self-motivated

GRADE - B (80 - 89)

• Shows up to lessons on time, but is not always prepared
• Makes the private lesson a priority, but not his/her top priority
• Focuses on weaknesses and makes progress
• Prepares assignments most of the time, but sometimes makes excuses for not preparing lesson, because other work gets in the way
• Shows improvement of instrumental skills and musicianship
• Is an active student player/performer and is self-motivated

GRADE - C (70 - 79)

• May show up to lessons on time, but not always prepared
• Private lesson is not a priority
• Avoids weaknesses and rarely makes progress
• Occasionally prepares assignments, has frequent excuses, and lacks self-motivation
• Shows little improvement of instrumental skills and musicianship
• This student is inconsistent
• This student may or may not be an active student player/performer

GRADE - D (60 - 69)

• Rarely shows up to lessons on time and is rarely prepared
• Shows little interest in improving instrumental skills and/or musicianship
• Rarely takes suggestions
• This student is probably not an active student player/performer
• This student barely performs at the level, however, there is some evidence of musical ability that warrants a passing grade
• This student receives a grade of 60 or higher on the final exam

GRADE - F (Below 60)

• Rarely shows up to lessons on time and is rarely prepared
• Shows little interest in improving instrumental skills and/or musicianship
• Rarely takes suggestions
• This student is probably not an active student player/performer
• This student does not perform at level and/or fails the final exam