Major Scales - Grading

Major Scales are one of the things that we assess regularly to ensure that students are developing their technical skills in all 15 major key signatures, and working to develop the appropriate range on their instrument. Major scales are assigned in small groups (usually 4-6 scales) per quarter, and students can choose to pass them off in any order they choose, as long as they are completed on time. Scales should be a regular part of every student's practice routine.

Students will earn a "3" for meeting the standard by performing a major scale at the appropriate tempo and range for their grade level. Scales need to be performed flawlessly in both pitch and rhythm in order to be considered a "3". Scales must be performed with a metronome (or other means of a measured tempo - drum tracks, etc). Posture, articulation, tone quality, and more are factored into the scale grade.

Students who wish to earn higher than a "3" on a scale can choose to go above and beyond in the following ways.

1.) Perform scale by memory (+.5)

2.) Perform your scale at the advanced tempo for your grade level (+.5)

Please note that students must earn a "3" before above and beyond credit can be considered, i.e. students who play faster tempo by memory, but make mistakes have not earned above a "3"

Range/Tempo expectations by grade level

6th Grade Major Scales - Level 1 scale sheets - 50 (regular) or 60 (advanced) bpm - Quarter Note/ Eighth Note scale rhythm as indicated on scale sheets

7th Grade Major Scales - Level 2 scale sheets - 100 (regular) or 120 (advanced) bpm - Quarter Note/ Eighth Note scale rhythm as indicated on scale sheets

8th Grade Major Scales - Level 3 scale sheets - 120 (regular) or 140 (advanced) bpm - Quarter Note/ Eighth Note scale rhythm as indicated on scale sheets