Grading & Assessments

GRADING POLICY

75% - Attendance and Participation

25% - Assessments, Scales/Rudiments

        Attendance and Participation - Attendance includes being in class on a regular basis and attending performances.  Participation is playing your instrument in class, asking questions about the music and trying to improve as a musician.  Everyday is an opportunity for something new.  Sometimes, the unexpected happens and that experience cannot be re-created.

          Assessments - Every student learns at a different rate.  Therefore every student will be assessed on their ability and growth.  By the end of a grading period, the student should have a steady improvement in their playing ability and music understanding.  In addition, the student should be able to play the music we are practicing in class and practicing at home.  

        Scales/Rudiments - Scales and rudiments are a foundation to music.  They are also important in high school and beyond.  If a student does NOT pass, the student is given direct instruction on how to pass.  It is up to the student to practice what was instructed to them and retest before the end of the grading period.  The retest can be video recorded and emailed to the teacher.

        Missed Performance -

If a student misses a performance because of an emergency or has informed the director in advanced, they will get an alternative assignment.  

        *A performance is 10% of the student's final grade.

**All assessments are retaken outside of class time.

Independent Study

When a student goes on Independent Study, there are a few options of work: practice your instrument, play Ningenius or play Music Racer (any combination of the three).  The student will use Google Docs or Google Sheets to record the date, the amount of time engaged, the activity, what you worked on and what was accomplished.  For every missed school day, 20 minutes of work needs to be done.  The student has five days upon the return to school to email this information to me.