Technical:

Grades in the Technical area gage the quality of the performer, expressing the level of foundational technical ability and physical skills.

Technique:  Evaluation of physical dexterity on the fingerboard and with the bow. Adjudicators are looking for physical strength, endurance, proper hand positions, posture,  and accuracy.

Tone:  Evaluation of tone quality and pitch accuracy (playing in tune). Adjudicators are looking  
for a good  full sound played with confidence and maturity, and proper pitch intonation within the instrument as well as pitch agreement with the accompanist.

Performance:

Grades in the Performance area represent elements of that specific performance.

Accuracy:  Specific mistakes are noted as negative error points and keyed to bars in the music. Error points are valued according to severity.  The error point total is subtracted from the final grade.  Wrongs notes, inaccuracies of rhythm and incorrect intonation may earn subtractive points.

Dynamics:  Evaluation of musicality and accurate observation of written dynamics.  Sensitivity and emotion are graded along with the performer’s accurate reading of written dynamics.

Stage Presence:  Evaluation of the performer’s poise, showmanship, and relationship to the audience.  The performer’s attitude is evaluated along with the student’s ability to engage the audience in the musical experience.

Quality:  Evaluation of the overall quality of the listening experience.

Repertoire:

Grades in the Repertoire area rate considerations of the musical selection

Tempo:  A rating of the speed and rhythmic demands of the music and the performer’s adherence to written tempos.

Special Consideration:  Bonus points are awarded for performing above and beyond normal or reasonable expectations.  This may include but is not limited to overcoming distractions or difficulties of the performing situation, or if a performer selects and performs well a piece of music normally reserved for a more experienced player.