Performance Assessment Rubric

Lesson 02.07

Performance Goal

Evaluation Criteria

Excellent

Sufficient

Needs Improve-
ment

Score Yourself!

Holding the Guitar Correctly Using Student’s Choice of Positioning

(4 points possible)

Sitting (or standing) straight (but relaxed) (1 pt)
Shoulders level and relaxed (1 pt)
Left and right wrists are naturally aligned with hand and forearm (1 pt)
Nut is at approximately shoulder height (1 pt)

(4 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(3 points)

One of the criteria is not adequately demonstrated and needs correction.

(2–0 points)

Two or more criteria are not adequately demonstrated and need correction.

Correct Right-Hand Form

(4 points possible)

The guitar pick is held securely between the right-hand thumb and index finger (1 pt)
The motion of the downstroke starts at the right elbow (1 pt)
The right-hand fingers maintain a relaxed curve shape throughout each downstroke (1 pt)
Neither the right wrist nor little finger is resting on the guitar during the exercise (1 pt)

(4 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(3 points)

One of the criteria is not adequately demonstrated and needs correction.

(2–0 points)

Two or more criteria are not adequately demonstrated and need correction.

Correct Positioning of the Left Hand

(4 points possible)

Left shoulder is relaxed (not elevated), while left elbow hangs down naturally (1 pt)
Left wrist is naturally aligned with hand and forearm, with left knuckles (approximately) equidistant from the edge of the fretboard (1 pt)
Left thumb is in a natural position (relative to the hand), with only the pad contacting the back of the neck (1 pt)
Using the tip(s) of the left-hand finger(s) to press the string down against the frets (1 pt)

(4 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(3 points)

One or two criteria are not adequately demonstrated and need correction.

(2–0 points)

Two or more criteria are not adequately demonstrated and need correction.

Demonstrate that the
Guitar Is Tuned Correctly

(4 points possible)

Before the performance of the improvised solo, the student will play the six open strings one at a time, beginning with the sixth string (to demonstrate that the guitar is tuned correctly)

(4 points)

The guitar was tuned properly.

The performance goal is met based on the criteria.

(3 points)

Most strings were in tune.

An attempt to meet the criteria is apparent; an understanding of the skill was demonstrated; however, the goal was not reached and correction is needed.

(2–0 points)

The guitar was not tuned properly.

The criteria were not met. An understanding of the skill was not demonstrated.
Correction is needed.

Accurate Performance of the E Chord Study

(8 points possible)

Correct chords are played using correct left-hand fingers (2 pts for each correct chord)
The student demonstrates efficient chord transition technique (2 pts for all correct transitions, 1 pt for one incorrect transition, 0 pts for two or more incorrect transitions)

(8 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(7–6 points)

The performance demonstrates an understanding of the material and an effort to reach the skill level necessary to meet the criteria. Some correction or additional practice is needed to meet all criteria.

(5–0 points)

The performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the material or does not demonstrate an effort to meet the criteria. Significant correction or additional practice is needed to meet all criteria.

Accurate Performance of the E Minor Pentatonic Scale

(8 points possible)

Correct notes are played using correct left-hand fingers (7 pts if all notes and fingers are correct, 6 pts if 1–2 notes or fingers are incorrect, 5 pts if 3–4 notes or fingers are incorrect, 4 pts if 5–6 notes or fingers are incorrect, 3 pts if 7–8 notes or fingers are incorrect, 2 pts if 9–10 notes or fingers are incorrect, 1 pts if 11–12 notes or fingers are incorrect, 0 pts if 13 or more notes or fingers are incorrect)
The student keeps a steady beat throughout the performance (1 pt)

(8 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(7–6 points)

(5–0 points)

Improvised Solo Uses the Five R’s at Least Once Each

(8 points possible)

Correct notes are played using correct left-hand fingers (2 pts for two or fewer incorrect notes or fingers, 1pt for three or four incorrect notes or fingers, 0 points for five or more incorrect notes or fingers)
The student keeps a steady beat throughout the performance (1 pt)
The student uses each of the Five R’s (5 pts, 1 pt for each “R” demonstrated)

(8 points)

The performance goal is met based on all criteria.

(7–6 points)

(5–0 points)

Total Score
(40 points possible)