Music Composition Rubric for Student #_____

Ratings
Rubric is a modification of one presented by: Hickey, M. (1999). Assessment rubrics for music composition.
Music Educators Journal, 84 (4), 26 -33.

Outcomes

Student uses

There are no varied

rhythms or range of
notes. For instance,
composition consists of
only one repeating
rhythm.
Exhibits no clear beginning, middle or end section. Form appears random rather than organized.
Does not present an
effective general impression. Musical ideas do
not hold the listeners
interest.

There is variety in
rhythms; however the
note range is minimal
or so extreme that the
melody is difficult to
follow.
The beginning or end
may be organized, but
overall, the piece is
lacking cohesion.

There is a variety of
rhythms, and the note
range makes the melody easy to follow.

There are many diverse and interesting

uses of rhythms and
note range.

Ending feels final.

There is clear cohesion
to the piece overall.

Has a coherent and

organized form with a
clear beginning, middle, and end.

Includes at least one

interesting musical
idea. Yet, the overall
impression is not effective.

Includes some interesting musical ideas.

The general impression
is pleasant and moderately effective.

Strong aesthetic appeal and general impression. Would be

enjoyed by many listeners. Keeps the listener interested.

Varied Notes and

Rhythms

Student demonstrates
excellent
Organization
Student creates

Overall Impression

Total: _____/12
Judges, feel free to make comments on the back of this sheet. Comments will not be shared with students. Thanks again!

Music Composition Rubric for Student #_____

Ratings
Rubric is a modification of one presented by: Hickey, M. (1999). Assessment rubrics for music composition.
Music Educators Journal, 84 (4), 26 -33.

Outcomes

Student uses

There are no varied

rhythms or range of
notes. For instance,
composition consists of
only one repeating
rhythm.
Exhibits no clear beginning, middle or end section. Form appears random rather than organized.
Does not present an
effective general impression. Musical ideas do
not hold the listeners
interest.

There is variety in
rhythms; however the
note range is minimal
or so extreme that the
melody is difficult to
follow.
The beginning or end
may be organized, but
overall, the piece is
lacking cohesion.

There is a variety of
rhythms, and the note
range makes the melody easy to follow.

There are many diverse and interesting

uses of rhythms and
note range.

Ending feels final.

There is clear cohesion
to the piece overall.

Has a coherent and

organized form with a
clear beginning, middle, and end.

Includes at least one

interesting musical
idea. Yet, the overall
impression is not effective.

Includes some interesting musical ideas.

The general impression
is pleasant and moderately effective.

Strong aesthetic appeal and general impression. Would be

enjoyed by many listeners. Keeps the listener interested.

Varied Notes and

Rhythms

Student demonstrates
excellent
Organization
Student creates

Overall Impression

Total: _____/12
Judges, feel free to make comments on the back of this sheet. Comments will not be shared with students. Thanks again!