mymf banner

the Milton Young Musicians’ Festival - Evaluation Criteria

How will my performance be evaluated?
Is it arbitrary? Is it subjective?

The truth is, the adjudicators apply the same standards to every performer in a given level, and the criteria is standardized. Below we have summarized the adjudicator’s evaluation form for each of the four main categories to give you a very clear idea of the criteria by which your performance will be evaluated. (In addition, links to copies of the actual forms the adjudicators use are provided.)

Reading these over is the best way to understand what the adjudicators pay attention to in your audition, and how the final ranking figure is arrived at.

PIANO ADJUDICATION CRITERIA

Judging points:
Always or mostly: 10, 9
Somewhat: 8, 7
Rarely: 6,5,4,3,2,1

  • SCALES
    1. Scale #1: student's choice. Accurate notes, fingering, rhythm
    2. Scale #2: adjudicator's choice. Accurate notes, fingering, rhythm
  • PREPARED PIECES
    1. Correctness of notes
    2. Rhythm: Accurate reading of note values, including accents
    3. Tempo: Appropriate for overall expression of the piece
    4. Dynamics: Observes composer's dynamic markings
    5. Articulation & phrasing, incl. legato, non-legato, pedaling, tone, touch
    6. Balance of melody & accompaniment
    7. Interpretation: Appropriate style & projection of mood or feeling
    8. Presentation: stage presence, composure, bow to audience
  • TOTAL(100 POSSIBLE POINTS) ______
    Gold Medal: 100-93   Silver Medal: 92-85   Bronze: 84-77
view actual piano evaluation form

STRINGS ADJUDICATION CRITERIA

Judging points:
Always or mostly: 10, 9
Somewhat: 8, 7
Rarely: 6,5,4,3,2,1

  • SCALES
    1. Scale #1: student's choice. Accurate notes, fingering, tempo
    2. Scale #2: adjudicator's choice Accurate notes, fingering, tempo
  • PREPARED PIECE
    1. Intonation: Pitches accurate
    2. Rhythm: Consistently precise patterns
    3. Tempo: Consistent with printed markings, no rushing or dragging
    4. Dynamics: Follows markings within phrases and throughout piece
    5. Articulation: Bowings as marked with accents & ornamentation
    6. Tone: Full rich tone in all ranges and registers
    7. Interpretation: Well-shaped phrases and high level of musicality
    8. Presentation/Artistry: Excellent posture, bow to audience, composure
  • TOTAL (100 POSSIBLE POINTS) _______
    Gold Medal: 100-93   Silver Medal: 92-85   Bronze: 84-77
view actual strings evaluation form

VOICE ADJUDICATION CRITERIA

Judging points:
Always or mostly: 10, 9
Somewhat: 8, 7
Rarely: 6,5,4,3,2,1

  1. Breath support, tone, intonation
  2. Pronunciation: vowels, incl. languages
  3. Melodic accuracy
  4. Rhythm: Accurate reading of note values
  5. Tempo: Appropriate for overall expression of the piece
  6. Dynamics: Observes composer's dynamic markings
  7. Articulation & phrasing, incl. consonants
  8. Balance of melody & accompaniment
  9. Interpretation: Appropriate style & projection of mood or feeling
  10. Presentation: stage presence, composure, bow to audience

TOTAL (100 POSSIBLE POINTS) _______
Gold Medal: 100-93   Silver Medal: 92-85   Bronze: 84-77

view actual voice evaluation form

WINDS ADJUDICATION CRITERIA

Judging points:
Always or mostly: 10, 9
Somewhat: 8, 7
Rarely: 6,5,4,3,2,1

  • SCALES
    1. Scale #1: student's choice. Accurate notes, fingering, rhythm
    2. Scale #2: adjudicator's choice Accurate notes, fingering, rhythm
  • PREPARED PIECE
    1. Correctness of notes
    2. Rhythm: Accurate reading of note values, including accents
    3. Tempo: Appropriate for overall expression of the piece
    4. Dynamics: Observes composer's dynamic markings
    5. Articulation & phrasing, incl. legato, non-legato
    6. Breath support, tone & intonation
    7. Interpretation: Appropriate style & projection of mood or feeling
    8. Presentation: stage presence, composure, bow to audience
  • TOTAL (100 POSSIBLE POINTS) ______
    Gold Medal: 100-93   Silver Medal: 92-85   Bronze: 84-77
view actual winds evaluation form

[ top of page ]