NSJMA evaluation
The adjudication review and scoring
Certified adjudicators review junior candidates in their areas of expertise using consistent instrumental and vocal rubrics. Music theory and terms tests are scored automatically.
If a candidate does not achieve the necessary score, the adjudicator panel chair reviews the submission before the final determination.
Knowledge tests
Music theory and music terms tests are scored automatically. A perfect score is required before advancing.
Tests checklist
- Music Theory — passed test
- Music Terms — passed test
Eligibility review
The adjudicator verifies the experience and reference requirements for the selected junior award.
Eligibility checklist
- Basic eligibility
- Honor ensemble or solo and ensemble participation
- Extracurricular musical activities
- Positive director reference when required
Performance review
Solo performance and applicable scales, rudiments, or technical ability are reviewed against the published criteria.
Instrumental solo performance
Each category is scored from one to ten. The table preserves the original NSMA performance thresholds.
| Criterion | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tone QualityThe sound quality of the instrument is properly produced | Uses appropriate tone <49% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 50–69% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 70–79% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 80–89% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 90–100% of the performance. |
| IntonationAccuracy of printed pitches | Pitches are played correctly and in tune <49% of the performance. | Pitches are played correctly and in tune 50–69% of the performance. | Pitches are played correctly and in tune 70–79% of the performance. | Pitches are played correctly and in tune 80–89% of the performance. | Pitches are played correctly and in tune 90–100% of the performance. |
| RhythmAccuracy of printed rhythms | Rhythms are played correctly <49% of the performance. | Rhythms are played correctly 50–69% of the performance. | Rhythms are played correctly 70–79% of the performance. | Rhythms are played correctly 80–89% of the performance. | Rhythms are played correctly 90–100% of the performance. |
| TechniqueAccuracy of attacks, releases, control of ranges, and mechanical skills | Demonstrates instrument-specific technique <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates instrument-specific technique 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates instrument-specific technique 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates instrument-specific technique 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates instrument-specific technique 90–100% of the performance. |
| InterpretationAccuracy of style, phrasing, tempo, dynamics, and emotional involvement | Expression markings are performed <49% of the performance. | Expression markings are performed 50–69% of the performance. | Expression markings are performed 70–79% of the performance. | Expression markings are performed 80–89% of the performance. | Expression markings are performed 90–100% of the performance. |
| ArticulationAccuracy of performance of style markings | Correct articulation is demonstrated <49% of the performance. | Correct articulation is demonstrated 50–69% of the performance. | Correct articulation is demonstrated 70–79% of the performance. | Correct articulation is demonstrated 80–89% of the performance. | Correct articulation is demonstrated 90–100% of the performance. |
| Performance FactorsChoice of literature, appropriate appearance, poise, and posture | Demonstrates performance factors <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 90–100% of the performance. |
Vocal solo performance
Each category is scored from one to ten. The table preserves the original NSMA performance thresholds.
| Criterion | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tone QualityResonance, control, clarity, focus, consistency, and warmth | Uses appropriate tone <49% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 50–69% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 70–79% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 80–89% of the performance. | Uses appropriate tone 90–100% of the performance. |
| IntonationAccuracy of printed pitches | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune <49% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 50–69% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 70–79% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 80–89% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 90–100% of the performance. |
| RhythmAccuracy of printed rhythms | Rhythms are performed correctly <49% of the performance. | Rhythms are performed correctly 50–69% of the performance. | Rhythms are performed correctly 70–79% of the performance. | Rhythms are performed correctly 80–89% of the performance. | Rhythms are performed correctly 90–100% of the performance. |
| TechniqueFully resonant tone, proper breath control, and open rounded vowels | Demonstrates proper tone production <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper tone production 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper tone production 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper tone production 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper tone production 90–100% of the performance. |
| DictionAll lyrics are fully understandable | Demonstrates proper diction <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper diction 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper diction 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper diction 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates proper diction 90–100% of the performance. |
| ExpressivenessLyrics reflect proper style, tempo, phrasing, and dynamics | Demonstrates expressive qualities <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates expressive qualities 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates expressive qualities 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates expressive qualities 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates expressive qualities 90–100% of the performance. |
| Performance FactorsChoice of literature, appropriate appearance, poise, and posture | Demonstrates performance factors <49% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 50–69% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 70–79% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 80–89% of the performance. | Demonstrates performance factors 90–100% of the performance. |
Solfege exercises
Tonal memory, pitch accuracy, solfege syllables, and applicable hand signs are reviewed from the submitted exercises.
Tonal memory and pitch accuracy
Each category is scored from one to ten. The table preserves the original NSMA performance thresholds.
| Criterion | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key AccuracyAccuracy of staying in the starting key | Pitches remain in the starting key <49% of the performance. | Pitches remain in the starting key 50–69% of the performance. | Pitches remain in the starting key 70–79% of the performance. | Pitches remain in the starting key 80–89% of the performance. | Pitches remain in the starting key 90–100% of the performance. |
| Pitch AccuracyAccuracy of printed or understood pitches | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune <49% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 50–69% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 70–79% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 80–89% of the performance. | Pitches are sung correctly and in tune 90–100% of the performance. |
| Solfege Syllables & Hand SignsAccuracy of syllables and hand signs | Syllables and hand signs are performed correctly <49% of the performance. | Syllables and hand signs are performed correctly 50–69% of the performance. | Syllables and hand signs are performed correctly 70–79% of the performance. | Syllables and hand signs are performed correctly 80–89% of the performance. | Syllables and hand signs are performed correctly 90–100% of the performance. |
Essay review
The candidate’s own essay is reviewed for content, organization, style, and mechanics.
Essay research and writing rubric
The essay is reviewed for content and development, organization, style, and mechanics. Students must score at least 30 of 40 possible points.
| Demonstrated mastery | Fair | Good | Excellent | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content and Development | No central idea or supporting details | Unable to find specific supporting details | Central idea is vague or lacks focus | A clearly stated central idea is supported by appropriate, concrete, original details |
| Organization | Ideas are unorganized and vague | Central point and flow are lost | The essay somewhat digresses and ideas do not logically follow | The essay has a logical beginning, body, and conclusion and demonstrates critical thinking |
| Style | Writing is confusing and hard to follow | Writing lacks creativity and focus | Sentences are slightly varied with adequate vocabulary | Writing is smooth, coherent, expressive, and consistent with the central idea |
| Mechanics | Persistent errors in usage, structure, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization | Several clearly noticeable errors | Relatively few errors with limited mechanical problems | No errors in usage, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization |
Final determination
Award decision
After reviewing every requirement and score, the adjudicator records whether the junior candidate is approved or needs additional preparation.