Rubric - Woodwind Instruments (Classical) Audition Rubric

A traditional 4-level, 100-point audition rubric for classical woodwind players, scoring reed and embouchure control, finger technique, rhythm, articulation, and expressive phrasing.
4 - Exceeds Expectation 3 - Meets Expectation 2 - Approaching Expectation 1 - Below Expectation
Prepared Selection, Excerpts & Scales
100%
__________________________________________________________
Tone & Reed/Embouchure Control
20%
20 Points
Beautiful, even tone core; reed and embouchure are fully controlled with no squeaks, spread or register unevenness....
15 Points
Attractive tone with good embouchure control; slight unevenness between registers or at soft dynamics....
10 Points
Tone changes character across registers; reed response and embouchure produce occasional squeaks or edge....
0 Points
Tone is harsh, unstable, or frequently interrupted by squeaks and embouchure collapse....
Finger Technique & Note Accuracy
20%
20 Points
Flawless note accuracy with light, even fingers; cross-fingerings and alternate keys are used expertly....
15 Points
Accurate playing with isolated finger slips that do not disturb the line....
10 Points
Recurring wrong notes and heavy or uneven finger motion in faster passages....
0 Points
Frequent wrong notes and finger technique that cannot support the written material....
Rhythm & Time
20%
20 Points
Rhythms are exact at tempo with an unwavering internal pulse and precise rests and entrances....
15 Points
Rhythms are secure with minor rushing or dragging in demanding spots....
10 Points
Subdivision is uneven and rhythmic errors recur; tempo is unsteady....
0 Points
Rhythm and tempo collapse; the written rhythms are not recognizable....
Articulation & Dynamic Range
20%
20 Points
Crisp, varied articulation matched to style; dynamics span a genuinely wide and controlled range....
15 Points
Clean articulation and clear dynamic contrast, though the softest and loudest ends are conservative....
10 Points
Articulations are indistinct or uniform; dynamic changes are slight and inconsistently executed....
0 Points
Articulation is unclear or absent and the performance stays at one dynamic level throughout....
Style & Expressive Phrasing
20%
20 Points
Highly nuanced, stylistically authentic phrasing with an individual and convincing musical voice....
15 Points
Appropriate stylistic choices and well-shaped phrases; interpretation is solid if not distinctive....
10 Points
Limited phrasing and inconsistent stylistic awareness; expression is applied unevenly....
0 Points
Performance is mechanical, with no phrasing, stylistic understanding or expressive intent....