Rubric - Electric Bass (Rock/Pop) Audition Rubric

A traditional 4-level, 100-point rock and pop electric bass audition rubric scoring hand technique and tone, fretboard command, time and pocket, dynamics and gear control, and groove and stage presence.
4 - Exceeds Expectation 3 - Meets Expectation 2 - Approaching Expectation 1 - Below Expectation
Prepared Song, Chart Reading & Play-Along
100%
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Hand Technique & Tone
20%
20 Points
Efficient, relaxed technique with fully controlled fingerstyle, pick, slap and muting; note attack is consistent and intentional....
15 Points
Solid technique and consistent attack; one approach such as slap or pick is less developed....
10 Points
Technique is tense and attack varies; muting is inconsistent and unwanted string noise intrudes....
0 Points
Technique cannot support the material; attack and muting are uncontrolled....
Note Accuracy & Fretboard Command
20%
20 Points
No wrong notes; the fretboard is fully mapped and position shifts, fills and chart reading are all flawless....
15 Points
Accurate playing with isolated wrong notes; shifts and reading are secure....
10 Points
Wrong notes recur and position shifts are hesitant; chart reading slows the tempo....
0 Points
Note accuracy and fretboard knowledge are insufficient to perform the material....
Time, Pocket & Lock with Drums
20%
20 Points
Sits in the pocket perfectly and locks to the kick and snare with metronomic yet musical time....
15 Points
Steady time with a good pocket; a little drift at section changes....
10 Points
Time fluctuates and the lock with the drums is loose or inconsistent....
0 Points
Cannot hold time or lock with the drums; the groove does not function....
Dynamics, Range & Gear/Tone Control
20%
20 Points
Wide dynamic range with intentional register choices; instrument and amp settings are dialed in expertly for the style....
15 Points
Clear dynamic contrast and appropriate tone settings; register use is effective....
10 Points
Dynamics stay flat and tone settings are unsuited to the material; register use is limited....
0 Points
No dynamic control and no usable tone management; the sound does not serve the music....
Groove Feel, Style & Stage Presence
20%
20 Points
Deep, authentic feel across styles with tasteful note choices, real musical judgment and commanding stage presence....
15 Points
Convincing feel and appropriate note choices with confident presence....
10 Points
Feel is stiff or over-busy; note choices and presence are inconsistent....
0 Points
No stylistic feel, musical judgment, or performance presence....