iRubric: Music -Jazz Improvisation Assessment Rubric

The improvisation is always in time, maintains a steady beat, swings, and more advanced rhythms are used

The improvisation is mostly in time, mostly maintains a study beat, swings, and includes mostly quarter and eight notes.

The improvisation is frequently out of time or awkward, frequently does not maintain a steady beat, frequently does not swing, and utilizes simple rhythms

The improvisation is almost never in time, does not maintain a steady beat, does not swing, and utilizes very simple rhythm.

The improvisation utilizes extensive ornamentation and complex rhythms. Phrases flow from one to the other and has vocal quality at times. Rhythmic and melodic emphasis naturally falls on beats.

The improvisation utilizes some ornamentation and, at times, complex rhythms. Some phrases flow from one to the other and have vocal quality at times. Rhythmic and melodic emphasis naturally falls on most beats.

The improvisation utilizes very few ornamentations or complex rhythms. Few phrases flow from one to the other or have vocal quality at times. Rhythmic and melodic emphasis is awkward.

The improvisation utilizes no ornamentations or complex rhythms. Phrases do not flow from one to the other or have vocal quality. Rhythmic and melodic emphasis is not apparent.

The chord structure is evident in the solo and the player showed a clear understanding of emphasizing chordal structure around the changes. There was a clear shaping to the solo and the student mastered an impressive composition. The lead sheet was clearly referred to in the student solo. A quote may have been used in a way that worked.

The chord changes were evident but may have been simple. The root was played every time which shows knowledge but in a simple fashion. The student had some shaping and interest in the solo but there may have been "run on" sentences. Chord structure is evident but may not have been clearly referred to.

Student showed very little emphasis on the chord changes in their solo. Some wrong notes that are not in the scales were evident and not used in a leading/passing tone structure. Solo had little shaping and had little structure or rhythmic references.

Solo lacked structure and chord change emphasis. Very simple with little to no scale patterns used.