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Music Composition Rubric 
Music Composition Rubric
Students will compose an 8-16 measure song. This project will span several weeks and students should feel free to add more than the required elements to their compositions. Students are encouraged to submit a clean, well written musical piece.
Rubric Code: VXW3352
By dpotter1
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: Music  
Type: Project  
Grade Levels: 6-8

Powered by iRubric Personal Compositions
  4 (ME) A to A+

(N/A)

3 (M) B- to A-

(N/A)

(2) MM D- to C

(N/A)

(1) FTM F

(N/A)


(N/A)

Length of Composition

Minimum 8 measures
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition has 12-16 measures
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition has 8-12 measures
(2) MM D- to C

The composition has only 8 measures.
(1) FTM F

The composition has less than 8 measures
N/A

Length of Composition
Time Signature

Choose from:
3/4, 4/4, 6/8
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition establishes a time signature at the beginning of song and is evenly consistent throughout the composition. The student goes beyond expectations by introducing a second time signature.
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition has an established time signature and is consistent throughout the piece.
(2) MM D- to C

The composition has a time signature which has been established.
(1) FTM F

The composition has no Time Signature
N/A

Time Signature
Accurate Notation

Each measure has the proper number of beats and the notes are accurately placed on the proper staff
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition contains all accurate note values for each measure and has all the correct placement of the notes on the proper staff throughout all 12-16 measures.
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition contains many accurate note values for each measure and has the correct placement of many of the notes on the proper staff throughout all 8-12 measures.
(2) MM D- to C

The composition contains some accurate note values for each measure and has the correct placement of some of the notes on the proper staff throughout all 8 measures.
(1) FTM F

The composition contains a few accurate note values for each measure and has the placement of a few of the notes on the proper staff.
N/A

Accurate Notation
Composition techniques-2 minimum

Rhythmic Shift, Fragmentation, Retrograde, Augmentation, Diminution, Repeated rhythms, repeated melodies.
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition uses 3-4 or more composition techniques correctly applied to the composition
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition uses 2-3 different composition techniques correctly applied to the composition
(2) MM D- to C

The composition uses 2 different composition techniques
(1) FTM F

The composition uses only one composition technique
N/A

Composition techniques-2 minimum
Rhythmic Elements

Required:
Sixteenth notes/rests; eighth notes/rests; quarter notes/rests; half notes/rests; whole note.
Additional: dotted-half note, dotted-eighth note.
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition uses all the required rhythmic elements and includes an additional 1-2 or more rhythmic elements
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition accurately uses all the required rhythmic elements
(2) MM D- to C

The composition accurately uses most of the required rhythmic elements
(1) FTM F

The composition uses a few rhythmic elements
N/A

Rhythmic Elements
Form

Binary AB
Ternary ABA
Theme and Variations
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition uses additional forms in such a manner that it produces
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition uses the AB form and expands to the form, such as: AABB or ABBA
(2) MM D- to C

The composition uses the Binary AB form without expanding
(1) FTM F

The composition does not exhibit form
N/A

Form
Melody A

Based upon the G major scale 5-8 note span. Pitch and rhythm combine seamlessly to produce a singable tune.
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition uses an 8 note (octave) span which is based upon the specific notes in the harmony. The melody compliments the rhythmic elements creating a memorable tune that flows smoothly and effortlessly. The melody evokes a specific mood, emotion, or feeling.
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition uses a 5 note span based upon the notes in the harmony. The melody compliments the rhythmic elements creating a memorable tune that flows. The melody evokes a specific mood, emotion, or feeling.
(2) MM D- to C

The composition uses a 4 note span based upon some of the notes in the harmony. The melody is simple yet memorable.
(1) FTM F

The composition uses a 3 note span. The melody is simple and basic.
N/A

Melody A
Melody B

Melody B creates a contrasting mood to Melody A by: changing it dynamically and rhythmically.
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition uses an 8 note (octave) span. Melody B contrasts Melody A creating a change in mood, emotion, or feeling by combining interesting rhythmic and dynamic changes.
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition uses a 5 note (octave) span. Melody B contrasts Melody A creating a change in mood, emotion, or feeling using rhythmic and dynamic changes.
(2) MM D- to C

The composition uses a 4 note span. Melody B contrasts Melody A creating a change with some rhythmic or dynamic changes.
(1) FTM F

The composition uses a 3 note span. Melody B changes slightly with the a few rhythm and/or dynamic changes.
N/A

Melody B
Harmony

Use the chord progression: G, D, Em, C chords (I, V, vi, IV)
4 (ME) A to A+

The composition adheres to the chord progression: I, V, vi, IV. The full chords (3 notes in each chord)are used to compliment the two or more melodies.
3 (M) B- to A-

The composition adheres to the chord progression: I, V, vi, IV. Bridge chords (2 note chord)are used to compliment the two or more melodies.
(2) MM D- to C

The composition adheres to the progression: I, V, vi, IV using the bass line (the root note of each chord) to compliment the two or more melodies.
(1) FTM F

The composition is without a harmony to compliment the two or more melodies.
N/A

Harmony
Tempo marking

Choose two different Tempos-1 for the A melody and 1 for the B melody. Presto, Allegro, Andante, Largo
4 (ME) A to A+

Melodies A and B use three different or contrasting Tempo markings
3 (M) B- to A-

Melodies A and B use two different Tempo markings
(2) MM D- to C

Melodies A and B-only one section has a Tempo markings
(1) FTM F

Melodies A and B have no Tempo markings
N/A

Tempo marking
Dynamics/Articulation Markings

(choose two different symbols: p, pp, ppp, f, ff, fff, mp, mf) Include a fermata, repeat sign(s), D.C. al Fine, a crescendo and a decrescendo
4 (ME) A to A+

Melodies A and B use all the required markings, plus additional dynamic/articulation markings to further enhance both melodies
3 (M) B- to A-

Melodies A and B use all/most of the required markings
(2) MM D- to C

Melodies A and B use some of the required markings
(1) FTM F

Melodies A and B use a few of the required markings
N/A

Dynamics/Articulation Markings




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