HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MUSIC EVALUATION
(Haz clic aquí si prefieres ver esta información en español)
The video and information below contain all the details you need to prepare for your music evaluation. We look forward to seeing you!
Music Teachers
Marcos Carreras (carrerasm@springfieldpublicschools.com)
Cody Belnavis-Bigenho (belnavis-bigenhoc@springfieldpublicschools.com)
Selecting and Practicing Your Evaluation Repertoire
Determine repertoire well in advance of the evaluation.
Select music that is specifically written for solo instrument or voice (not music for which your
instrument or vocal part provides the harmony for other instruments or voices).
Select music that highlights your strengths. A difficult selection played or sung well can show off
your skills. However, an easier selection played or sung with strong musicality and good intonation
can be equally impressive.
Remember that slow, lyrical pieces are often difficult to play or sing well. When practicing, prepare
slow, expressive parts as carefully as you would up-tempo, technically challenging ones.
Use a tuner and a metronome during the early stages of your practice to help with pitch and rhythm.
Practice sight-reading every day.
Singers, prepare at least two pieces in contrasting styles from memory. We encourage songs the
demonstrate your vocal range and skills as a vocalist. Please we prohibit Rap selections for the
evaluation.
Instrumentalists, know your scales from memory. However, it is acceptable to use sheet music
when playing your prepared evaluation selections.
Isolate and practice your weak areas. Spend time building your capacity so that all sections of the
piece are performed with equal competency.
Practice performing your evaluation repertoire in front of an audience. Ask them to critique your
performance and overall presentation.
Instrumental Evaluation
Prepare at least one piece that can be played through to the end. If possible, prepare a second
selection in contrasting style or tempo. However, you may not be asked to play a second piece.
Be prepared to play a short musical passage (4-8 measures) at sight.
Be prepared to play at least one scale.
Vocal Evaluation
Prepare two songs in contrasting styles from memory.
Be prepared to perform your song with a supporting mp3 to sing along with karaoke style. This MP3
should be an instrumental track version of your song (or you can select a simple guitar or piano
accompany track for your song). MP3 tracks with backup singers will not be accepted for the
evaluation. You may bring your phone to the evaluation room to connect into our sound system for your
performance.
Be prepared to echo pitches and rhythms provided by the evaluator.
Be prepared to sing a short musical passage (4-8 measures) at sight.
Be prepared to vocalize (arpeggios, leaps, runs, etc.) to demonstrate your vocal range and
placement.
Determine repertoire well in advance of the evaluation.
Select music that is specifically written for solo instrument or voice (not music for which your
instrument or vocal part provides the harmony for other instruments or voices).
Select music that highlights your strengths. A difficult selection played or sung well can show off
your skills. However, an easier selection played or sung with strong musicality and good intonation
can be equally impressive.
Remember that slow, lyrical pieces are often difficult to play or sing well. When practicing, prepare
slow, expressive parts as carefully as you would up-tempo, technically challenging ones.
Use a tuner and a metronome during the early stages of your practice to help with pitch and rhythm.
Practice sight-reading every day.
Singers, prepare at least two pieces in contrasting styles from memory. We encourage songs the
demonstrate your vocal range and skills as a vocalist. Please we prohibit Rap selections for the
evaluation.
Instrumentalists, know your scales from memory. However, it is acceptable to use sheet music
when playing your prepared evaluation selections.
Isolate and practice your weak areas. Spend time building your capacity so that all sections of the
piece are performed with equal competency.
Practice performing your evaluation repertoire in front of an audience. Ask them to critique your
performance and overall presentation.
Instrumental Evaluation
Prepare at least one piece that can be played through to the end. If possible, prepare a second
selection in contrasting style or tempo. However, you may not be asked to play a second piece.
Be prepared to play a short musical passage (4-8 measures) at sight.
Be prepared to play at least one scale.
- Prepare to play a one octave C/G major scale.
- Sing happy birthday.
- Repeat rhythms back to evaluator.
Vocal Evaluation
Prepare two songs in contrasting styles from memory.
Be prepared to perform your song with a supporting mp3 to sing along with karaoke style. This MP3
should be an instrumental track version of your song (or you can select a simple guitar or piano
accompany track for your song). MP3 tracks with backup singers will not be accepted for the
evaluation. You may bring your phone to the evaluation room to connect into our sound system for your
performance.
Be prepared to echo pitches and rhythms provided by the evaluator.
Be prepared to sing a short musical passage (4-8 measures) at sight.
Be prepared to vocalize (arpeggios, leaps, runs, etc.) to demonstrate your vocal range and
placement.