Metro Music Makers Comps and Evaluation Program

What is the Metro Music Makers Comps and Evaluation Program?

At Metro Music Makers, we believe that consistent growth and performance assessment are vital to a student’s musical journey. Our Comps and Evaluation Program for piano and guitar (including bass and ukulele) provides students with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their skills, receive professional feedback, and gain recognition for their progress and achievements.

For Piano:

• A level-appropriate assessment of a student’s musical abilities on piano.
• Evaluations conducted by a panel of professional musicians experienced with the skills and techniques being examined.
• Students are assessed on consistent rhythm, time feel, correct notes, technique, tone quality, and musicality/expressiveness.
• Performance requirements include:
  • Two required pieces.
  • Scales and chords in corresponding keys.
• Auditions are submitted via pre-recorded video.

For Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele:

• A level-appropriate assessment of a student’s abilities on guitar, bass, or ukulele.
• Evaluations conducted by an instrument-specific panel of professional musicians.
• Multiple areas of musicality are assessed, including basic knowledge (scales), ability (technique), and creativity (improvisation and musicality).
• Performance requirements include:
  • A required piece with a pre-recorded accompaniment track (improvisational solo).
  • A choice piece, or a song selected by the student (prepared solo).
  • Musical scales in corresponding keys.
• Auditions are submitted via pre-recorded video.

Why Participate? What Are the Benefits?

• Track Growth: Students can see their progress and chart improvement each year as they continue participating.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Participation fosters pride and recognition of hard work.
• Actionable Feedback: Judges highlight successes and areas for improvement, providing a roadmap for focused growth.
• Performance Experience: Showcasing skills to family, friends, peers, and teachers enhances confidence and builds stage presence.
• Skill Development: Performing, receiving feedback, and setting goals are integral parts of musicianship.
• Resume Builder: Consistent participation is a notable achievement for college applications and extracurricular portfolios.
• Character Building: Overcoming performance challenges strengthens resilience and shapes character.
• Recognition:
  • Piano participants receive a digital certificate for their progress and achievement.
  • Guitar participants receive a digital certificate, with an optional hard copy and an award button (for the student’s guitar strap) available for an additional fee.

How Are Students Assessed?

For Piano:

• Students are evaluated on consistent rhythm, time feel, correct notes, technique, tone quality, and musicality/expressiveness.
• The program emphasizes technical skill and expressive performance.

For Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele:

• Evaluations include three key components:
  1. Required Piece: Playing along with a provided backing track.
  2. Choice Piece: A section of an existing song chosen by the student.
  3. Scales: Demonstrating knowledge of musical scales.
• Students are assessed using both qualitative feedback (written/verbal comments) and quantitative measures (a 1-10 Likert scale).

Who Is Eligible?

• All Students: Levels of assessment are skill-based, not age-based, ensuring a personalized and fair evaluation experience.

Join our Comps and Evaluation Program and watch your musical skills reach new heights. Ready to showcase your talent? Contact Metro Music Makers today to get started!