GRADING POLICY

Grading Policy
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Contrary to popular belief, music is not “an easy subject”. While I believe that all students can learn to make music, not all kids will be able to make music at the same skill level. Just like some students can do difficult math in their heads, while others struggle with basic multiplication, some students will find acquiring musical skills quick and easy while others will struggle with simple things like singing on pitch, playing short melodies, keeping a steady beat, playing rhythm patterns, and memorizing music.
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There are two things I will never do when grading your child:

 1. I will not give poor grades to those without natural musical ability.
2. I will not give poor grades to those who are afraid to make music.
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As a child (elementary school) I was terrified beyond belief to sing or do anything musically. Making music is both an extremely personal thing while also being in the public eye. If a student gets their math work wrong, no one will see it and no one will know the extent of their wrongness. But if they make music poorly, EVERYONE hears it and knows it. This can be intimidating to some children. That is why I will not give poor grades to those who are simply afraid.
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clef
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So how can my child get a good grade in music?

 Those who follow directions, try their best (no matter what the outcome musically), and treat the instruments with care will have a grade in music they can be proud of and be worthy of the honor roll.
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How can a child possibly get a poor grade in music?

Students who do things wrong on purpose will get poor grades in both their academic and behavior grades. This includes:
1. Singing badly on purpose. (Yes, I can tell the difference between on purpose and lack of ability. It's all in the facial expression.)

2. Hitting instruments (bells, pianos, guitars, or drums) too hard.

3. Making noises or talking while the class is making music. (Notice I said while making music. I don't demand quiet at all times. It's only the unwanted sounds while the class is singing or playing or listening etc. that bothers me.)

4. Playing wrong notes or rhythms on purpose on bells, piano, drums, or guitar. (Yes, I can tell the difference between on purpose and simply confused. It's all in where the eyes are looking.)
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clef
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The following major infractions will get your child an automatic “F” for the day and their instrument playing privileges revoked:
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1. Unplugging any chord or turning anything off at the piano lab.

2. Banging on the keys of the pianos rather than simply playing them.

3. Damaging the bells by playing them with anything other than a mallet.

4. Damaging the bells by pulling off green felt, black rubber grommets, or the nails that hold the bars on.

5. Twisting the pegs of the guitars to make them go out of tune.

6. Damaging the guitars in any way such as with a pick or other implements.

7. Using percussion instruments, mallets, or guitars to hit others.

8. Tossing percussion instruments like sports equipment or juggling bags
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