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Guitar/MicrophoneVocal Improvisation Exercise--Student Samples

Students’ vocal improvisations were assigned three different scores: Rhythm/Meter (general ability to sing in rhythm with the background tape), Pitch (general ability to sing in the key of the background tape), and Melodic Interest and Appeal (overall melodic creativity and use of appealing effects throughout the improvisation). Each dimension was scored with a four-level guide ranging from Inadequate to Developed. The descriptions for Level 2 (Marginal) and Level 3 (Partial) score levels for Rhythm/Meter and Pitch reflect the fundamental nature of the skills being assessed for those guides.

Percentage of Eighth-Graders Receiving Various Scores--Rhythm/Meter
NOTE: Of the 18 percent of student responses in the lowest score level, 12 percent consists of omits and otherwise unscorable responses.

Percentage of Eighth-Graders Receiving Various Scores--Pitch NOTES: Percentages do not sum to 100 due to rounding. Of the 18 percent of student responses in the lowest score level, 12 percent consists of omits and otherwise unscorable responses.

Percentage of Eighth-Graders Receiving Various Scores--Melodic Interest and Appeal NOTE: Of the 20 percent of student responses in the lowest score level, 12 percent consists of omits and otherwise unscorable responses.
 

Three Sample Student Performances: Vocal Improvisation

Student 1
This improvisation is of low overall quality. Most of the notes sung are out of rhythm with the background tape; occasionally the student sings on the first beats of measures or beginnings of phrases. The student sings monotone throughout. There are few if any patterns or motives of interest in the improvisation.

Play student 1 sample.

Audio: 0:48

 Scores Assigned to Student 1

Student 2
This is a generally weak performance. The student sings sparsely throughout, but usually in rhythm with the background tape. The student’s pitch center is rather unstable. The student sings short motives that are of some interest, and repeats them, but fails to create anything that sustains interest throughout the improvisation.

Play student 2 sample.

Audio: 0:49

 Scores Assigned to Student 2

Student 3
This improvisation is of good quality. Although there are slight deviations in pitch in the improvisation, the student is singing clearly in the key of the background tape throughout. (However, the student attempts some notes too low for his range.) The student uses several appealing melodic ideas and phrases at the beginning of the improvisation. The ending section of the improvisation is rather simple and could use more rhythmic complexity.

Play student 3 sample.

Audio: 0:48

 Scores Assigned to Student 3

Student 4
This is an excellent performance that was scored as Developed for all dimensions. The student sings in rhythm with the background music throughout, with few deviations. The student has a strong sense of pitch throughout, although some notes are slightly out of tune. The student sings many idiomatic patterns and several interesting motives that are put together in an effective way. There is a strong sense of direction and phrasing throughout the improvisation.

Play student 4 sample.

Audio: 0:45

 Scores Assigned to Student 4

For student performances select one of the following tasks...

Note: The following student performances contain audio. See the Help section for assistance.

Keyboard Improvise | Keyboard Original Melody | Vocal Improvise | Self-Evaluation

Explore a variety of exercises and student responses from the music, theatre, and visual arts assessments in the 1997 NAEP Arts Report Card.

Last updated 16 December 2003 (CC)