Analysis Paper 1 Rubric

MTC 221
Dr. Rachel Short

D or F
A paper that fails to meet the minimum page requirements, has serious grammar/writing issues,
does not include a bubble/line diagram and annotated score, or otherwise appears unfinished.

C
A paper that does not adequately convey basic understanding of musical analytical ideas, misuses
terminology, is disorganized, or is poorly written (i.e., goes pedantically measure by measure,
uses poor syntax, grammar, or spelling; uses content-less filler material). An assignment at this
level will include many errors in the bubble/line diagram, the annotated score, and the written
paper, or is missing one of those elements.

B-
A paper that does the bare minimum by demonstrating an acceptable grasp of basic musical
analytical ideas. The author does not attempt to develop their analysis into an interesting/original
take on the piece. An essay at this level is well-organized and uses good syntax, grammar, and
spelling. An assignment at this level may include some errors in the bubble/line diagram, the
annotated score, and the written paper.

B+
An essay that demonstrates a good grasp of musical analytical ideas, has an interesting take on
those basic ideas in their piece, and is well-organized and well-written. The authors
critical/independent response to the piece may be underdeveloped or there may be limitations in
their ability to explain their thinking. An assignment at this level may include a few errors in the
bubble/line diagram, the annotated score, and the written paper.

A-
An essay that demonstrates a strong grasp of musical analytical ideas by offering an interesting
take on their usage in the piece. An essay at this level incorporates detailed musical observations
beyond the basics into their analysis and is well-organized and well-written. The author shows
they have lived with the piece and have thought deeply about its style, structure, and listening
experience. An assignment at this level will include one or two errors in the bubble/line diagram,
the annotated score, and the written paper.

A+
An essay that demonstrates excellent to outstanding understanding of musical analytical ideas by
offering an interesting take on their usage in the piece. An essay at this level incorporates
detailed musical observations beyond the basics into their analysis and is well-organized and
well-written. Papers at this level may also demonstrate the ability to be self-reflective. This
might include critical assessment of ones own ideas, a highly-nuanced level of argument, or the
ability to imagine at least one possible objection or alternate viewpoint. An assignment at this
level will include hardly any errors in the bubble/line diagram, the annotated score, and the
written paper.