159 | The Universal Rubric (The 4-point Scale I Use On Everything)

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares one of his favorite classroom hacks: a simple yet powerful 4-point rubric that he uses for every type of assessment in his music classroom. From vocal performance to rhythm and everything in between, this universal rubric helps him assess consistently and efficiently, all while gathering meaningful insights into student progress. Bryson explains how this streamlined system works, why it’s so effective, and how you can use it to simplify your assessments without sacrificing depth. He also offers tips on addressing administrator concerns and using the data to show how much your students are learning. If you’re looking for a way to make assessments easier and more impactful, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  2:09 The Benefits of a Universal Rubric

•  2:54 Bryson’s Four-Point Rubric

•  4:33 Addressing Administrative Concerns

•  7:29 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!