A Parent's Instruction Guide to MUSIC  Aptitude Identification 

Advanced Music Aptitude is exceptional capability or potential in the music, such as, but not limited to: Vocal, Instrumental, Composition, Song Writing, Musical Expression, etc.
Identification in Music Aptitude is assessed through a body of evidence.

STEP 1: Begin by reviewing the Parent’s Guide (this web-page) below for more specific information on this identification process.

STEP 2: After reviewing this guide, make a referral.

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STEP 3: Download any forms/information from the guide below for your future information and reference.

STEP 4: Upload/Email portfolio/product submissions by following the "How to Submit Your Portfolio/Evidence" guide at the bottom of this page.  


Types of CDE approved, qualifying information for a Body of Evidence (BOE) in Music Identification in Jeffco:

PERFORMANCE/PORTFOLIO/PRODUCT EVALUATION
  • Top place or ranking at a state or national contest related to Music

  • Expert jurried performance at the advanced/distinguished level

  • Portfolio/product review at the advanced/distinguished level
NORM-REFERENCED OBSERVATION
95th percentile or above on norm-referenced observation scale in the area of creativity (SIGS, GRS, etc.)
CRITERION/NORM-REFERENCED TEST
  • 95th percentile or above on an approved norm-referenced or criterion-referenced test for Creativity (Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, PCA, etc.)

  • 95th percentile or above on an approved cognitive assessment (KBIT, CogAT, WISC, WPPSI, etc.)

Music Aptitude Considerations:


The considerations for a Vocal or Instrumental Artist will include multiple demonstrations of musical fluency, imagination, and expression. The body of evidence should include both ensemble and independent performance if possible.

Musically gifted students, in addition to other qualities, are generally first noticed by their enthusiasm, fascination, and involvement with their instrument and/or the rhythms and tones that occur naturally around them.

What Kind of Evidence Are We Looking For?

We are looking for a combination of several of the following:

• Performance of pieces in or outside class

• Original compositions

• Demonstration of technical capabilities of their instrument

• Musical performance beyond age or grade level

• Musically Passionate

• Stage presence or focused concentration

• Imaginative and advanced musical expression, including a natural sense of rhythm and tone

• Applies knowledge and skills to create musical compositions

• Shows persistence and perseverance in musical tasks

*NOTE: Identification is not dependent on resources, materials, instruments, participation, etc outside of school.
 

What Goes Inside a Portfolio?

We are looking for evidence of musical ability as referenced above. A musical portfolio must be electronic and must include video or other recording of at least 3 contrasting performance pieces and at least 1 other musical artifact. Some examples of musical artifacts are:

• Score of original composition

• Student’s annotation of performance score

• Music theory workbook, essay or study unit

• Evidence of ‘Superior’ state or national ranking in competition/events related to musical art

• Other evidence that may show musical ability and/or creative processes

• Videos, online artifacts (such as social-media evidence) or recordings of musical ability and/or performance

• Reach out to your GT Resource Teacher if you have questions about what could be included

Steps for the ID Process

  1. Review the considerations on this document and reach out to others who may have a specific understanding of your child's Musical Aptitude.

  2. Fill out the online referral form for Musical Aptitude.

  3. Begin to build a music portfolio. You can review the rubric that will be used here.

  4. Submit the portfolio to the GT Department (directions are below in the “How to Submit Your Portfolio” section).

  5. GT Resource teachers and/or expert jurors will evaluate the portfolio and continue to build the body of evidence if necessary.

  6. If additional information is needed, a GT Resource teacher or qualified music expert may perform cognitive/creative testing and/or utilize musical behavior scales with your student (such as research based observation scales).

  7. The GT Review team will review the BOE and inform parents of status/decision within 30 school days of the BOE review.

  8. Reach out to your school’s GT Resource teacher if you have any needs/questions throughout the process.

How To Submit Your Portfolio

  1. We require digital portfolio submissions. The GT Department is unable to house and manage physical portfolios or items.
  2. We recommend utilizing your student's Jeffco google account for online portfolio submission. You and/or your student can create a folder in their google drive called "Music Portfolio". Inside the folder you can house any variety of artifacts (music performance evidence, work samples, music related pictures and/or compositions, videos, sound files, etc.). Then, copy the link to the folder and email it to [email protected]
  3. If you are unsure of how to do the above process, you can electronically send files via email to [email protected]. It is acceptable to send multiple emails if the files are too large for a single email.
  4. If you are unable to submit a portfolio via the above methods, please reach out to your school's GT Resource Teacher for questions/assistance. 
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