Judging Criteria

To achieve a competitive score with your composition, judges will be evaluating your song against the judging criteria below.

Contemporary Melodic Melody 

• A strong relationship between chords and melody. Excellent use of motifs and harmonic texture.
• Melody that demonstrates fluid contour and structure, with well-timed climactic passages.

Composition/Creativity

• Used interesting and effective compositional techniques that complemented the lyrics being sung.
• Dynamics and expression were artistically used throughout.

Performance

• Instruments/voices were in tune, displayed consistent rhythmic cohesion and demonstrated artistic expression.

Lyrics

• The song lyrics are outstanding. The words memorable. The song lyrics convey metaphor and complex themes, poetically delivered.

Rap and Rhyme

Dynamic Delivery

• Verses and chorus demonstrate fluid rhymes and structures, with well-timed climactic passages.
• Composition maintained the listener’s attention for the whole piece.

Lyric Content

• Lyrics were highly evocative and told a strong story. They were relatable and/or aspirational, with message clearly defined and delivered.

Backing Beats

• Demonstrated excellent use of complex beats, inclusive of strong harmonies, melodies, and song structure. Musical hooks drove the composition with clever embellishments and well-timed repetition.

Instrumental

Melody

• Strong relationship between chords and melody. Excellent use of motifs and harmonic texture.
• Melody demonstrates fluid contour and structure with well-timed climactic passages.

Composition/Creativity

• Used interesting and effective compositional techniques that complemented thematic material.
• Dynamics and expressive techniques were artistically used throughout. Composition maintained listener’s interest for the whole piece.

Performance

• Instruments were in tune, displayed consistent rhythmic cohesion, and demonstrated artistic expression.