Music Talent Area

The considerations for a vocal or instrumental artist 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 or the rhythms and tones that occur naturally around them.

Types of evidence

Jeffco Public Schools is 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

The Colorado Department of Education has approved different types of qualifying information for a body of evidence in dance aptitude within Jeffco.

Performance, portfolio and product evaluation

• Top place or ranking at a state or national contest related to music
• Expert juried performance at the advanced or distinguished level
• Portfolio or product review at the advanced or distinguished level

Norm-referenced observation

• 95th percentile or above on norm-referenced observation scale in the area of creativity (SIGS, GRS or others)

Criterion or norm-referenced test

• 95th percentile or above on an approved norm-referenced or criterion-referenced test for Creativity (such as Torrance Test of Creative Thinking or PCA)
• 95th percentile or above on an approved cognitive assessment (KBIT, CogAT, WISC, WPPSI)

1. Fill out the musical aptitude identification referral form.

   • Formulario de referencia para la identificación de aptitud GT para Música (Españo)

   • Направление на определение наличия способностей в сфере музыки (Русский)

   • 音乐天资鉴定转介表 (中文)

   • Biểu mẫu Giới thiệu Xác định Năng khiếu Âm nhạc (Tiếng Việt)

2. Review the music portfolio rubric.

3. Assemble the portfolio.

4. Submit the portfolio by the deadline on the timeline for talent identification.

5. GT resource teachers or expert jurors will evaluate the portfolio and build a body of evidence.

6. A GT resource teacher or qualified music expert may perform cognitive-creative testing or musical behavior scales, such as research-based observation scales, with the student.

7. The GT review team will review the body of evidence and inform parents of the status or decision within 30 school days of the review.

Assemble the portfolio

Portfolios must be electronic and submitted online. Submissions can be annotated to help the review team understand the student’s thinking and process.

Portfolios could include:

• Score or original composition.
• Student’s annotation of performance score.
• Music theory workbook, essay or study unit.
• Evidence of “superior” state or national ranking in competitions or events related to musical art.
• Other evidence that may show musical ability or creative processes.
• Videos, online artifacts (such as social-media evidence) or recordings of musical ability or performance