This resource is a breakthrough on the topic of assessment for music performance classes in American schools. Written for music directors, administrators, and contest judges alike, the book provides a basis for why music performance cannot be assessed using the traditional methods being imposed on band, orchestra and choir classes today. It lays out a detailed process to convert subjective impressions of performance into an objective numerical ranking that measures the true desired outcomes and standards for music performance students. The system is founded on the principle that music performance assessment can only be done through the prism of a music-performance teacher's background and experience as a musician, and not simply against a list of criteria or other assessment tools used in other classrooms. It includes working examples of the scoring system in use based on actual case studies. This unified system allows for the assessment of individual students, sections, ensembles, and total programs. It provides directors and department heads with data on student growth and gives administrators empirical evidence of assessment at all levels of the music program. The system can be used with any grading system.