Adjudicator Levels

WSMA Adjudicator Levels & Criteria

This document outlines the levels and criteria for all WSMA adjudicators. The requirements are designed to recognize your training, continued service, and experience. (Updated July 1, 2024)

General Requirements for All Adjudicators

To maintain or advance your adjudicator level, you must:

• Complete the Annual Adjudicator Registration form.
• Attend a WSMA Adjudicator Workshop at least once every four years. Failure to do so will result in reduced compensation and a lowered status.
• Pass a WSMA-sanctioned background check and complete two required online training courses. This requirement is for the safety of students, schools, WSMA, and adjudicators. The background check is purchased by the adjudicator and is valid for four years.
• Complete the Annual Update Quiz to demonstrate knowledge of rules and procedures.

Note: WSMA reserves the right to re-evaluate an adjudicator’s level based on performance and feedback from evaluations. This may result in a change in your current level.

Adjudicator Levels

Level IV: Supplementary Adjudicator

This is an entry-level category for individuals who have submitted a registration form but have not yet completed a workshop, background check, or required online classes. Level IV adjudicators are only assigned in emergency situations.

Level III: Registered Adjudicator

To qualify for this level, you must meet the following criteria:

• Experience:
  • An undergraduate degree in music or music education with at least five years of experience with WSMA festivals, OR
  • Five years of teaching experience in a studio or professional music education setting, OR
  • Music performance experience at a professional level, subject to review by WSMA.
• Training & Knowledge:
  • Successful participation in a WSMA Adjudication Workshop.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures by completing Quiz #1.
  • Review of workshop rubrics and completed rubrics from recorded student performances.
• Compliance:
  • Completion of all general requirements, including the WSMA-sanctioned background check and required online classes.

Level II: Certified Adjudicator

To advance to this level, you must meet all Level III requirements and:

• WSMA Experience:
  • Three years as an active WSMA adjudicator with nine assigned festivals, OR
  • Nine years preparing students for solo and ensemble festivals in a school setting, OR
  • Recognized adjudicator experience from another state organization or experience in post-secondary education.
• Performance & Evaluation:
  • Maintain an acceptable evaluation record as a WSMA adjudicator.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures by completing Quiz #2.
• References:
  • Provide contact information for two professional references.
    • School music teachers: One administrator/supervisor and one active WSMA adjudicator, school music teacher, or music department chairperson.
    • Private teachers/others: Two references from an active WSMA adjudicator, school music teacher, or music department chairperson.

Level I: Master Adjudicator

To achieve this highest level, you must meet all Level II requirements and:

• WSMA Experience:
  • Seven years as an active WSMA Adjudicator with 21 assigned festivals, OR
  • Fifteen years as an active music teacher in a school, OR
  • Recognized adjudicator experience from another state organization or post-secondary education, plus one year as a Certified Adjudicator.
• Performance & Knowledge:
  • Maintain an acceptable evaluation record.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge by completing Quiz #3.
• Professional Development:
  • Meet at least two of the following:
    • Evidence of professional development.
    • Awards or recognition in the education or music profession.
    • Evidence of at least seven years of experience preparing students for WSMA festivals.

Retaining Master Adjudicator Status

To retain Master Adjudicator status, you must:

• Remain current on all training, background checks, and festival policies.
• Maintain a consistent record of positive adjudicator evaluations.
• Remain musically proficient and consistently exhibit a professional demeanor.
• WSMA is charged with the ongoing review of all Master Adjudicators. Failure to meet these criteria may result in a loss of status.