The levels and associated criteria below are intended to provide information to those seeking to become or continue as active WSMA adjudicators, while also recognizing training, continued service and experience. (Updated July 1, 2024)
Submit a registration form and attend an adjudicator workshop
To qualify for advancement OR maintain current level, all adjudicators must:
1. Submit or maintain an updated Adjudicator Registration form.
2. Attend an Adjudicator Workshop at least once every four years. Those not attending a workshop within this time frame receive reduced compensation.
3. WSMA reserves the right to re-evaluate an individual adjudicator’s level based on performance and feedback from submitted evaluations. This may result in a change of an adjudicator’s current level.
Level IV-Supplementary Adjudicator
1. Submit an Adjudicator Registration form.
2. Adjudicators in this entry-level category have not completed a workshop and/or background check and/or required online classes will only be assigned in emergency situations.
Qualifying for Level III-Registered Adjudicator
1. Meet at least one of the following:
a. Undergraduate degree in music or music education with at least five years of experience with WSMA festivals or
b. Five years of teaching experience in a studio or professional music education setting or
c. Music performance experience at a professional level and review by WSMA.
2. Successful participation in a WSMA Adjudication Workshop.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures by completing Quiz #1
4. Review of workshop rubrics, rubrics completed in lessons or other recorded student performances.
5. Completion of WSMA sanctioned background check and required online classes.
6.Completed Annual Update Quiz
Advancing to Level II-Certified Adjudicator
1. Completion of all Level III requirements.
2.WSMA Adjudication Experience:
a. Three years as an active WSMA adjudicator and nine WSMA assigned festivals or
b. Nine years preparing students for solo and ensemble festivals in a school setting or
c. Recognized experience as an adjudicator from another state organization and/or experience in post-secondary education.
3. Acceptable evaluation record as a WSMA adjudicator.
4. Completed Annual Update Quiz.
5. Up to date on adjudicator workshop attendance.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures by completing Quiz #2.
7. Provide contact information for two references who represent the categories below:
a. Administrator or supervisor (for school music teachers) and
b. An active WSMA Adjudicator, school music teacher or music department chairperson.
*Private music teachers or others not employed by a school must have two recommendations from the sources identified in 2b.
Achieving Level I – Master Adjudicator
1. Completion of all Level II requirements.
2. WSMA Adjudication Experience:
a. Seven years as an active WSMA Adjudicator AND twenty-one WSMA assigned festivals or
b. Fifteen years as an active music teacher in a school or
c. Recognized experience as an adjudicator from another state organization and/or experience in post-secondary education and one year as a Certified Adjudicator.
3. Acceptable evaluation record as a WSMA adjudicator.
4. Completed Annual Update Quiz.
5. Up to date on adjudicator workshop attendance.
6. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of procedures by completing Quiz #3.*
7. Meet a minimum of two of the following:
a. Evidence of professional development or
b. Awards or recognition in the education or music profession or
c. Evidence of a minimum of 7 years of experience preparing students for WSMA festivals.
Retaining Master Adjudicator Status:
1. To retain Master Adjudicator Status, the adjudicator must:
a. Remain current on Adjudicator Workshops, background checks and required classes in interacting with students.
b. Maintain a consistent record of positive Adjudicator Evaluations.
c. Remain current with Festival Rules and Policies.
d. Remain current with festival music.
e. Remain proficient musically with the technique and skill of the instrument/voice.
f. Consistently exhibit a professional demeanor in presentation and presence before, during and after the festival day and season.
2. WSMA is charged with the review of all adjudicators.
3. Failure to meet the requirements of Master Adjudicator may result in the loss of status/assignments until such time as all of the criteria and expectations are met.
*Email Tim Wurgler to access Quiz #3.
Background Checks and Online Training:
WSMA instituted a policy in June of 2019 to begin using the background check monitoring system of Wisconsin Court Access Program known as CCAP for those that work with students through Festivals. A continuation of this policy recently requires all adjudicators to submit to more formal background checks. The background check is purchased by the adjudicator as a private service contractor and is valid for four years. Adjudicators are also required to complete two free online classes and provide certification of completion to WSMA. Information will be sent to adjudicators that need to complete these steps in September of each year or can be requested by emailing WSMA. This requirement is for the safety of students, schools, WSMA and the adjudicator.
