Adjudicator Levels

The levels and associated criteria below are intended to provide access to those seeking to become or continue as active WSMA adjudicators, while also recognizing training, continued service and experience.

Submit a registration form and attend an adjudicator workshop

1. Attendance at an Adjudicator Workshop is expected for all new adjudicators to complete their initial training.
2. All adjudicators are expected to attend a workshop at least once every four years to maintain their experience level. Those not attending a workshop within this time frame receive reduced compensation.
3. New adjudicators and those that have not attended an Adjudicator Workshop or have not met sufficient criteria are placed in the Level IV supplementary adjudicator category. Adjudicators in this entry-level category are assigned only in emergency situations until step two is completed.

Qualifying for Level III-Registered Adjudicator

1. Meet at least one of the following:
   a. Undergraduate degree in music or music education or
   b. Four years of teaching experience in a studio or professional music education setting or
   c. Music performance experience at a professional level.
2. Successful participation in a WSMA Adjudication Workshop. (Register Here)
3. Experience (choose one of the following)
   a. Participation at a festival as an adjudicator trainee with a Master Adjudicator or
   b. Complete and turn in WSMA rubric evaluations of S&E performances at the Adjudicator Workshop or
   c. At least seven years experience with WSMA festivals as a teacher or festival manager.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures by completing Quiz #1.
5. Recommendation by Master Adjudicator (upon completion of training) or recommendation by review of workshop rubrics.
6. Completed Annual Update Quiz.

Advancing to Level II-Certified Adjudicator

1. 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.
2. At least 3 years of experience in preparing students for music festivals.
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 3b.

Achieving Level I -Master Adjudicator

1. 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.
2. Acceptable evaluation record as a WSMA adjudicator.
3. Completed Annual Update Quiz.
4. Up to date on adjudicator workshop attendance.
5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of procedures by completing Quiz #3.*
6. 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. A minimum of 7 years of experience preparing students for WSMA festivals or
   d. Evidence of continuing activity as a professional musician.

*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.