What might we ask a student to do that would provide the best measurement of the student's musical skills?
A) perform a very long and difficult piece of music
B) play a tune on several instruments that are unfamiliar to the student
C) play a portion of several pieces that are of different styles on different instruments
D) describe his or her musical background and level of skill

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By asking the student to play a portion of several pieces that are of different styles on different instruments, it tests the student's versatility and adaptability to different musical styles and instruments. This provides a better and more comprehensive measurement of the student's overall musical skills. Performing a very long and difficult piece of music may only measure the student's ability to play that specific piece. Playing a tune on several unfamiliar instruments may only measure the student's ability to learn quickly and adapt to new instruments. Describing the musical background and skill level may not give an accurate measurement of the actual skills the student possesses.

What Might We Ask a Student to Do That Would