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Fine Arts Assessment by MusicFirst
Basic Information
MusicFirst offers Knowledge-based assessments in all Fine Arts subjects at all grade levels.
MusicFirst also offers individual student performance-based assessments for music.
The MusicFirst platform also serves as an individual student Digital Portfolio
MusicFirst works closely with district personnel to ensure the content of all assessments is aligned with local instructional priorities.
Pricing for knowledge-based assessments and portfolios (as of 2/1/25):
- $99 one time set up fee
- $5 per user (students, teachers, administrators)
- $300 per individual subject/level assessment (pre and post included)
Pricing for performance-based assessments and portfolios:
- $99 one time set up fee
- $9 per user (students, teachers, administrators)
- $300 per individual subject/level assessment (pre and post included)
If the MusicFirst Platform is adopted by the district (possibly through upcoming IMA) the cost of the individual seats is likely covered by that adoption.
To set up a meeting for a demonstration, access to sample assessments, more information, and answers to questions, contact:
Dr. Keith Dye, Senior Educational Consultant (keith@musicfirst.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will students access the assessment?
- On any internet connected device (Chrome browser preferred) students will all go to a specific URL.
- Usernames can be Student ID numbers with all having the same password.
- Logging in, students will see the assessment and simple instructions to begin and complete.
- What will be the timeline of administration?
- This will vary based on the information I receive from your leadership's decisions and your class's scheduling logistics.
- Knowledge Assessments are designed to take an average student 20 to 25 minutes to complete.
- Will instructions for administration be available?
- Detailed instructions with images will be provided for log in, assessment completion, and submission prior to the administration date.
- What will determine the content of the assessments?
- Consultation with select representation from each ISD will ensure assessment content in each fine arts area and level will reflect appropriate instructional priorities.
- Can there be a pilot administration?
- Yes! The primary purpose of a pilot is to acquaint everyone with the interface and flow of the TIA assessment process in the MusicFirst platform.
- How will results be reported?
- District leadership will dictate how results are shared with teachers.
- Options range from individual student final results to analysis of student individual question responses.
- How will the administration be supported?
- Dr. Keith Dye and MusicFirst support will personally oversee your test administration and be available to respond to any needs during the process.
- How should I address any concerns or issues that arise during the administration?
- Email Keith Dye directly at keith@musicfirst.com
- If Music classes elect to use Performance Assessments (such as sight reading or preparation of a prepared piece) differ from the Knowledge Assessments all other classes are completing?
- The Music Performance Assessments are completely different than the Knowledge Assessments.
- Teachers will be responsible for setting up private “assessment stations” (possibly practice rooms)for students to complete appropriate grade level excerpts.
- Teachers will need to schedule individual students based on unique campus facilities and schedules.
- Individual student submissions will be quantitatively assessed by the program PracticeFirst or Sight Reading Factory based on their pitch and rhythmic accuracy.
- It generally takes approximately 5 minutes for each student to complete the process.
- If requested, all students can be assigned a “trial assessment” to allow familiarity with the program and process prior to the actual assessment attempt.
- Many more details will be provided for any group of students participating in the Music Performance Assessments.
- What negative aspects have you noticed in working with ISD fine arts teachers?
- Issues arise when participants do not follow instructions.
- Students often cannot respond correctly regarding some concepts that they otherwise can perform and execute; they may struggle with the vocabulary surrounding some concepts.
- Fine Arts students overall are unfamiliar with having to respond to quantitative, text-based assessment questions, especially those in large classes.
- What positive aspects have you noticed in working with ISD fine arts teachers?
- If instructions are carefully followed by proctors and students the process is very smooth.
- The more familiar students become with the platform and this type of assessment the better their results.
- In pre and post-test growth measurement scenarios fine arts students generally demonstrate significant growth in their respectful discipline levels over the course of an academic year.
- In one district I work with, over 80% of teachers qualified for TIA recognition due to fine arts growth results during the 2023-24 school year.
To set up a meeting for a demonstration, access to sample assessments, more information, and answers to questions, contact:
Dr. Keith Dye, Senior Educational Consultant (keith@musicfirst.com)
Download PDF Versions of these FAQs and Basic Information below:
Basic Information SheetFAQs Sheet
March 5, 2025
MusicFirst
