The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying assessment concept of the Clarinet Music Performance Rating Scale by Abeles and to discuss its historical significance in the United States.
Researchers in general assumed that measurement of aesthetic quality of musical performance was impossible before 1970. Abeles's attempt was therefore innovative, which measured factors of interpretation and tone of musical performance as well as more easily measurable technical factors.
Many researchers replicated his study and developed various music performance rating scales, and therefore his study acted as a catalyst for transition from the concept that objective measurement of aesthetic quality was impossible to the concept that valid and reliable assessment measures including expressive aspects of musical performance could be developed.