Juries

The "final"

Juries are required every semester of applied study, except in the semester of a half or full solo recital (MUS398 or MUS498). In the semester before a planned half or full recital, students will need to take a double jury slot for a recital check - the music office needs to be notified before jury sign-up sheets are posted.

Juries essentially are the final exam of the applied lesson. They are required of all students in lessons. Juries are observed by your teacher, the Director of Instrumental Music (Prof. Held), and additional faculty as available.

What to prepare (regular juries)

1. Unaccompanied etude or etude excerpt that focuses on technical facility
   • app. 2 min. (plan this to last no less than 1:45, no more than 2:15)
   • displays technical facility through most of your playing range
   • modulates into several keys (or utilizes several key areas through significant use of secondary dominants or sequence)
   • includes a combination of scales and arpeggiated figures
2. 3 scales (one octave up and down)
   • 1 major scale, 1 natural minor scale, 1 chromatic scale
   • Student has 30 seconds to correctly play each scale from memory
   • Scales will be randomly selected from major and natural minor scales in keys up to 5 sharps/flats. A starting pitch for chromatic scales will be randomly selected.
   • tempo is up to the performer (this test determines scale accuracy, not speed)
3. An accompanied solo (or solo excerpt) that lasts no more than 3 minutes (at least 2 coaching sessions are required in preparation)

1. An accompanied solo that lasts no more than 5 minutes
2. Sight-reading excerpt

Recital Checks

Recital checks are to take place during the jury in the semester immediately preceding the semester of your proposed recital. If you need a recital check, sign up for a double jury slot. List your proposed recital repertoire and present it to the jury. You will open with a piece of your choosing. Then, the jury will call other excerpts to test your preparation. Students will "pass" and be allowed to present their recital, "pass with conditions" and be required to demonstrate additional progress at a later date, or "postpone" their recital until a later semester.

Note: Students must notify the music office that they intend to do a recital check by Nov. 1 for intended spring semester recitals, or by April 1 for intended fall semester recitals.

Jury Forms

Fill out a jury form before your jury. It will need to present a summary of your repertoire, technical studies, and performance history for the current semester.

Attire

MEN - dress shirt, slacks, dress shoes; coat and/or tie are optional WOMEN - dress, blouse and skirt (below the knee), or pant suit

Honors Recital

Participants in the semester honors recital will be selected based on jury performance.

Grading Rubric

The jury grade will be assigned by your instructor, with input from faculty observing your jury. If your instructor is not able to be present, the Director of Instrumental Activities will assign the jury grade.

(6 = Extra Credit)
Student displayed mastery of the performed repertoire. The performance was near flawless and exhibited a very mature sense of style and phrasing, exceeding the highest expectations for the student's level of study.

5 = Meritorious (this is the rating of “full credit” for the jury)
The student's performance reflected achievement of studio expectations and/or appropriate preparation at the student's level of study.

4 = Adequate
Student’s performance was commendable, but didn’t fully reflect achievement of studio expectations and/or appropriate preparation at the student's level of study.

3 = Marginal
Student’s performance was marginal, reflecting a need for renewed commitment to study on his/her instrument.

0 = No jury completed