Surviving Juries

Surviving Juries

Just the words music juries makes my stomach turn like I am waiting in line to ride Goliath at Six Flags. Like many music majors I fear performing at my jury at the end of a semester. I have performed in front of hundreds of people, yet performing while being judged by a few teachers seating behind a desk makes me cringe. I have written out a few tips for any music majors biting their nails out there preparing for juries.

Know what you are going to perform weeks in advance

Plan out with your private instructor what you will be performing at juries. Give yourself plenty of time to become familiar with your music. Do not just show up to juries and try to sight read.

Improvement not Perfection

Remember the juries are looking for improvement in your playing not the perfect performance. Plan on making mistakes. Play through them.

Film yourself

You don't have to become a YouTube star but practicing in front of a recording camera helps with nerves. If you can’t nail a solid run in front of the camera how are you going to do it in front of the judges.

Warm-Up

Show up early and take full advantage of the practice rooms before your jury time. This will also give you time to fill out your jury forms.

Walk into the room with confidence

If you walk into the room nervous the judges are gonna know. Smile even.

But did you die?

What is the worst that can happen? Another semester practicing? You are probably going to do that any way.

Show Up

This should be self explanatory but I have seen students pay for private lessons all semester, show up to every class lecture, and then just not show up to juries.

Jury Videos and For more help with Jury prep

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-KxfTSPSHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRRMKJWoFkM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl5a089yKN4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg8mPmzsDns

https://www.andrewhitz.com/blog/2011/05/08/a-quick-guide-to-juries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p6tTuLS55E

http://howtomusicmajor.com/2017/05/07/5-tips-to-have-a-successful-jury/