WHY JURIES?

The purpose of piano jury examinations at Mesa Community college is to evaluate the progress of each student and to ensure improvement in the areas of technique, musicianship, sound quality, artistry, and performance.

JURY REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS

Progress is shown through the performance of two contrasting piano pieces from different stylistic periods that reflect the content of students’ private instruction. A private instructor determines the performance level of each student. Students are encouraged to perform diverse repertoire during their piano studies. (See an example of suggested jury repertoire below). In addition to piano pieces, various scales/techniques should be prepared for the jury. Memorization of jury pieces is expected.

WHO PERFORMS AT JURIES?

All music majors enrolled in 2 credits of private lessons (MUP 102, 152, 202, and 252) will be required to perform in a jury examination during the finals week of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students who take 1 credit of private lessons (MUP 101, 151, 201, and 251) are not required to participate in juries. However, they may choose to do so if they desire their progress to be evaluated.

JURY COMPLETION

The jury requirement must be fulfilled to receive a passing grade for a semester and before the permission is granted to continue further lessons. Students who have already successfully completed four semesters of private piano instruction and were evaluated through the jury examination may be exempted from the juries. The examination then becomes a recommendation rather than a requirement. Students who perform solo in a recital during the course of a semester, may be fully or partially exempted from a jury, at the discretion of the private piano instructor and in agreement with a department chair. In case of illness or unforeseen circumstances, students may postpone the jury examination. Students must perform a “make-up” jury by the end of the following semester to receive a passing grade.

HOW DOES THE JURY EXAMINATION WORK?

Upon registration, students are assigned a specific time for the jury. They need to bring two copies of a completed jury form and the original music scores of their pieces. At least two piano faculty members will hear each jury. Students will perform their prepared technique first and then two repertoire pieces. Each faculty member will provide a jury grade. Jury comments will be distributed to students by their piano instructors. Jury grade represents 25% of Private Lesson Grade.

WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE REPERTOIRE FOR THE JURIES?

Below is an example of a jury repertoire that would be appropriate for someone who has played piano for about ten years. (This is only an example. The levels of pieces as well as stylistic considerations are left to instructors and students to determine.)

Fall semester

Scale/Technique: All white-key major scales and arpeggios

Piece #1 – J. S. Bach: Sarabande and Gigue from the French Suite No. 2

Piece # 2 – Brahms: Intermezzo, Op. 118

Spring Semester

Scale/Technique: All back-key major scales and arpeggios

Piece #1 – Mozart: Sonata K. 570, I mov

Piece #2 – Copland: The Cat and the Mouse