Applied music jury exams provide a formal assessment of each student's progress in private instruction. All undergraduate music majors complete three juries on their primary instrument or voice as part of their degree requirements.
Fall 2026 Jury Schedule
Date: Monday, December 7, 2026
Location: Harkness Chapel / Spartan Rehearsal Hall
View the schedule at the button below to find your assigned jury time. The schedule may be adjusted as jury assignments and faculty panels are finalized.
Schedule Coming Soon
ℹ️ Closed Exam Format: Jury exams are conducted as closed sessions to support a focused and equitable evaluation environment. Attendance is limited to the performing student, accompanist, assigned faculty evaluators, and designated student staff assisting with recording.
Jury Requirements
Progress Jury (MUAP 10)
Taken at the end of the first year of applied study on the primary instrument or voice. The Progress Jury must be taken when a student is enrolled in MUAP 122. Students may not continue to MUAP 221 until this requirement is fulfilled.
Level Jury (MUAP 20)
Taken at the end of the second year of applied study on the primary instrument or voice. The Level Jury must be taken when a student is enrolled in MUAP 222. Students may not continue to MUAP 321 until this requirement is fulfilled.
Exit Jury (MUAP 30 for BA - or - MUAP 35 for BS)
Required for all students at the completion of their applied study sequence:
- BA students – MUAP 30: Sixth semester of applied study (MUAP 322)
- BS students – MUAP 35: Seventh semester of applied study (MUAP 323)
Scoring & Evaluation
Each jury is evaluated by a faculty panel using a standardized 49-point scoring rubric. Students receive a final grade of Pass / No Pass based on their total average score.
Minimum Passing Scores
- Progress Jury (MUAP 10): 21
- Level Jury (MUAP 20): 29
- Exit Jury (MUAP 30 or MUAP 35): 37
- Perfect Score: 49
Evaluation Criteria
Faculty evaluate the jury performance in seven areas:
- Musical Accuracy — note accuracy, intonation, rhythm, tempo, and rhythmic stability
- Tone Quality — consistency, focus, resonance, range, and dynamic control
- Technique — appropriate and fluent use of instrument- or voice-specific performance techniques
- Articulation/Diction — clarity, consistency, and stylistic appropriateness of articulation or vocal diction
- Musicianship — phrasing, dynamics, style, musical sensitivity, and attention to musical detail
- Artistic Presentation — interpretation, stage presence, understanding of character or musical meaning, and commitment to the performance
- Overall Preparation — level of preparation and readiness to continue successfully through the applied lesson sequence
Each category is scored from 1–7:
1–2: Insufficient | 3–4: Developing | 5–6: Satisfactory | 7: Exemplary
Faculty evaluators also provide written comments, recommendations, and artistic feedback. Scores, comments, and the final Pass / No Pass grade will be sent to students by email following the jury process.
Please refer to the Music Student Handbook for full guidelines on jury performance, protocol, policies, and grading.
Important Deadlines & Forms
Jury Substitutions
Students requesting to substitute participation in the Concerto Competition or a student recital for their jury must submit the Jury Petition Form by Week 8 of the current semester. This can only be done for the Level or Exit Jury.
Accompanist Requests & Final Repertoire
Students requiring an accompanist must submit the Accompanist Request Form, including final repertoire and complete piano parts, according to the following deadlines:
- Advanced, difficult, or substantial repertoire: At least 8 weeks before the assigned jury date
- Standard repertoire: At least 4 weeks before the assigned jury date
Ronis Recital Applicants – Spring Only
Student wishing to be considered for the Ronis Prize Recital must submit the Joan Terr Ronis Memorial Recital Application by April 1. All undergraduate music majors are eligible to apply. Jury performances of applicants will be video recorded and reviewed by the selection committee.
Jury Day Reminders
- Arrival: Arrive early, check in with a student assistant or department staff member, warm up, and be ready to perform at your assigned time.
- Attire: Wear appropriate performance attire.
- Time Limit: Jury appointments are limited 15 minutes.
- Closed Exam: Only the performing student, accompanist, faculty evaluators, and designated student assistants or staff will be present.
- Recording: Performances may be recorded for evaluation and departmental assessment. Personal recording devices are not permitted. Jury recordings are not distributed or shared with students.
- Warm-Up Spaces: The Denison Classroom, Harkness Classroom, and designated practice rooms are reserved for jury warm-up.
- Popular Voice Juries: A microphone and speaker/monitor will be available. Student should be familiar with operating the sound equipment in Harkness Chapel. Contact Hudson Brett to schedule a tutorial if needed.
- Ronis Recital Applicants (Spring only): Performances will be video recorded for review by the selection committee.