So, it's nearing the end of the semester. You have projects coming due, study groups to attend, papers to write, and exams to study for. You feel exhausted, hungry, tired, and a tad homesick.
If you're a music major like me, you have another thing to prepare for: Juries.
For people who don't know what Juries are, it's basically a final exam for music majors, and it counts towards your grade for your private lessons. You show your lesson teacher and a few of their colleagues (your "jury") what you've learned over the course of the semester by performing in front of them. What goes on in your Jury depends on your teacher and your instrument (or voice).
For my Jury, I need to prepare a memorized excerpt of an étude, and a solo. All semester long, I've been trying to memorize a couple movements from a concerto that I'm entering in a contest this spring, and unfortunately I haven't really gotten all of it down yet. So what I'm doing is memorizing a portion of a movement from that concerto, as well as playing an orchestral excerpt in addition of that little étude I need to prepare.
Needless to say, I have my work cut out for me, but that doesn't mean that I'm feeling 100% prepared. I may or may not have cried in the practice room on more than one occasion (I'm not admitting to anything), and I would really hate it if I made a mistake.
[Below: An accurate depiction of me relaying my woes to my prof.]
So, instead of worrying about my supposed impending doom, here's some things that I'm going to try to do (and that you who are also getting ready to do Juries) to prepare:
Basic Tip #1: Practice!
I mean, this should go without saying, but a little bit of practice every day will make all the difference.
Basic Tip #2: Get some sleep!
Especially for the few days leading up to your Jury, getting some shuteye is essential! Nobody likes a Jury where the person to be judged falls asleep during their performance!
Basic Tip #3: Think positively!
Obviously, I'm not the most shining example of thinking positively, but I at least take a bit of time every day to practice some mindfulness. Make sure you practice some mindfulness before your Jury! That way, when you pick up your instrument you'll already be "in the mood"!
Bonus Tip #1: Take time to hang out with friends!
Sure, you're busy, and your friends are busy too, but it would help all of you to just take a second and enjoy yourselves, even for a couple hours. That way, when you're gearing up for Juries, you'll have a renewed drive to play your Jury strong.
Bonus Tip #2: Remember why you do what you do.
Being a music major can be pretty hard, but in the end, in times that are tough, you're making artwork, and that is just as important as anything else.
