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Student Recitals

Student musicians have numerous opportunities to perform throughout their entire career at Saint Mary’s. The following information will assist you in your performance plans, always work closely with your private teacher regarding recital preparation.

Music Department Recitals:
Students may sign-up to perform on one of the regular Departmental Recitals with the permission of their applied instructor. Music majors and minors are required to attend all departmental recitals and perform once each semester on their primary instrument (many choose to perform more frequently). These performances are not limited to solo works; chamber works collaborating with other students and/or faculty members are encouraged.

The sign-up form will be posted on the bulletin board just outside of the Music Department Office in St. Yon’s Hall. Please pay close attention to posted sign-up deadlines, and always include complete information regarding the title of the pieces, composer, and equipment needs. (For example: Sonata #2 in G Major for flute and continuo, Op. 37, Adagio, Allegro, Minuet, Giga by Johann Sebastian Bach; two stands, two chairs, harpsichord open.)

Junior and Senior Recitals:
Junior (half) and Senior (full) recitals represent a significant amount of work and preparation, together they serve as capstone experiences for music performance majors. Music Education majors are also required to present a Junior (half) recital. Students are allowed to choose their recital date and time well in advance of the semester they present their recital. Each spring the dates are published for the coming year, qualified students may sign-up for a date after consulting with their accompanists and other individuals who will be assisting with the recital.

There is a $25.00 fee for cancellation or rescheduling a recital once you have committed to a date. Once you sign up on the form you are committing to that date.

Pre-recital jury:
All students performing a junior or senior recital must present a pre-recital jury. This is to allow music faculty to offer specific assistance before the recital, suggest program order adjustments, and assess your preparation for the recital. Faculty have the right to delay the recital performance if they believe the student will not be able to successfully perform the recital at that time.Pre-recital jury process:

A. Organize your faculty committee. This will include your private teacher and one other SMU faculty member, one which must be a full time music faculty member. Schedule the recital jury time with your committee at least three weeks prior to your recital date.

B. Schedule your pre-recital jury date and time with the Production Manager. Since you also need to coordinate with this office (ext. 1720) to schedule dress rehearsals for your recital, it’s best to schedule both your pre-recital jury and other rehearsals at the same time.

C. Bring three copies of your program (draft) to the recital jury for faculty members to review and make appropriate suggestions. All translations, biographical information, thank yous and other program notes must be included in the program draft. Please consult your applied lesson instructor for appropriate biography guidelines.

Any other questions surrounding the recital experience should be directed to your private applied teacher. Matters regarding literature selection, performance etiquette, dealing with stage fright, appropriate dress, etc. should all be discussed in advance with your private teacher and other music faculty members. Many of these recital issues are also addressed through informal discussions following Department Recitals.