What are the Real Duties of a Music Judge? Why is Music Rating Not Just a Matter of Taste? – Chaka Music Production

“The jury is partial.”

“Those who won because they knew the committee.”

“Music is a matter of taste.”

Comments like this almost always appear after a music competition has finished. When the results of the announcement did not meet expectations, quite a few participants questioned the jury’s decision.

However, is it true that music judgments are only based on personal taste?

In practice, a music judge’s job is much more complex than simply selecting the most favorable performances.

Music is indeed art, but it still has standards

One misconception that often occurs is the assumption that music is completely subjective.

It’s true that everyone has different musical preferences. Some people like jazz, pop, rock, classical or traditional music. However, when a competition is held, assessment is generally carried out based on predetermined criteria.

Just as sports have game rules, music competitions also have parameters that can be measured.

For example:

• Pitch accuracy (intonation)
• Rhythmic precision
• Game technique
• Dynamics
• Musicality
• Creativity
• Stage domination
• Ensemble cohesiveness

That’s why a participant is not judged solely based on whether the jury likes the song or not.

What Do Judges Do When Watching a Performance?

When the audience enjoys a performance, the judges usually listen in a different way.

They notice various details that the general audience may not be aware of.

For the vocal category, for example, a judge might pay attention to:

• Is the note being sung correctly?
• Are breathing techniques used properly?
• Is the lyric articulation clear?
• Does the interpretation of the song match the character of the music?

Meanwhile, in the instrumental or ensemble category, attention can be focused on:

• Player unity
• Rhythm accuracy
• Balance between instruments
• Quality of arrangement
• Ability to communicate musically

Within a few minutes, the jury must analyze many aspects at once before giving a judgment.

Judges Are Not Looking for Perfection

Many participants think that the winners are those who do not make mistakes.

In reality, almost all appearances have flaws.

What the judges are usually looking for is not absolute perfection, but rather the overall quality of the performance.

Sometimes there are participants who make some small technical mistakes, but are able to present very strong musicality, creativity and communication with the audience.

On the other hand, there are also performances that are technically neat but are less able to convey the character or emotion of the music being performed.

Therefore, the assessment results are often a combination of various aspects, not just one factor.

Why Do Jurors’ Ratings Differ?

It is not uncommon for there to be differences of opinion among the judges.

This does not mean that either party is incompetent.

Music has many dimensions that can be seen from different points of view. An arranger may pay more attention to the quality of the arrangement. A vocalist may be more sensitive to vocal technique. A conductor might focus on the cohesiveness of the ensemble.

It is precisely for this reason that many competitions use more than one judge.

The goal is to create a more balanced assessment and reduce the dominance of individual perspectives.

Moral Responsibilities of a Juror

Being a music judge isn’t just about giving numbers.

A judge also has a moral responsibility to maintain the integrity of the competition.

The decisions given can influence the motivation of participants, the reputation of the organizers, and even the career development of a young musician.

Therefore, a judge should ideally have:

• Competence in the field of music
• Relevant experience
• Objective attitude
• Professional integrity
• Ability to provide constructive feedback

Good criticism should help participants improve, not just point out mistakes.

Winning and Losing Are Part of the Process

In every competition, not all participants can become champions.

However, the greatest value of a music competition often lies not in the trophies or awards, but in the learning process that occurs during preparation and performance.

Many great musicians have experienced defeat in various competitions before finally succeeding in building a professional career.

Therefore, the results of the assessment should be viewed as input and evaluation, not as an absolute determinant of a person’s quality as a musician.

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Music does contain elements of personal taste and preference. But in the context of a competition, a judge doesn’t just choose the performance they like.

They are tasked with evaluating various musical aspects based on experience, knowledge and predetermined criteria.

Behind a number or decision announced on stage, there is a process of observation, analysis, and deliberation that is often much more complex than it appears to the audience.

Ultimately, the main goal of a judge is not to determine who is the greatest, but rather to help maintain standards, provide fair evaluations, and encourage the development of a better music ecosystem.

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About Chaka Music

Through various performance activities, education, workshops and musical collaborations, Chaka Music believes that the process of learning and appreciating music is a lifelong journey. We support the creation of a healthy, professional and open music ecosystem for the next generation of musicians.