Say It—and Sign It: What Students Need from Judges

November 16, 2025

René W. Johnson, NCTM

I recently participated in NVMTA’s Fall Festival. It ran very smoothly thanks to Donna Whited’s leadership. It was fun to connect with other NVMTA teachers and we heard really wonderful music as we wandered down the hallways. 

One of my favorite parts of Festival season is reading judges’ comments afterward. I received many helpful and positive comments from the judges that I will be sharing with my students this week. I especially appreciate those who balance warm encouragement with their suggestions for improvement. 

Here are a few of the affirming remarks my students received: 

• J: “Great articulations. Very expressive entrance!”

• C: “I loved your glissando at the end. Your small phrases are very good.”

• B: “Some nice toccata passages throughout. Excellent sense of rhythm.”

• S: “You are a cool jazz guy. Those staccatos had electric energy.”

• A: “Nice dance-like rhythm. Very jazzy. You establish a good pulse for this dance.”

• M: “Beautiful piece with great flowing feeling. Beautiful ritardando and fermata in line 2.”

• L: “Very clear pedaling. This is the piece you love. Such a persuasive performance.”

• L: “Nice energy here along with a great tempo. Great dynamics. Jazzy, swinging rhythm.”

• H: “I can tell you love music and playing the piano. I love your inspiration.”

• S: “Love the energy, vigor, great articulations, clean finger work. You play this enthusiastically.”

Students light up when they hear praise like this! You can be sure the students will find these comments encouraging. It will make them smile, maybe even beam when they hear these affirmative comments about their performances. For young musicians who put themselves in a vulnerable position when performing for a judge, these encouraging words are deeply meaningful. After the positive comments, the students will be more receptive and open to hearing how they can play even better once they have had a moment to enjoy the appreciation for their music. Participating in NVMTA events is such a great opportunity to receive positive feedback from additional adults in their lives.

Why Legible Signatures Matter

At the bottom of every rating sheet there is a line for the judge’s signature. I would like to thank those judges who sign clearly. Every readable signature feels like a small act of professionalism–an acknowledgement that the judge stands behind their comments and is willing to be identifiable, accountable, and approachable.

Why does this matter?

• Follow-up: Teachers sometimes want to ask clarifying questions. This helps build trust and transparency in the event process.
• Understanding the Judge’s Context: Every teacher-judge has different strengths–technique, artistry, style, interpretation–and understanding who wrote the comment can deepen its meaning.
• Human connection matters: a signature reminds a student that a real person listened carefully and thoughtfully to their performance instead of an anonymous critic.
• Festival organizers can track judging quality only if they know who wrote the comments.

Over the years, I have gathered all my rating sheet information from festivals and competitions into a spreadsheet. I have tracked over 600 comments for my students. I have learned immensely from insightful, detailed comments as well as how some comments are minimal, vague and unhelpful. For example, an 8th year student received this comment, “Don’t play every chord loud, choose just enough to give the impression of forte.” That was the entire comment sheet for that student. It left me wishing the judge had expanded the comment just a bit more so that the student could understand how to grow, even though it offered an opportunity to continue our ongoing discussion about phrasing! Or, to a 5th year student who entered his own composition in Fall Festival, the extent of the comments he received were “Exciting. Keep up the good work.” Students deserve more than that, especially when they’ve worked so hard! Incidentally, this student is now a composer and sound designer for film, television, video, and other media (https://www.peterhinckleymusic.com/).

Legible signatures help us identify where excellent commenting happens–and where a little extra training might benefit judges and students alike. 

A Small Courtesy with Big Impact

Children are emotionally invested when they perform. They do their very best, then wait to see what a stranger thinks of their playing. A readable name at the bottom of the page reminds them–and us–that this isn’t an anonymous critic but a fellow musician offering guidance.

When a judge writes particularly helpful or encouraging comments, I like to thank them personally. There are teachers in this organization whom I hold in very high regard because of the comments/suggestions they have offered to my students. I know many parents who keep years of comment sheets and notice patterns from certain judges as well.

Judges model what respectful communication looks like. A clear signature reinforces the idea that care and attention and accountability matter in all aspects of musicianship.

To those judges who left illegible signatures, no worries. No one will know who you are. But I hope that you will consider printing your name next time. It’s a small gesture but it communicates professionalism, responsibility, and genuine support for the student you heard.

And to those who consistently write uplifting, encouraging, and constructive comments and share your name: thank you! You do so much good in such a short amount of time. Our students truly benefit from your thoughtful words..