How to Pass Your Music Exam
Know the syllabus., Practice, practice, practice!, Know which part of the syllabus you need to work on most, and what you can improve, and then work on it., Do not be afraid of aural!, On the day of your exam: The most important thing is to be calm...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Know the syllabus.
You may be doing musical knowledge over scales, improvisation instead of aural.
Know the order you are playing the pieces in, and rehearse with the accompanist beforehand.
It is CRUCIAL you know exactly what the examiner is marking you on. -
Step 2: Practice
It can't get stressed enough; the better you know the pieces, the better you will do in the exam. , For example, as you get to the higher grades, playing fluently, and with expression is very important. , One used to hate aural, until they realised, hey, it's not worth many marks, and doesn't (really) matter if it goes horribly wrong.
It's a way to pick up extra marks! Know all the questions the examiner will ask, and the possible answers.
Listen to as many styles of music as you can and practise looking for style, dynamics, time signature etc. on those. , It will always make you nervous, but relaxing can help you play your best. , When it's time to go in, smile and say hello to the examiner.
Don't be put off by him/her; they may look intimidating, but they are not allowed to be too horrible!,, Look as calm as possible.
Stand straight and hold your instrument carefully (or singing stand straight up) and wait to hear the examiner tell you to play/sing , You normally have enough time to play it through once. , -
Step 3: practice
-
Step 4: practice!
-
Step 5: Know which part of the syllabus you need to work on most
-
Step 6: and what you can improve
-
Step 7: and then work on it.
-
Step 8: Do not be afraid of aural!
-
Step 9: On the day of your exam: The most important thing is to be calm
-
Step 10: and try not to think about it.
-
Step 11: Turn up early
-
Step 12: and definitely warm up and run through pieces and scales beforehand.
-
Step 13: Introduce yourself and your music calmly to the examiner waiting until he asks.
-
Step 14: Stay calm and composed
-
Step 15: do not show your nerves.
-
Step 16: Check your sight-reading piece.
-
Step 17: Practise with your accompaniment so they know your style of playing.
Detailed Guide
You may be doing musical knowledge over scales, improvisation instead of aural.
Know the order you are playing the pieces in, and rehearse with the accompanist beforehand.
It is CRUCIAL you know exactly what the examiner is marking you on.
It can't get stressed enough; the better you know the pieces, the better you will do in the exam. , For example, as you get to the higher grades, playing fluently, and with expression is very important. , One used to hate aural, until they realised, hey, it's not worth many marks, and doesn't (really) matter if it goes horribly wrong.
It's a way to pick up extra marks! Know all the questions the examiner will ask, and the possible answers.
Listen to as many styles of music as you can and practise looking for style, dynamics, time signature etc. on those. , It will always make you nervous, but relaxing can help you play your best. , When it's time to go in, smile and say hello to the examiner.
Don't be put off by him/her; they may look intimidating, but they are not allowed to be too horrible!,, Look as calm as possible.
Stand straight and hold your instrument carefully (or singing stand straight up) and wait to hear the examiner tell you to play/sing , You normally have enough time to play it through once. ,
About the Author
Amanda Scott
Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: