Preparing For An Instrumental Exam

The thought of entering an exam can stir up a whole mix of emotions. Joy, excitement, nerves and fear are just some of these stirrings.

Most students reaction to entering an exam is sheer delight and huge enthusiasm. However, enthusiasm alone is not going to pass your exam.

First rule is: 'if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail'. When it comes to entering a music exam this is one hundred percent true. There is nothing worse than sitting an instrumental exam (or any exam) knowing/feeling that you are not prepared. If you organize yourself, there will be no need to worry about your preparation.

Some people enter themselves into exams and are self-taught. However, it is advisable that you at least get some advice from an instrumental teacher regarding your exam. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.

Read, re-read and re-read your exam syllabus and then re-read it again! This will be your musical bible until after you have sat your grade.

Write a list of what is required from the syllabus, for example, a guitarist sitting a Debut Rockschool exam would write the following:

• Technical Exercises - E and A minor pentatonic ascending and descending scale 80 beats per minute.
• Chords: G, C, Am and Em.
• Sight Reading - 4 bar piece.
• Ear Tests: Rhythmic recall using only bottom E string.
• Melodic recall.
• General Musicianship Knowledge.
• Three pieces from the book, to be played with cd.

Make a copy of the list and put it somewhere you will regularly see it. It acts as a good reminder of what you need to prepare and will reassure you that you are on the right track.

Now you have the list, prepare a practice schedule and stick to it. Discuss this with your teacher and let him/her guide you. Everyone has their weak areas - work on them more.

Listen to your teacher! If you are told you need to concentrate on a particular section - do it.

Practice all areas of the exam in front of a family member/friend. Not only will this help you gain experience in performing in front of others, it will also give you confidence.

The day before your exam - rest as much as you can. Be sure to have all the music, equipment, spare strings etc that you need.

Hopefully, all these tips will help you worry a little less and prepare you more. Remember to try and relax and enjoy your exam.

Good luck.