Exam preparation- Mrs Lau's Guide to piano exams.

It's that time of year again so here's my exam survival guide. I will be using it for my own grade 1 cello exam!

 

Mrs Lau’s Guide to Surviving Exams

 

Before the exam:

·         Make sure you have chosen pieces you enjoy from the correct syllabus.

·         Be sure that you know your pieces inside out and, if possible, from memory (even if you have the music), that you know 4 bars either side of page turns and that the starts and endings are particularly secure.

·         Practise your scales, arpeggios etc really thoroughly; they are the first element of your exam and a good chance to get it started well.

·         Try to play some sight reading every day.

·         Make sure that you are familiar with the aural tests. You can buy a CD of them or register on www.hofnote.co.uk for extra practice.

·         Play your pieces on different pianos and get used to adapting to them.

·         Practise performing- to yourself with no stops, to family and to friends.

·         Make sure that you know where the exam is to be held. Have a dummy run of the journey.

On the day:

• Have a countdown plan; think about what you are going to do, if you are going to practice, what you are going to wear, what you are going to eat etc.
• Arrive in plenty of time but not so early that you jitter!

At the exam:

• Keep your fingers warm and do some deep breathing.
• Smile at the examiner and talk clearly and confidently to him/her.
• Take your time adjusting the piano stool and your music.
• Focus and concentrate. Play each piece with character, style and confidence.

All done! That wasn’t so bad was it? Now go and treat yourself. Well done!