Practical Music Exam Tips

1. Confirm Exam Details: Review the appointment email from ABRSM or Trinity board for your exam time, location, and any special instructions.

2. Arrive Early: Get to the waiting room at least 10 minutes before your scheduled exam to settle in and prepare.

3. Warm-Up and Tune: Use a warm-up room if available to play through a few scales and key sections of your pieces. For cellists, tune your instrument using a tuner or piano if available.

4. Manage Nerves: Feeling nervous is normal. Take a deep breath and smile as you enter the exam room to help you relax.

5. Adjust Setup: Make sure your bench, stool, or music stand is set to the right height. Don’t hesitate to adjust it or ask for help.

6. Start with a Warm-Up: It’s fine to ask the examiner if you can begin with a brief warm-up, like a scale or a few bars of a piece.

7. Keep Going: If you make a mistake, keep playing. Mistakes are usually less noticeable than they seem.

8. Pauses Are Fine: Don’t rush between pieces. The examiner will be writing notes and will tell you when to start your next piece.

9. Expect Interruptions: The examiner may stop you during a piece once they’ve heard enough to make an assessment.

10. Remember, They’re on Your Side: The examiner is rooting for you and looking forward to your performance!