Tips for Exam Preparation

If you are thinking of doing the exams, I've just got a few tips for you from an examiner's perspective.

Be Prepared

The first tip is to be as prepared as you can possibly be.

• Understand the Stress: It can feel a little bit stressful, maybe walking into a room and playing pieces that you've performed in your bedroom or to your friends in front of a complete stranger.
• Examiner's Intent: Just remember that the examiner wants you to do as well as you can. They're not there to catch you out.

Extra Preparation

From your perspective, it's important to make sure you're extra prepared for the added pressure you'll feel on exam day.

• Perform for Others: Try performing your pieces in front of your parents or friends at home as a warm-up exam.
• Mock Exams: Alternatively, run a mock exam with your teacher under exam conditions to mentally prepare yourself. This will help you adjust to the differences from practicing alone at home.

Technical Exercises

Another way to boost your preparation is with the technical exercises:

• Push Your Limits: Instead of just learning them up to the required exam tempo, try pushing that pace a little further. For example, enter the exam knowing that you can play these exercises at 120 bpm instead of 100 bpm.
• Build Confidence: This extra practice gives you confidence in your abilities, even if you feel pressure on the day of the exam.

These are two simple but effective strategies to help make your exam go a little smoother on the day.