1. Check you have your instrument and all your scores the day before. Put everything you will need for the exam in a safe place ready to be picked up when you leave the house. If you are taking ABRSM grade 6 to 8 or grade 5 jazz, you will also need photo identification. 

 

2. Choose what to wear. You should wear something smart and comfortable to play in. (This could be your school uniform).

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3. If possible, play through your pieces at home on the day of the exam. Ask a parent, sibling or friend to listen to you.

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4. Arrive about ten or twenty minutes early to your exam. You are allowed a short time to warm up before the exam.

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5. Look through your music score whilst you are waiting to enter the exam. Consider the important points your teacher has made in recent lessons.

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6. Keep your hands warm, especially when the weather is cold; warm up your hands under a warm tap. Keep your fingers active by gently moving them around.

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7. Smile and say hello to the examiner. They are always very friendly, and smiling is a great way to calm nerves.

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8. Take your time when you enter the exam. Make sure your instrument is in tune, the music stand is the right height and that your chair or stool is the right height.

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9. Pause before you begin to play. Take a slow breath and imagine the piece you are about to play: what is the tempo? what is the dynamic? what mood are you going to create?

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10. Take confidence in your skill and ability. An exam demonstrates the fruits of your dedication and practice, and will take you to a higher level of musicianship.

 

Family and friends can encourage you to perform to them so you can get used to having an audience. Best of luck in your exam.

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