How to Prepare for an International Music Exam

Exams of any kind can be stressful for students. Whether you’re about to appear for an IELTS, a CIE, or a graded music exam, the pressure can surely get to you.

However, the best thing about giving exams for performing arts is that you can still enjoy yourself and get a chance to learn. Listening to other participants play their musical instruments, hearing the faculty’s remarks, and being in a room full of talented people ready to showcase their skills, is a whole learning experience.

But we don’t deny that giving an international music exam can be daunting for many of us. Therefore, to help you prepare for a music exam, we have come up with a detailed and helpful guide.

Take a look at this blog to learn the most important tips to succeed in your international music course exam. Start reading before you head over to play your instrument on exam day!

When You Start the Preparation

Preparation for music exams cannot be done overnight. It’s important that you plan in advance about when to start rehearsing for an upcoming music exam. Here are some tips to help you kick-start your preparation.

Start Preparing Early

Music teachers recommend starting at least six to eight weeks to prepare for an international music exam. This time frame is ideal for students enrolled in beginner music courses. However, if you have a more difficult music exam that also involves theory, start preparing at least 12 weeks before.

Designate a Practice Corner

It’s said that designating a study corner can positively influence a student’s learning outcome. This is true for music exams as well, where having a practice corner will help you remain focused. Remove all distractions from your practice corner, set up your instruments, and spend some quality hours practicing in there.

Take Help From Tutors and Music Teachers

Whether you’re appearing for a high-level music exam or an exam for beginners, it’s always good to have expert guidance. Take help from music teachers, tutors, and seniors who have experience in preparing and appearing for similar music exams.

Involve Friends and Family

There’s no better way to practice than by performing in front of a bunch of people. Ask your friends and family to join you on some days so you can play in front of them. Even with limited musical knowledge, they can at least give you a positive boost that will help you perform better.

Tackle the Challenges

You may be tempted to constantly play your favorite pieces. But that’s not a wise idea when preparing for a music course exam. Address your weaknesses while preparing for music exams and try to take the challenging parts till your perfect them.

Focus on Performance

You do not just appear for the exam; you’re going to perform too. So don’t just focus on perfecting the musical instrument; also pay attention to how you perform on the stage. Rehearse your body language, communication skills, and presentation on the stage.

Practice, Practice, and Practice

There’s nothing better than keep trying till you ace it. If you want to succeed in your music exam, don’t stop practicing till the last day.

A DAY BEFORE THE EXAM

It’s been months since you have been preparing for the much-awaited music exam. All your music lessons will now be tested in a day, so here’s what you do a day before your exam.

Take a Break!

As odd as it may sound, this is the time to stop practicing. After playing the most difficult piece once or twice on the last day, put your musical instrument away and step out. Spend time to rejuvenate yourself before the exam and relax your stressed nerves.

Avoid Caffeine

Having too much caffeine 24 hours prior to your music exam can result in shaky hands and shortened breath. Both these things are not good for trinity exams. So make sure you’re not having too much coffee or tea a day before your exam.

Make Sure to Double Check

Today is also the day to double-check everything. From your guitar’s strings to the violin tuning, make sure every musical instrument that you need the next day is in order. You may also want to check your dress, accessories, and the stuff you’ll be taking with you.

Have a Dress Rehearsal

Have a full dress rehearsal on the last day before the exam. Dress up, ask some friends to join you, and play your musical instrument to get the feel of the next day.

Be Excited

While being stressed is absolutely normal, it’s not the only thing you should feel. Be excited about the opportunity you’re getting to showcase your talent, and be excited about the amazing result that awaits you.

Have a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleeping well before any exam is important, and for music students, it’s no different. Make sure you sleep early, have a good night’s sleep, and are well-rested for the big day ahead.

On the Day of the Exam

Have you spent many months in the music course for beginners, and it’s time to move forward? Here’s your big day to prove that you’re ready for the next musical phase. Here’s what you should do on the day of the exam.

Have a Good Breakfast

Start your exam day with a healthy breakfast. An empty stomach will do no good to your stamina, hands, or concentration.

Go With a Can-Do Attitude

You have spent weeks preparing for this day. So go in with a can-do attitude and mean it!

Be Early at the Venue

To make sure you’re not facing any last-minute hiccups, leave your place early to reach the venue. Take into account traffic, route diversions, and exam venue directions that may cause you to be late.

Don’t Forget Your Water Bottle

Keeping yourself hydrated before a music exam is crucial. Make sure to keep a water bottle and take small sips between your performance to keep yourself hydrated.

During the Exam

It’s the moment of truth! Pace up to show the skills you have mastered during the piano lessons or your percussion classes. Take notes on what to do during the exam.

Be Prepared To Make Some Mistakes

No music performance will be 100 percent perfect. So expect to make some mistakes. This will help you keep calm during your performance and thus help you in making fewer mistakes.

Don’t Think Too Much

Music is more about listening than thinking. So while you’re playing during the exam, listen to what you’re doing and stop thinking about what you’re doing.

Showcase Your Strengths

If you have practiced some difficult pieces or have experimented with notes, be confident about showing your strengths. Let your teachers know that you’re up for the next challenge.

Enjoy the Performance

Lastly, enjoy your own musical performance to allow others to enjoy it too.

Have a Knack For Music? Join Us in Abu Dhabi!

Are you a music enthusiast looking to polish your skills? Then get in touch with us at The Young Musician Music Institute. Our institute offers music classes in Abu Dhabi, including toddler music courses, singing classes, and musical instrument lessons.