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Feeling nervous before an exam is quite natural. Try smiling as you go into the exam room - this can give you extra confidence. And remember, your examiner is looking forward to hearing you play.
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Use the time just before the exam to get your music and instrument ready. You can warm up silently by moving your fingers around or by blowing through your instruments.
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Don't be surprised if there are sometimes two people in the exam room - only one of them will be examining you.
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If you are taking a piano exam you can ask your examiner to let you try the piano for a moment before you begin. You can also choose whether to start the exam with your scales or your pieces.
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If you are an instrumentalist your examiner will ask you to tune to the piano at the start of the exam. Whilst tuning you can play a scale or two or the first few notes of a piece to warm up.
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Make sure that you are comfortable before you begin. If you would like help adjusting the stool or stand you can ask your examiner.
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Be ready to tell your examiner which pieces you are going to play. You can write them on a piece of paper if you think you might forget.
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Don't worry about short pauses between your pieces - your examiner will be writing and will tell you when to start your next piece.
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Remember, the examiner is on your side and wants you to do your very best.
