The day of the exam
Introduction | Arriving at the exam centre | Warming up | The exam
The exam
Before the exams begin each day, the examiner will have tried out the piano and so will be familiar with its tone quality and touch.
Many of our examiners have taken graded music exams themselves and therefore understand that candidates may feel nervous and take a few moments to settle.
At the start of each exam, the examiner will encourage each candidate to:
- take a few moments to get comfortable. The examiner or steward will be happy to help with adjusting the height of the piano stool or music stand, and candidates should not be afraid to ask for assistance.
- tune up (if an instrumentalist). Attending teachers, or accompanists, may assist candidates with tuning at Grades 1–5.
- play or sing a few notes before the exam begins. Pianists can try the piano, and instrumentalists and singers can warm up aloud for a few moments.
- do the exam in any order they choose. Candidates usually play their pieces first, but may prefer to begin with the other elements of the exam. Please let the steward know beforehand so that the accompanist can be shown in at the appropriate time.
And remember…
Our examiners want each candidate to do well and look forward to hearing them perform.
Introduction | Arriving at the exam centre | Warming up | The exam