Performance Assessments?, Info please! Options

[Ensemble]

Hello,

Could someone tell me how much it costs to do a performance assessment please?

I'm thinking about doing my grade 8 early next year but I'm already nervous just thinking about it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) I didn't do so well on my grade 7 as I was so nervous I couldn't stop shaking - not very helpful when trying to play! I wondered if doing the assessment first might help my nerves a bit - I don't have much experience of playing in front of people so thought it might help?

Has anyone done one? What was it like? Did you find it useful?

[sbpiano]

Hi Ensemble, the performance assessments are priced at £39.50 for 2007. I have done 2 so far and found them really useful in terms of conquering nerves and also in view of the immediate feedback you get from the examiner. I hadn't done any exams for years so have used these as a route to getting back into the swing of things. I think you get around 15 minutes, so ytour programme needs to be just short of this to allow a bit of time for feedback / chat.

(also good for working on nerves etc are forum concerts...!! they're good fun and very supportive too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif) )
good luck!

[*Pianola*]

Hi!
I've done 2 too. The atmosphere is quite different to that of an exam , much more relaxed you'll be glad to hear!

[guilmant]

Thoroughly good things. You're right about the atmosphere being a little more relaxed as well. Aim for about 13 minutes, gives you chance to talk at teh start to the examiner about why you're doing it (various explanations; practice for a festival, returning to instrument and not ready for grades, adult beginners who don't do the prep test etc.) and for the exminer to give you feedback at the end.

I know a number who have done this, and (touching wood!), have yet to hear from any who didn't find the experience very useful.