I am almost 10 and have been studying flute for 18 months, I am due to sit my Grade 5 flute exam in 10 days. I have worked really hard on my pieces and scales but am a bit worried about the aural test. I haven't done an exam before and don't have any idea what is expected, what type of questions will be asked, how long this part lasts etc. Does anyone have any advice or ideas about how best to prepare? Hope you can help!

Hi

There is an ABRSM book you can get (your local library should have a copy) called 'Aural Training In Practice'.

It goes over what is expected in detail and provides practice tests on a companion CD.

Textbook: http://www.abrsmpublishing.com/publications/1073

CD: http://www.abrsmpublishing.com/publications/1975

Hope This Helps

AP

Thanks, I will make sure I get it. Thanks for replying

You're doing really well to have got to this standard so fast and I hope the exam goes well for you.

You will be asked several different sections in the Aural and you can find the syllabus here. The tests go through quite quickly I think, one after the other, so it doesn't last too long.

Also do ask your teacher to help you with the aural - they should be able to help you to learn what to expect and work with you on your preparations. I have to say I would not expect any pupil of mine (whatever age and certainly at only 10 years of age) to be preparing this by themselves. It is an important part of the exam - just as much as pieces, scales and sight-reading.

That said, Ageing-pianist's advice on publications is good - and try listening to lots of different music if you can and try to identify it's musical period, sing back a bit of the tune etc. That's all good practise too.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Thank you for this. Today, I got the book and CD you and Ageing Pianist suggested. This has helped a lot. Thanks also for the info re the syllabus. I will have a good look later.

This has all been a bit rushed. I would have been happy to have waited another 6 months before sitting the exam. Unfortunately I have to fit in with school timetables. This is their slot - so I will go for it.

On reading the suggested book I realise that the teacher has mentioned most of the points - texture, form, tempo etc but just not in a formal way. So things are maybe not as bad as I first thought. I think your point about listening to lots of music is a good thing. I will make sure I do. I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again for your advice. Hope you're right and the exam goes by really fast!
By the way I love the oboe.