Hi evryone. I have my first ever music exam on thursday-grade 2. I've practiced my pieces,my study and my scales and i'm quite confident in them. But my teacher told me that there is a melodic and rhythmic teset(confident in that), one where you have to know some musical terms and i'm ok in that. But there is also a clapping and singing one i can clap ok but i seem to join in a bit late when doing it but i can't sing and i'm very nervous about it. I just hoped that someone who has done musci exams before could tell me a bit about them and there expieriences. Thankyou xxxxxx

Take a look at the Grade 2 aural tests which are located on this site and it will tell you what you need to do. If I remember rightly, in the early grades its not too hard, the examiner will just play a short little tune on the piano twice and asks you to sing it back, also you can have two attempts at it. Most of my aural tests have been fine, don't worry, the clapping is quite straightforward. It's only at the higher grades that aural starts to get tough (i almost failed grade 6 aural on piano and viola). Tell your teacher you were unsure and ask them to prepare you properly next time for aural so that you know what to expect.
Good luck, im sure you'll be fine. Each music exam you do, you become more confident. The first one is always the hardest.

That's a great set of tips, Hannah. And a very encouraging response. Anyone searching for the Grade 2 aural tests can follow the link below to go straight there.

Grade 2 Aural Tests

Good luck with your Grade 2 on Thursday, MusicAngel. Try if you can to relax and enjoy it (even just a little!) Aural tests are just one part of the exam, remember.

Examiners all know how nerve wracking exams can be (they have all been there themselves!) and will be wanting you to simply do your best on the day and give a performance that truly reflects your all round ability as a musician. All the best.

Christine Morris
Forums Administrator

Thankyou very much CMorris and Hannah for your tips. My aural tests went ok and i got 116 in my exam thankyou! Even though the examiner did write "Struggled with this test" for the singling lol but i now know what to improve and thanks again for the excellent tips.

hey thanks! no problem welldone on your exam, that's a great mark. good luck with further exams

hi well done