I talk, a lot, ramble, when I'm nervous.

Is there a rule of silence while the examiner is marking/taking notes, or is it alright for me to just talk a dozen words a second out of totally random topics since I'm really nervous/going to choke/cry/laugh?

Or is it not in the rule-book (probably they don't usually have crazy people like me doing exams) or is it just bad form?

Definately best to keep quiet!!!
The examiner needs to concentrate!

i remembered when i did my grade 8 piano and singing..... the examiners talked to me quite a lot...as to ease my nerves a bit....i mean...doing higher grades can be really nerve-racking...

I don't think they have any rules on it! The examiner might think that you are a bit mad if you start rambling on about stuff, but they'll probably just realise that you're nervous! As long as you do the exam I think u shud b ok!

QUOTE (Ethie @ Oct 1 2004, 12:32 AM)

I talk, a lot, ramble, when I'm nervous. Is there a rule of silence while the examiner is marking/taking notes, or is it alright for me to just talk a dozen words a second out of totally random topics since I'm really nervous/going to choke/cry/laugh? Or is it not in the rule-book (probably they don't usually have crazy people like me doing exams) or is it just bad form?

I don't know if the examiners' training includes learning to concentrate when someone is trying to stop them, but I do feel it would be useful for you to practise some techniques to stop yourself chattering at inappropriate times. How about doing some deep breathing? Try breathing in through your nose for five seconds then out through your mouth for five seconds, keeping your shoulders low and relaxed and really concentrating on feeling the air flowing in and out. I don't know what instrument you play, but whether you are standing or sitting you could make a point of checking your posture in detail while you are waiting for the examiner to be ready for the next section of your exam, tensing and relaxing e.g. your hands, your shoulders, your knees. Plan a little programme of calm activities and practice them.

I've never done yoga myself, but it seems to be the sort of thing that could be really helpful in calming nerves. Remember that nerves are normal. Without a bit of adrenalin flowing musical performance is less likely to be something a bit special. Notice how you feel when you are excited and when you are "nervous" - you will probably find that the physical sensations are pretty much the same, but the interpretation is different

i doubt they would mark u down 4 tat. jst outta curiousity, what kinda stuff do u ramble bout? lol

im not sure if this will help but... when i had my piano exam last year and it came round to the singing the examiner (who was quiet young and friendly) asked me 'hows you voice? nice and clear?' to which my instant answer was '**** no i smoke like a chimney!'

he didnt seem very bothered by this or the fact that i rambled pretty much incoherently throughout the entire exam- though he did sugest at the end that i should have a cig to calm my nerves before i came in next time

i think so long as you're polite and thank them for their time etc it doesn't really matter if you ramble or say stupid things. i hope so anyway.....

I would imagine they are too busy trying to concentrate on writing their notes to reply, but I'm sure they are used to it - people must react in all sorts of ways during the exam. Maybe they like having a chatty candidate for a change! I'm the kind of candidate who's too scared to speak, lol.

i find that playin around with my flute keys helps calm my nerves cos the examiner normally cant hear them

but don't fiddle with the keys if ur a piano player might frighten the examiner

lol

luv Lucy xxxxx

-

I just had my exam.

xD

I didn't exactly chatter.

But I had to borrow a tissue from the examiner to wipe the sweat off Faramir (my violin).

Best keep quiet.

Examiners can be....unpredictable....................................

I'm not really sure but I'm sure they have some sort of training- I heard from my teacher that a little boy (8-9) was asked to warm up and he ran around the hall after every piece!!!! and he passed!!!!
and i swore under my breath in my exam! i hope he didnt hear!!!!! opps, i kept saying like, like, like, in my ('like'!) aural!

personally i say the dumbest things in my aural - especially for that last question when u have to describe the music!! ive said some shocking things in my time......such as "its not baroque.......because its not fast" ?!?!?! lol

I think the aural is pretty stupid too! I said the piece was romantic and the examiner said, are you sure and I said No, it's comtempory!!!! and i keep changing my answers. yeah....I failed aural by 1 mark but passed my exam with merit!

I failed aural by one mark as well!

But I only passed with a Pass.

*sigh*

Here are my results for all who want to know:

Scottish Brawl: 24

Waltz: 27

Moderato: 20

Scales/Arpeggios: 16

Sight-Reading: 14

Aural: 11

I'm disappointed, slightly, because I definitely could've done better; but I'm happy as it's my first exam.

well i personally think the examiner should mark you purely on the contents of your exam, not the person that you are, but you can never be too sure. dont sound to nervous, it could go against u, but dont sound to confident either, you gotta be in the middle! lol