I haven't read through ALL the replies to this post because there are so many pages!! So apologies if this has already been said...

I have recently taken my Grade 7 after also having a huge gap since my Grade 6 (15+ years) and was similarly terrified of performing in front of an examiner!

However, I was able to arrange for a practice session on the actual piano I would be taking the exam on prior to the exam. This helped me enormously since I could check out he environment, get used to the feel of the exam piano. All I did was phone up the AB and ask for the phone number of the centre. I was able to book an hours practice, it was fabulous (not least because it was a beautiful grand piano!). I came out buzzing from the practise!

The only thing that put me off in the exam was when I turned a page I just caught the examiner in of the corner of my eye and it flustered me for a page!! So, if you have any page turns, make sure to focus focus focus!!!!

Most of all, good luck! I'm preparing for my grade 8 now so will be doing it all again soon!

Best of luck, (and judgement) to you both.

QUOTE (cheeble @ Jan 23 2005, 05:30 PM)

QUOTE (sarah-flute @ Jan 23 2005, 05:17 PM) this relaxation "oil", do you drink it or rub it in?????! you drip it onto your tongue and wait for it to evaporate. it's very bizarre... my highly-strung friend uses a lot of it...

I think you might be talking about Rescue Remedy by Bach Flower Remedies?? It is really good for nerves, upset, shock, anything like that.

Mrs M

QUOTE (staccato @ May 8 2005, 06:17 PM)

However, I was able to arrange for a practice session on the actual piano I would be taking the exam on prior to the exam. This helped me enormously since I could check out he environment, get used to the feel of the exam piano. All I did was phone up the AB and ask for the phone number of the centre. I was able to book an hours practice, it was fabulous (not least because it was a beautiful grand piano!). I came out buzzing from the practise!

That's interesting. I had a Grade 8 pupil and, when it came to the exam time, I enquired of my Hon Local representative whether I could arrange a time for him to try out the piano (we had some experience of the piano in previous exams and were not very keen on it) and she said "absolutely not" - wasn't allowed etc. etc. so he went in to the exam. and came out with a merit anyway, so perhaps it didn't matter too much

Susie

susie thats odd because i thought you are allowed to try out the exam piano if you ask in advance.

I tried the piano for my last grade, it was in our local church centre and they agreed to let us practice there as long as we came just after the sunday morning service. I guess it depends on who's running the venue.