I'm doing grade 2 piano with ABRSM, and got 17 in the aural, so that's ok.

But I'm doing grade 5 flute with Trinity, and didn't really realise that I only had two lessons before the exam (would have only been one more with usual fortnightly arrangements )

Now I'm terrified I'll muck up, and won't actually know what I'm supposed to. The last (and only) exam I did was grade 3 flute, I think I got 2 marks off full marks. But this is two grades up, after 6 months, and I'm a wee bit nervous.

Just so that I can prepare and sort things out in my head, what sort of things will I have to know?

When you describe the piece played, what words do you have to use (they expect more complex the further up, don't they?)

Will I have to sight sing? Because I've never done this before...

I'm having a panic attack. Halp.

With Trinity at grade 5 you have a choice.
You have to do two from sight reading, aural, musical knowledge and improvisation.

The aural test is different from ABRSM.
All the questions are based one one short piece which you will hear several times thouroughout the test.
Firstly you have to name the time signature, whether it's major or minor and whether that changed.

Next you are played 2 notes and asked to name the interval. You need a complete answer to this (eg. Minor 3rd)

Then you hear the piece again and are asked to comment on articulation and dynamics.
Then you are given a copy of the piece which will be played 3 times. Firstly as written then twice with a change to the melody and a change to the rhythm in the melody line. You have to say where and what these are.

When you go to the exam you have to take your appointment letter filled in with pieces and choices of tests.

Thank you! Sounds more complicated than last time... but fingers crossed I'll manage.

Get over to your good local music shop and buy a copy of the Trinity Guildhall Specimen Aural Tests Book+cd (Grades 1-5 are together in Book 1) and practice. The examples are very easy to follow and the tests logical and musical. Work through the book and CD and you will be fine.

(ps phone ahead and check the've got it first!)