I'm soon to be taking my Grade 8 piano. My teacher has asked me if I'll accompany a Grade 4 flautist, a Grade 6 violinist and a Grade 3 cellist, all on the same day as my own exam.

Will this not be a bit wierd for the examiner? One minute I'll walk in as an accompanist, then walk in again to do my own exam, and then turn up later as an accompanist.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I have accompanied instrumentalists for their exams loads of times (have quite a "clientele" already)...but never on the same day as a major exam.

Should I say no?
Will the examiner treat me any differently if I do it?
Is it not "the done thing"?

I don't think it will affect the examiner's marking of you. However, you will have the advantage in your exam of already having sampled the piano and met the examiner. This may calm your nerves. On the other hand, you will have less time to go over your scales, pieces, etc on the day. Will the accompanying be yet another thing to worry about, which may detract from your performance, or will it be easy and relaxing for you? Don't worry about the "done thing", just do what's right for you.

Good luck!

Fred

The examiner won't mind, they might even think that you're rather nice for accompanying those people, it's just down to how you feel about it. Don't over work yourself on the day of your exam; if, however, accompanying doesn't bother you then you may want to do it and it might even help with the nerves if you're used to the examiner. It's all down to how you feel about it, it could be a benefit to you or it could trouble you: it really depends on how stressfull you find accompanying and how much practice time you would lose through learning the accompaniments.

Good luck.

At least it will prove you're multi - talented, organised and a fab musician!

i might be doing that as well!

I'm accompaning my brother when he does his Grade 2 alto-saxophone, but not on the same day as my exam.

Gee, thanks Missniffler!!

On the whole, accompanying doesn't bother me - I usually quite enjoy it - so I'll go for it!!

(I'll let you all know how I get on!)

I'm accompanying my sister in her grade 3 singing soon!

Hey!

Last year when i took my Grade 7 piano i accompanied a Grade 5 flute who's exam was straight after mine. I found it was fine and i passed with a distinction, so who knows perhaps it helped! Anyway its all good experience and good luck.

I reckon you'll certainly feel more relaxed the second and third time you walk in the exam room

The examiner won't mind at all! It can only stand in your favour really.