I was just curious as to how many teachers go with their students on the exam day for moral support or whatever reason, and if this is common practice with teachers?

Normally I am not able to go with students to exams as I am usually in school preparing more students for exams. The only exception to this would be for string students when I would arrange to be there as an accompanist.

hey - if i can i tend to go with my pupils to exams - just to show support etc and from what i've been told they do appreciate the effort. Obviously, due to different circumstances i'm sometimes unable to attend but if its possible i go with them.

Linz

I always like to attend an exam with a pupil - for moral support and also just in case the instrumenthas a problem.
I think this is appreciated by pupil and parent.

I always appreciate it when my flute teacher is at the exam, I get comfort and support from them. I don't know whether my flute teacher will be there at my next exam though!

my piano teacher doesnt which im glad of. i wouldnt want to come out and kill myslef in front of her

I've never had a teacher at my exam.

My teacher always goes to the exam with her students, which I find a nice gesture and I know the other students appreciate it too.

My teacher doesn't go to my exams

I usually accompany my oboe pupils so am there for them even if they are using a different accompanist (which is important in case of reed/instrument malfunction on the day). If I solely have piano students entered then, if at all possible, I like to be there to give support and calm parental nerves, never mind the candidate. However, sometimes it just isn't possible to make this work and I am always disappointed when this happens.

I see it as part of my role as the teacher to be in attendance when examinations are being taken.

I have attended all my pupils exams so far... I usually have a violin student to accompany so I end up sitting through all my piano candidates too. Good chance to discuss child's progress with parents while candidate in exam (some parents I dont see during the term) ....although really I like to be there to hear bits of their exam. The younger students like a familiar face before entering the hall, although the stewards are very helpful and friendly (especially when escort the little prep kids in).

When I used to sit exams my teacher was never there and I really dont know if it is better or worse with me there..... some of my students ask for me to be present and I do try hard to be there on the day work permitting.

I'm not able to be there on the day-teaching over 60 pupils, in 3 different counties, with 4 exam centres, 3 boards, and exams all on dozens of different dates means it simply isn't possible . Also I'm guaranteed to be teaching in one place while exams are going on in another. My students know , though, how much I care about how they do-and that's the most important thing.

Not unless they are accompanying.

As a teacher, I go with them as I have to accompany. I think it's much better when parents don't go with young people as it makes them more nervous.
David

It depends I suppose on the teacher and on the parents - my mum came with me to all my violin exams up to grade 3, because I was only 9 or 10 and besides she helped out. My teacher was the one who made me nervous - at least once, mum had to tell her to leave me alone as she was getting me het up.

I never had a teacher come to exams with me.. but I would think that this is less liekly with piano as they don't need to be there to accompany you/tune your instrument.

When I took my grades (piano) my teacher was always there when I arrived at the exam centre. Now that I am a teacher, I always go along to show my support for the student. Those students who I have taken on from another teacher are always pleasantly surprised when I explain that I will be there as well, as they've never heard of this being done before!

I do let them decide whether or not I come in to the warm up room with them though.

Mrs M

QUOTE (dcmbarton @ Feb 22 2005, 10:54 AM)

As a teacher, I go with them as I have to accompany. I think it's much better when parents don't go with young people as it makes them more nervous. David

I was reading this thread and feeling a bit guilty (until I read your comment David)! We've sent our (then) 5 year old to her 1st grade exams (and recently at age 6 to grade 2's) without us being there nor any teacher (childminder took her) - as we were both working and couldn't take time out that day. I'm not sure if all children that age have nerves, but our one thinks practical grades are fun and games and can't wait to 'get in there' and play. She didn't ask us to be there, the teachers were busy. Just like a normal day really - afterwards you ask 'how was it'? and you get the minimalist 'It was fun!' response.
I wonder at what age they start getting nervous.
I was planning to accompany her on grade 3 recorder/grade 2 violin coming up, wonder whether my going might put her off now!

A lot of kids pick up the nerves from the adults round them - so until someone convinces your child that exams are something to be nervous about, she may just stay not nervous.

I have almost always taken pupils to their exams. Exceptions have been if I have been unable to go because of work.

I have only had one parent who was a bit taken aback when I said I couldn't take her child to the theory exam at 5pm last November, although I think it was through ignorance as much as anything. She had assumed I would be there.

Another mother gave me some bottles of wine at Christmas time to say thank you because I have (nearly) always taken her two children to their exams.

I think most parents appreciate it because they are working and it must be bliss for them when I take a car load, in lieu of them!

The unfortunate thing (in some ways) is that the exams are held in someone's house and we all have to sit and wait quietly in the person's living room. So for anyone who wants to run though any bars or notes they have to use the garden! I haven't yet found anyone doing this! Woe betide anyone who plays the piano.........
Everyone usually sits and joins in with friendly chatter, and blowing though instruments to warm them up!

In a way it feels like 'seeing it through' after the months / years of pupils learning their pieces etc.

I don't usually go to exams with students.

I do hope it's not seen as lack of support - far from it. I can identify with all of you who want to be there and with all the good reasons for being there.

But I see it as something they do on their own. It's my way of saying " Over to you now - I know you can do this".

Having held their hands thus far, I like to let go and let them fly solo - even for 10 minutes or so at grade one.

Maggie

Well I'm lucky enough to be doing my piano exam at my teacher's house and on her piano! (And she'll be there to give my a glass of wine BEFORE I go in!)

QUOTE (Petite Joueuse @ Feb 22 2005, 10:32 PM)

Well I'm lucky enough to be doing my piano exam at my teacher's house and on her piano! (And she'll be there to give my a glass of wine BEFORE I go in!)

You'll feel better but not necessarily play better. Bananas (possibly half an hour before) are safer.

Bananas???
She gave me a glass of red wine AFTER my Grade 7 (and I really did need it then!) - but we decided that a glass BEFORE Grade 8 might be better??

Bananas - must give it a try before my next lesson!

hehe..

my parents never went with me but my teacher always did which is great she support me and helps me alot.. we discus what happens then she prdict me score which tends to be around there

QUOTE (Petite Joueuse @ Feb 23 2005, 05:34 PM)

Bananas??? She gave me a glass of red wine AFTER my Grade 7 (and I really did need it then!) - but we decided that a glass BEFORE Grade 8 might be better?? Bananas - must give it a try before my next lesson!

Apparently bananas contain natural beta blockers, which help calm excessive nerves.

Agree with the others about the wine - even a small amount of alcohol can play havoc with your coordination etc.

Alcohol (in any form) is well-recognised as a cure for intention tremors (the kind you get when you are trying to do something, not the kind you get at rest) ;o)

Going to try the bananas with my son on Friday. He's doing his first ever music exam and is nervous already.

Half an hour before the exam? Is that right?

I'm doing my first exam this Saturday, and my teacher told me she would be there, which was a surprise, but I'm glad she will be there as she is always very supportive.

Also, my classroom teacher will also be there because she will be my accompaniment. This will give my mum a chance to really know how I'm getting on in all aspects of my musical learning. Although it will be good to have both teachers there, it will also be strange...

I have been to all my pupils' exams (as I've only got less than 20) for moral support to the parents and the pupils - even though I feel pretty much like a spare part because I'm not a pianist. The parents seem to appreciate me being there.

One teacher I remember from 2 years ago was standing in the waiting room saying to an already frightened-looking clarinet candidate, "do you know your A minor scale?" and similar questions. (blank expressions from the girl). I think if you're going to be there, you just need to let the pupil gather their thoughts. One mum had got the right idea - she'd brought along a book for her daughter to read which seemed to have her engrossed and taking her mind off things.

I agree that the stewards are very friendly, but what really exasperates me is the ones who lead the grade 1 pupils in saying, "are you nervous? nothing to be worried about" - all putting negative thoughts in their head. Why can't they just say, "come with me, dear, and I'll take you to meet Mr Smith". Or "Mr Smith's looking forward to hearing you play".

QUOTE (Petite Joueuse @ Feb 27 2005, 10:36 PM)

Going to try the bananas with my son on Friday. He's doing his first ever music exam and is nervous already. Half an hour before the exam? Is that right?

Think so. Let us know how it goes!

While of course logistics, the student's preference, age, experience etc should be taken into account.. it may be that wherever possible, it is good that he/she gets to think of this experience as an "outside" performing opportunity. One parent/caregiver/support person should simply take the student to perform at a neutral examination venue at the appointed hour.

I believe that a performance in an exam will reflect achievement levels reached over the preceding weeks - it is unlikely to be a one-off peak performance outing. The presence of the teacher is therefore unlikely to drastically alter the outcome by attending - so why not remove this factor completely? In particular, will the teacher improve the outcome where there is heightened anxiety at work in the first place?

By the examination date, the student (through a few "trial exam" runs) will know what to expect.

The approach of examiners has become more user-friendly and even informal over the years - and the student who has put in the preparation most often will find the experience worthwhile, especially in retrospect!