My dipABRSM exam is in a few weeks' time at the Royal Northern in Manchester, and I was wondering if anybody knows whether or not it's plausible to arrange a small practice session on the exam piano (they have given me the room number of the exam) on a day prior to the exam. Do you think they will let me? If so, how would I go about arranging it - should I e-mail the Royal Northern or the Associated Board?

Thanks,

Pianissimo

I suggest you ring up the Royal Northern and ask

Would they not hold it in the concert hall? It's absolutely brilliant! Two great big steinways were in there when I was in and the organ was just so impressive.

Then I decided not to go. Pssh.

They might make you pay - I have my exam in London and it's £30 per hour plus VAT to practise - outrageous!