errr.... i think im going mad!! im being entered for 3 music exams this summer and i dont even know the dates yet but i feel dead nervous!!!!anyone got any advice to help me keep err..normal so i can do well in the exams!!

Nat

Three music exams on top of your AS levels

Students at school nowadays seem to have so much pressure with all these exams and coursework.
At least when I was at school you didn't have to do coursework, which was great for O Levels you could more or less do very little for 2 years and then cram like mad at the end. Couldn't do that for A levels of course

Try not to get too stessed by it all. Just keep that practice schedule going and you will be ok. I hope

That's a lot of exams to do in one session! I suppose all I can suggest is to keep focused on how much you love making music, and how the exams are just a small part of that.

Which exams are you taking this time?

QUOTE (Natalie @ Apr 16 2004, 02:34 PM)

anyone got any advice to help me keep err..normal so i can do well in the exams!! Nat

Don't worry Nat, you weren't normal in the first place.

But I would never do even 2 exams in the same session, and I'd tell your teachers exactly that.

Well to keep calm, just prepare well for all three exams, do your best in them, and thats all anyone can ask of you. As long as you put effort into the exams, and preparation, you will be fine. On the day, if you are a wind player, take some orange juice to stop your mouth from drying up and drink it before the exam.

What grades are you doing??

Good luck anyway.

Oh, and also Nat, try to think of the exams as an opportunity to practise performing in front of audience, or as practise for auditions. (Because you'd like to make a career in music wouldn't you?).

I've also heard that eating a banana a couple of hours before the exam is supposed to have a calming effect!

Finally, I would imagine that by the third exam, you'll feel a bit more relaxed and able to cope with it.

Wow which exams you doing? Best thing 2 do is 2 practice really hard coz if u can play pieces, scales etc really well it helps the confidence no end. Twas a bit harsh of ur teacer(s) 2 put u in for them all at the same time! Good luck in em! Ben x

QUOTE (DavidMusic @ Apr 16 2004, 03:32 PM)

Don't worry Nat, you weren't normal in the first place.

very funny!!lol

Im doing grade 4 piano, grade5 clarinet and grade 5 theory. on top of my as levels!!!!

i would die for a career in music even teaching it!!!

I dont think its harsh for my teachers to put me in for 3 exams, i agreed to it-i know its a lot of work on top of my school work, but i can seem to cope with it, its the nerves that are doing my head in!! my mum thinks im doing too much though as i also have a part time job-she cant understand how i can do it all!!!!

right i need orange juice and bananas!!! except i dont like bananas!!!!

thanx for your advice!!

Nat

jaime

p.s. you can only try!! give it your best shot!! sure you'll do fine. let us know!!

Hi Nat
I'm in the same situation as you (sort of- 2 practical and one theory exam plus AS levels) and I know exactly what you're going through. But don't panic!! your teachers wouldn't have entered you if they didn't think you were capable, and June is still a long way off (I'm trying to convince myself here!). You have plenty of time to prepare for all the exams as long as you start now and do loads of practice and study so there won't be a mad rush close to the time. When you find out the dates (I presume you know when your AS levels are?) you can try and organise practice and study round that. That's what I'm trying to do anyway....... I really hope it works! If you get any lifesaving tips be sure and let me know!

Wait,I'm doing 3 too, Nat, although only entered for 2 so might hold back on 1 until november since I have so much else going on.In our school, they enter you for ALL your AS Modules in summer year 12, whereas most only enter you round december year 13.Well, its just not fair, frankly!
Naomi xxxx

I agree Naomi- the unfairness is just too much!! we are never allowed to do any modules at christmas, even in upper sixth! I sort of have myself to blame for doing 3 exams this summer though- I kind of want to get them done so I can write them all down on my UCAS form!