What can you do to best prepare for your exam? Hear about these common mistakes to avoid.
We asked our Examiners about some of the common "errors" in exams. These are their observations from throughout 2023, and include some great suggestions for teachers wanting to give their students the edge in their next exam.
All comments are general in nature and are provided as a resource for exam preparation - we all want to see you do your best, after all! There is a common theme that you may notice through most of these suggestions: it's more than just advantageous to be familiar with your syllabus requirements. If you'd like some guidance on where to find information or a general overview introduction to what is (let's be honest) a massive document, please just get in touch.
Intonation was the topic for the year for our Examiners. This is an area that really let down some Candidates whose technical work was otherwise excellent. We appreciate that it can be difficult to rehearse sufficiently with accompanists (both for cost and the practicalities), and that there is so much to do in lessons that this can fall off the radar. It's quite common for candidates to not know how to tune: "What do I do to tune?"; "Do I pull out or push in if I’m sharp?" etc. Of course, Examiners will always help, especially in younger grades, but it is common for candidates to look terrified if the accompanist or Examiner suggest they might tune up before playing. Playing with others, engaging air support, and working on this area can elevate a performance from ok to excellent. A reminder to ensure instruments are tuned prior to entering the room (eg strings) so that they're all set up for success. One in the exam room, there should be a double check to tune with the piano (but not spend hours on the whole instrument).
Technical Work is an important aspect of musicianship, not just an exam requirement. Examiners would love to have given higher grades in some cases but the Technical Work didn't always match the time and attention given to what was otherwise a truly beautiful repertoire performance. This relates to both Comprehensive AND Repertoire exams. Just because Repertoire Candidates don't perform the technical work in isolation, it doesn't mean it's not important.
Aural is an incredibly difficult skill to pick up just a few weeks out from the exam so it's best to incorporate even a little work from day one. And don't forget to read the Test Requirements at the front of the Manual of Syllabuses so you know what you need to prepare.
Sight-Reading is another thing that can't really be "crammed" just before a practical exam. Familiarity with how to approach this important area of musicianship requires consistent practice over a period of time. While the investment required varies from student to student, it's always an area that will benefit their playing and all aspects of musicality (not just their exam result).
General Knowledge has generally improved since 2022 but, for some, it continues to be underprepared and it's such a shame, often pushing a result down when the playing was good and a higher grading was considered. This seems to be particularly relevant to the Lower grades, with young players needing more guidance on the basics, from the meanings of terms and piece titles to keys, terms etc. The syllabus outlines the requirements for each grade, and is the best place to refer to for guidance in this area. Level Two Candidates are reminded that the General Knowledge questions will refer to the piano part - not just their own, solo part.
Double check the new syllabuses. It's essential that the whole exam is one or the other (not a combination) during the transitional period where old syllabuses are still available.
Consider your accompanist carefully. The interplay within an ensemble is a key area for well-rounded musicians to develop and your relationship with your ensemble is a very important one. Ensure the accompanist is of a standard that is appropriate to the complexity of the music, and has adequate time to prepare and learn the repertoire so that they can best support the Candidate on the day. And don't forget to rehearse to build that dynamic and ensure your accompanist understands how you want to interpret the repertoire. A reminder that accompanists must leave the room for unaccompanied works. The only exception is if the Examiner has requested assistance with the aural test.
When doing your performance for your Video Exam, try not to get stuck on things - just keep going. Even if you remember something you missed earlier, just persevere, don't worry, and try to do your best with the rest of your performance.
A reminder that photocopies of music (especially Technical Work) are not permitted, except where copyright allows. We've tried to offer as much flexibility and leniency through the past couple of years but the composers and publishers have a right to be recognised for their work.
A reminder to please ensure all conversations around exams are positive, and refrain from making comment on other teachers.
ROCKSCHOOL
Syllabus Requirements
Please take care when checking the syllabus requirements to ensure that all elements are prepared, such as sync with backing tracks, Free Choice Piece elements, and Technical Studies.
ID for Grade 6+
A reminder that Candidates need to show their ID for Grade 6 and upwards on exam day.
We hope that these will help with preparing for your next exam. We have many more great tips and reminders in our Helpful Hints page, which can be found on our Syllabuses page. You may also find a few of our publications helpful, such as the Aural Test Book, and various new Technical Work Books. These can be ordered from our AMEB Online Shop.
Image photo credit: Helloquence
