Music Exams - Advice to Parents!

How much should my son/daughter be practising?

Just because a pupil has been entered for a music exam, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ready to take it just yet. Entering for an exam normally has to happen 8 to even 12 weeks before the exam time, so it is sometimes tricky to judge when the pupil will be ready. Like passing a driving test, preparation and practice is very important. It is vital, especially for the younger pupils and earlier grades, that practising regularly at home is encouraged. If a pupil stops practising it may mean that they have to be withdrawn for the exam and unfortunately with ABRSM there are no refunds available (except for illness, but you must provide a doctor’s note).

What will my son/daughter have to do?

 For every practical ABRSM music exam the structure is:

• Three pieces (two with piano accompaniment and one solo piece)  (90 marks – 30 each)
• Scales and arpeggios (21 marks)
• Sight reading    (21 marks)
• Aural tests       (18 marks)                                        

Total: 150 marks. (100 Pass, 120 Merit, 130 Distinction)

Aural test skills should be practised in lessons with a teacher. Sight reading can also be practised in lessons but playing regularly at home and reading new music can greatly improve sight reading skills. 

The main practice at home should be on the three pieces but also very importantly scales and arpeggios! These tend to be neglected by pupils. It is vital that pupils don’t put these off until the last minute as it takes a while to not only remember what notes are in them, but also to play them fluently from memory both tongued and slurred.

Remember this is an official, accredited, international qualification and if they pass they will receive a certificate. If they have taken grade 6, 7 or 8 this will mean they can add UCAS points to their university applications! In the future, all pupils will be able to put their music exam qualifications onto their CV for jobs. Music exams look very good on a CV to future employers!

What can I do to help?

• Listen to them play their pieces! A family mini-concert perhaps? The best audience in the world is family at home. Try to encourage them to be confident and to keep going even if they get a bit wrong. Pupils need to practise performing and not stopping or correcting themselves.
• Quiz them on their scales! Quizzes can be a fun and enjoyable way to test pupils on how much they know. Even if you feel you aren’t musical, you can greatly help by making sure they know F major has a B flat in it.
• Sometimes pupils' instrumental teachers are unable to play the piano for the exams. In this case they should have provided you with the name and number of a pianist who is experienced and happy to accompany. Please phone them in plenty of time ready to book a rehearsal in a week or so before the exam itself. Music teachers can have busy schedules!
• Get your son/daughter to play to relatives down the phone or if you’re very ahead of the times... on skype! A sure way to boost their confidence as they get positive feedback from performing from family and friends.
• Make sure they bring their music and instrument to school on music lesson days. There’s nothing worse than a pupil missing a lesson or two in the lead up to the exam due to them being forgetful.
• A practising chart is always a great visual, fun way for pupils and parents to track practising their instruments in busy times. It is also fun for the arty side of things! Stickers and rewards can be given if there has been a full week of practising.
• Make sure that they arrive in plenty of time before the exam time and you know in advance where the venue is. It is important to feel relaxed and not rushed before the exam. 20 minutes early is about right.
• It is important that pupils get an early night and plenty of sleep the night before the exam. They need all their brain power for it and we don’t want them to be yawning in a performance.
• Check the condition of their instrument. If there is a problem, get it checked out in plenty of time before the exam. You should get instruments serviced every couple of years. If they are a reed player, make sure they have plenty of spare reeds ready.

If you have any worries or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s instrumental teacher.