Recommended Reading
A recurring major worry for many GCSE Music students is that they have left too much to do towards the end of their 2 year course, as well as assuming that they would be much better musicians at this stage and therefore produce better results in the final month(s).
Two simple tips: 1/ regularly record your work/rehearsals from the start of yr 10 and 2/ play to a click (or use a metronome)
Why? It is vital that students constantly record as many sessions as possible, including their rehearsals, lunch-time concerts, classroom lessons, because it is often when students are relaxed that they produce good work. Recording regularly and listening back, means you can get an idea of what areas are working and what needs further attention. Chances to perform under pressure will work for many too, but imagine if you have a wealth of recorded material, rather than organising last minute sessions, where take after take is needed, before you and your teacher are satisfied your work can be sent off to the exam board. Unnecessary stress and sadly there are times when an injury or illness means no recorded work, which means no exam grade! What a pity!
Another good tip is to play regularly to a click (or use a metronome) when rehearsing alone, as it will help you in the long term to become a better performer, (both as a soloist and in ensemble settings). Play at different BPM's and record yourself. Try this as often as you can with other musicians too. You will be amazed for example when you suddenly have to follow a baton or record to a click how much more at ease you become. It is often shocking and distressing for many musicians who are not used to this to find they have difficulty doing this. It even happens in professional circles e.g. a session in a recording studio, as a result many musicians have lost work because they are unable to follow a click.
If you follow the above advice you will gradually become a better musician, even if it is very frustrating to start with and you feel you want to give up!
