How to ace in music practical exams =)

Feeling uncertain and nervous to face the music exam in a few months' time? Chill out. Do not worry for it might not be as "impossible" as you think it might be. Actually, due to school exams and other responsibilities, I did not go all out in the examination preparation process until 2 weeks before my Grade 8 ABRSM practical music exam. A bit of preparation is still crucial if you want to pass with better results ie Merit or with a Distinction.:) If Sui Sin, Wan Ling, Wan Xin, Jeanette and I could pass with a distinction in our grade 8 examination, you can do it too.

Why is grade 8 often "feared"? It is true that the examiner expects certain "standard" from a grade 8 candidate. After all, this is the final level in the grade examination syllabus.
Here are some useful tips to help you get going. I will explain it (by parts). It might not be the same if there are changes in the syllabus. My grade 8 exam was in 2002 (5 years ago).:p

Scales and Arpeggios section: This is the first section of the examination unless you are given a choice between scales and repertoire playing by the examiner. My advise is, go for scales first. This is crucial for you to "know" and be familiar with the piano (the touch) in the exam room. Some pianos require you to "break into the keys" ie banging it harder in other words to produce a firm touch or sound quality. Scales and arpeggios give you a good, short warm up before playing the pieces as well. The only way to do well in this section is to PRACTICE. I could not think of any other easier way.

3 piano pieces/ repertoire playing: In this section which I feel is the most important part that carries a lot of marks, it is important that you are FAMILIAR with all 3 pieces ie must have a good and fluent flow. Focus on the "tiny" things such as ARTICULATION, dynamics and EXPRESSION in a DETAILED manner (from pages, phrases till bar to bar). This matters a lot. Keep a steady and good tempo throughout the piece. And yes, show that you really like the music you are playing. Do not just sit straight and still. Do not exaggerate your movement either. Well....if you are playing a Baroque (contrapuntal)/Classical/Romantic/Impressionsim(dreamy like) piece make sure you play it suitable to its particular unique style.

Sight reading: This can be done and improved through PRACTICE. Do practice and repractice the Sight Reading Hand Book Guide. A good sight reading should be CONTINOUS and not filled with hesitations. Should be EXPRESSIVE. Just be careful ( with the key and time signature) and keep a slow tempo to prevent mistakes. It's better to be slow than playing it fast and making mistakes all over the place. Good sight reading is a vital skill needed for a pianist. It requires effort over the years. By playing a wide range of genre of songs, this skill can be cultivated.

Aural/hearing tests: I shall say it again, the only way to excel in aural test is to PRACTICE. For melody hearing, try to hum the melody in your HEART while the examiner is playing it, then sing out clearly after that. This way makes it easier for you to remember the melody. For the final section, which needs you to give a brief explanation after a long piece being played to you, the key is: keep it short and simple. In fact, after I had finished my 2nd sentence (phrase actually:naming the period, example of composer and its manner..haha) the examiner straightaway replied "very good. that's all for today." =)

Most importantly, keep a calm mind; before, during the exam. And just do your very best in the exam room. Do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. As long as you have done your best, this is good enough. Just treat it like you are practicing at home or in front of your teacher, rather than the "examiner". After all, if you play well, why should he/she penalise you? Try to be a responsive and confident candidate.

I hope this information helps, J. Ai. =) Wishing you (and others as well) all the best in your coming music exam.