Piano exam checklist

Piano exams provide a great opportunity for students to learn some challenging new repertoire, perform and work towards a goal. It is normal to feel a little nervous on the day of the exam. Therefore, it’s important that the exam experience is as stress-free as possible.

My piano exam checklist is designed for students, to help them feel prepared and relaxed from the moment they step into the exam room. Here it is! 1. Go into the exam room with a smile on your face. It will make you feel confident and at ease. 2. Check that the piano stool is the correct height. Adjust it if you need to. 3. Try out the piano. 4. If you’re given a choice between scales and pieces, play your scales first; they are a good warm up for your fingers. 5. Before you play, take your time, think about the music and breathe! 6. Remember to count in. 7. If you make any little mistakes, ignore them. Keep playing and make sure you end each piece confidently. 8. When it comes to sight reading, take your time and focus on the rhythm and general melodic shape of the piece. 9. When it comes to the aural tests, listen carefully and answer the questions confidently. 10. Finally (and most importantly) … enjoy it! Remember that your exam is your chance to show off everything you can do. Good luck!