November '10 AB Exams

Closing date for entry:

Wed 22 September @ 6.30pm

Please contact Rowena Eames if you require any further information.

City of Belfast School of Music

If you have passed an ABRSM exam in the past few months (practical or theory), you should collect your certificate(s) from the School of Music Office.  If in doubt, contact the Examinations Officer. 

ADVICE FOR CANDIDATES AT PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS

Published in consultation with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

• Feeling nervous before an exam is quite natural.  Try smiling as you go into the exam room – this can give you extra confidence.  And remember, your examiner is looking forward to hearing you play.
  
• Use the time just before the exam to get your music and instrument ready – you can warm up silently by moving your fingers around or by blowing through your instrument.  Brass players should check that there is no excess water in their instrument.  Reeds should be kept moist and ready to blow.
  
• Don’t be surprised if there are sometimes two people in the exam room – only one of them will be examining you.
  
• If you are taking a piano exam you can ask your examiner to let you try the piano for a moment before you begin.  You can also choose whether to start the exam with your scales or your pieces.
  
• If you are an instrumentalist your examiner will ask you to tune to the piano at the start of the exam.  Whilst tuning you can play a scale or two or the first few notes of a piece to warm up.  It’s your exam, so you make the choices!
  
• Make sure that you are comfortable before you begin.  If you would like help adjusting the stool or stand you can ask your examiner.
  
• Be ready to tell your examiner which pieces you are going to play.  You can write them on a piece of paper if you think you might forget.
  
• Don’t worry about short pauses between your pieces – your examiner will be writing and will tell you when to start your next piece.
  
• Some examiners are quicker than others. Remember, the examiner is on your side and wants you to do your very best.
  
• Don’t use photocopies, although copies are allowed to help if you have a really awkward page turn.
  
• In the early grades (Grades 1-5) you may ask someone (e.g. your accompanist) to help tune your instrument for you. Certain instrumentalists, however, like harps, guitars, and woodwind, take responsibility for tuning from the outset.  Check with your teacher for advice.

CBSM / Advice for Candidates ABRSM