Top Ten Tips for Exam Preparation
Preparing for a performance exam can be daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes an enriching experience. Here are my top ten tips to help you prepare with confidence.
1. Be Consistently Average
Consistency trumps sporadic brilliance. You don’t need to practice for hours and hours everyday to achieve great results. Regular mindful practice is the key!
So, avoid cramming your practice and remember - Little by Little, a little becomes a lot!
2. Choose Your Reeds Wisely
Your reed is your voice - choose wisely!
Select reeds in your practice that are responsive with a clear sound and great dynamic range! Test different types to find the one that suits your tone, making sure it's appropriately seasoned for exam day.
And, be sure to look after those that treat you well!
3. Know the Music Well!
Listen actively and regularly to the music you’re preparing.
Find the great recordings and play along. Take note of their approach to phrasing, articulation and character.
4. Prioritise Your Technique
Technique forms the backbone of a polished performance.
So, focus on scales, arpeggios, and studies. Improving your technical command enhances your ability to express with ease.
5. Play with Style
Bring your unique flair to each piece. Interpretation is key, demonstrating your individuality. So, add some pizzazz!
Understand the genre: classical wants precision, jazz craves flair. Make it personal and bring your unique perspective to the piece.
6. Take Your Time
The performance is YOUR moment! There is no hurry to get through the exam quickly.
So, take your time to tune, warm-up, clean your instrument and move calmly between each work. Taking your time ensures clarity of expression and execution.
7. Sight-Read with Confidence
Treat sight-reading like an exciting exploration. Don’t be afraid of its newness. Focus on the rhythm and keep that beat going. If you stumble, just smile and carry on!
8. Stay Upbeat
Play with a smile! Focus on the things you can control and worry less of the things you can’t.
Enjoy the opportunity to share your music-making and trust you have done everything you can perform well.
9. Managing the Butterflies
Nerves are normal; embrace them. Like a chrysalis, transform your nervous energy into beautiful music making!
Breathing is the key!
Warm up with some slow, easy breaths and visualise how you want to express the music you’re performing.
10. Let Go of the Outcome
We all want to perform our best and achieve top results. However, this quickly becomes a distraction from what we need to do in order to do well.
Detach from results and focus on making music. The outcome is just a part of the process, not the whole story. The better we are able to accept the possibility of unexpected outcomes the more relaxed the performance will be.
Finally, exam preparation isn't just about the hard work—it's about cultivating a mindset and approach that fosters success. Incorporate these tips, and you'll enhance not only your exam performance but your overall playing skill.
Key Writings on Music Practice
“The Musician's Way" by Gerald Klickstein
“Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner
“Becoming an Orchestral Musician” by Richard Harris