Piano Exams question?

Question

i am having a exam

i need to ask a few question

1) is is scary

2) and on the sight reading do you get a new piece and you have to play

3) and on the scale do you have to play the whole book remeber it off by heart

Answer 1

well I took my grade 1 when I was a lot younger than I am now, but from what I can remember, yeah it's a bit scary - as is ANY exam really!

The sight reading is exactly that, a short piece of, what I can only describe as the most unmusical, music which you have to play. I used to hate it, just take your time, don't worry about it too much!

Scales, yes you have to be able to play which ever scales you have learnt - I can't remember which because it was about 20 years ago now, but I hope this helps a little bit!!

Good luck, smile and enjoy it - whats the WORST that could happen - you get told in a few weeks you didn't make it, and you go and do it again - and probably get a better mark 2nd time!!! :)

Answer 2

It depends on the type of person you are as to whether you will find it scary or not.  If you do, just take a few deep breaths through your nose (keep your mouth closed!) before you start to play.

Yes, sight-reading is a piece that you have never seen before and you have to play it.  Don't worry about the odd mistake - that is expected.

Re scales and broken chords (if you do the latter at grade 1) you do have to play them from memory, but you will only be asked to play a selection and not the whole lot.

Good luck!