1. 🎯 Understanding the Purpose of Music Exams

Music exams aren’t just about marks - they’re milestones that:

• Track musical growth

• Build discipline and confidence

• Set clear, achievable goals

• Boost college and extracurricular profiles

These exams - whether conducted by MTB, Trinity, ABRSM, LCM or Rockschool - assess performance, technique, musicality, and listening skills.

Not all boards are the same, and not every exam is a perfect fit. Consider:

• Style of music: Trinity Rock & Pop is different from ABRSM Classical.

• Student’s personality & goals: Do they prefer creative expression or technical structure?

• Syllabus focus: Some stress sight-reading, while others offer improvisation or playback options.

💡 Tip: Discuss with your teacher to align the board’s strengths with your child’s learning style.

2. 🧭 Choose the Right Exam & Board

9–12 months before the exam is an ideal timeline.

What to plan:

• Repertoire selection: Based on syllabus book

• Technical work: Scales, arpeggios, finger drills

• Supporting tests: Sight-reading, aural, improvisation, etc.

• Mock exam milestones: Schedule mini assessments at regular intervals.

🛠 Build a weekly plan that balances:

• 60% repertoire

• 20% technical work

• 20% musical expression & mock exam practice

3. 📆 Start Preparation Early

Consistency wins over intensity.

Beginner to Grade 2:

• Practice Time: 20–30 mins daily

• Focus: Hands separately, rhythms, posture

• Tools: Metronome, flashcards for notes

Grade 3–5:

• Practice Time: 45 mins

• Focus: Tone control, dynamics, tempo

• Tools: Backing tracks, scale charts, chord wheel

Grade 6+:

• Practice Time: 60+ mins

• Focus: Advanced technique, musicality, memory

• Tools: Slow practice, self-recording, feedback from teacher

🎧 Recording yourself weekly improves self-awareness and exam readiness.

4. 🎵 Daily Practice Tips for Piano/Keyboard Students

Many boards now offer digital or recorded exams. These are convenient, but also demand self-discipline and tech readiness.

a) Equipment Checklist:

• Good quality keyboard/piano (weighted keys recommended for piano)

• Tripod or stable stand for recording

• External microphone (optional, improves sound clarity)

• Smartphone/camera with 1080p resolution or better

• Quiet, well-lit room

b) Setup Tips:

• Frame the entire instrument and player

• Avoid backlighting (like windows)

• Ensure sound is clear without distortion

• Film in one continuous take

5. 🎥 Preparing for a Recorded Music Exam

Each board has different requirements. Some common rules include:

• No edits, no cuts

• Show your face and hands clearly

• Announce name, candidate number (if required), and pieces clearly

• Ensure your instrument is tuned (especially acoustic pianos)

🎼 Double-check that your performance matches the syllabus year/version.

6. 🧾 Recording Guidelines (Board-Specific Reminders)

❌ Starting recording without warming up
❌ Submitting the wrong file format or video orientation
❌ Background noise (TV, pets, traffic)
❌ Incorrect tempo or missing sections in pieces
❌ Skipping tuning checks (for acoustic pianos)

7. 🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Parents play a critical support role:

• Cheerleader: Celebrate small wins in practice

• Scheduler: Help manage time & avoid burnout

• Environment setter: Ensure a quiet, practice-friendly home

• Tech helper: Assist with setting up recordings and submissions

• Emotional support: Calm nerves before mock exams or the final video day

🙌 Encourage effort, not just outcome. Exams are one part of a lifelong musical journey.

8. 🌟 Parent’s Role in the Process

9. 🧑‍🏫 The Role of the Teacher

Your child’s teacher is the navigator of the entire exam process. A good teacher will:

• Recommend the right grade and exam

• Help select pieces that suit the student’s strengths

• Conduct mock exams and give critical feedback

• Share technical requirements for recording and submission

• Be available during last-minute prep and submission windows

Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher:

• What’s the exam timeline?

• Can we have a mock exam?

• Is my child ready to move up a grade?

10. ✅ Final Submission Checklist

Before you hit “submit,” double-check the following:

1. ☐ Repertoire matches the exam board and correct syllabus year

2. ☐ Full performance recorded according to official board rules

3. ☐ Video file is in the correct format (usually MP4 or MOV)

4. ☐ Candidate information is clearly stated (name, candidate number, date, if required)

5. ☐ Valid Photo ID proof attached (for Grade 6 and above)

6. ☐ Technical work & supporting tests recorded (if applicable)

7. ☐ Room is quiet, well-lit, and audio is clear

8. ☐ Backup copy of the video is saved safely

📤 Upload to the correct board portal and check for a confirmation email from the exam board.

11. 🎉 After the Exam: What Happens Next?

Once submitted, boards usually take 2 - 6 weeks to process and send results.

You’ll receive:

• Mark-sheet with examiner comments

• Digital/physical certificate

📊 Use this feedback constructively:

• Celebrate strengths

• Identify one or two areas to improve

• Set new goals - next grade, new styles, creative projects!

12. 💬 FAQs: Students & Parents Ask...

Q: What if my child makes a small mistake?

A: One or two small mistakes are okay. Exams reward musicality, not perfection.

Q: Can we retake the recording if it’s not perfect?

A: Yes, unless it’s a live online exam. Pre-recorded exams allow multiple takes before final submission.

Q: Why do all exam requirements have to be recorded in a single unedited take?

A: One-take videos help examiners evaluate consistency, focus, and real-world performance readiness - not just polished segments. This preserves the integrity and fairness of the assessment. Recording in a single, unedited take shows that the student can perform all components - pieces, technical work, and supporting tests - in real time, without cuts or retakes. It closely mirrors a live exam and ensures the performance is both authentic and accurately judged.

Q: Can we extend the exam deadline?

A: Most boards offer a flexibility window or allow you to reschedule for the next session, especially in the case of a genuine medical or emergency situation - as long as you provide valid supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s note). However, don’t wait till the last minute - communicate early with your teacher and the exam board to explore your options and avoid unnecessary stress.

🎁 Final Thoughts

Music exams are a celebration of progress, not a pressure test. With structured preparation, a supportive home environment, and guidance from your teacher, your child can enjoy the journey, gain confidence, and grow as a musician.

✨ Whether it’s their first grade or diploma level, a well-prepared student walks away not just with a certificate - but with pride in their artistry.

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About The Author

Padmavathy Divakaran is a distinguished pianist, arranger, and music educator, currently serving as the Director of Aum Piano Studio. Formerly the representative for MTB Exams in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - a globally recognised music education board based in the UK - she has consistently championed excellence in music education. Padmavathy holds a BA (Honours) in Music from Middlesex University, London, and a Diploma in Higher Education – Music from KM College of Music and Technology, Chennai. Her outstanding talent has been recognised through multiple scholarships and awards, including those presented by Dr. A.R. Rahman. As a performer, she has showcased her versatility across classical and contemporary genres, playing with orchestras in both London and Chennai. She was a core member of the Roliwood Seaboard Ensemble, playing a key role in the global launch of the ROLI Seaboard. Her artistry has earned her the honour of performing at prestigious events, including a special performance for Prince William, Simon Cowell, and other notable personalities at The Founders Forum in the UK - a testament to her global reach and artistic impact.