When to apply for a piano exam

That’s obvious. When the student is ready, right?

But is this how we really operate? I know I usually do things backwards.

We – teacher/student/parent – decide at the beginning of the year that we’ll plan on doing a particular exam in June, or April, or January. We are careful to observe the application deadline – and then work our tails off in the last few weeks to be ready. Panic, even.

This is, of course, how the school systems operate. But we have the luxury of doing things better.

Maybe we could have students learn the material and then apply for whichever exam session comes next. Learn – then apply. Not apply – then learn. Maybe this way, we wouldn’t have to fly on a wing and a prayer.

And what defines ready? In my view:

• the technique 3 notches above minimum speed
• secure aural and sight-reading skills (and others, depending on the exam system)
• a bare minimum of 3 pieces from each list having been learned close to perfection
• most studies having been learned to a playable level
• memorization of list pieces.

Courage may be required to stand up to parents who have an unrealistic time frame. And I’m not suggesting we ditch tangible goals.

But maybe the goal for ready should be the application deadline, rather than the exam dates.

This would relieve much stress and panic on the part of the student, the teacher, the families. It would result in a more polished, and therefore satisfying and enriching, exam experience.

Music, after all, should enrich us, rather than stress us.

________________________________________________________________

Image: Jorge Macchi. Nocturne, variation on Nocturne No. 1 by Erik Satie. 2002. Paper and nails, 20 x 24 in.  Source: Bombsite

Credit for the ideas about applying for exams goes to Judy Elliott – my friend, colleague, and occasional running buddy.