Exam Guidelines
Entering a child for an instrumental exam can often prove to be a daunting experience. A large percentage of parents have themselves never sat an instrumental/vocal exam themselves, so have no concept of what is involved. In this document we hope to answer any questions that may arise in relation to your child being entered for a Guildhall exam through Harrow Music Service.
Entry
When your child and their teacher have decided that they are prepared and ready to take an exam your child will be given a letter outlining all of the details of the exam:
- The grade of the exam (grades 1-8) which the teacher and pupil deem most appropriate at that time.
- The provisional dates that the exam will take place on. n.b. These are only provisional and are subject to change at Trinity Guildhall's discretion.
- The fee for the exam. The fees for the exam are set annually by Trinity Guildhall.
Accompanist fee - The vast majority of exams require a piano accompanist to accompany 2 of the pieces. A fee of £8 is charged by HMS to cover the charge either to provide cover for their instrumental teacher while they accompany your child, or to pay for an external accompanist.
It is very important that the completed entry form is returned to the HMS office by the date shown on the form. This then allows adequate time for the relevant administrative procedures to be carried out.
Preparation
Most exams follow the same format and each pupil needs to prepare for each part of the exam thoroughly:
- Pieces
For each exam the pupil needs to learn two pieces, these are chosen from the relevant syllabus and the service teacher will advise as to which pieces would be best suited to the individual pupil. The majority of the time these pieces will have piano accompaniment. - Study
This is similar to the pieces, but is unaccompanied. - Scales
These will be given to your child by their teacher and they must be learnt from memory (without music). - Aural/Musical Initiative tests
There is an option of which of these tests to do. It is most likely that the teacher will choose the option that is best suited to the individual student.- The aural option consists of a series of tests devised to establish the pupils aural skills.
- The initiative option consists of instrument based tests which include activities such as improvising and composing.
- Viva Voce
The examiner will question the pupil on general musical knowledge and knowledge of rudiments relative to grade taken. The questions are usually based upon the music being performed in the examination. - Reading at sight
Pupils are given a short extract of music in the exam to assess their reading ability. They are allowed a few moments preparation time.
Brass pupils also have to prepare flexibility exercises.
A variety of instrumentalists have to be able to read different clefs for higher exams, teachers will advise on this.
Pupils cannot progress without practising regularly at home. Parents should ensure that their children practise every day when possible, but of course this is even more crucial when a pupil is preparing for an exam. The teacher will advise as to a minimum amount of practice necessary for each individual pupil.
Music
The HMS teacher will give your child a list of music that they need for their exam. Please could you make every effort to purchase this music in plenty of time. Further details of the music required (e.g. publisher details) can be gained from the exam syllabuses click here.
NB: Photocopying of music is breach of copyright and is therefore theft and illegal. If a child takes a piece of photocopied music into an exam the examiner will report the incident and the candidate could be disqualified.
Rehearsal
If you require the services of the accompanist you will be notified of a rehearsal at Harrow Teachers' Centre a few weeks before your childs' exam. This rehearsal will last somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes and will give your child and the accompanist a chance to familiarise performing the pieces together. YOU MUST BRING ALL RELEVANT MUSIC AND PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT MUSIC WITH YOU TO THIS REHEARSAL.
Exam
Prior to the exam the service teacher will give your child a slip which gives time and date of their exam. They must bring this slip with them to the exam.
PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THEIR CHILDREN TO AND FROM THE EXAM CENTRE.
The exams take place at:
Harrow Arts Centre
Uxbridge Road
Hatch End
HA5 4EA
Please arrive at the Arts Centre at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. There is a waiting room and a room where the pupils can warm up and tune up.
If for any reason you are delayed could you try to contact the HMS office to inform them of this on 020 8863 5611 extension 5763.
The exam can last anywhere from 10 - 40 minutes depending on the grade.
Results
Results are sent to the HMS office and during term time can take anywhere from 5 days to a month to arrive. The service teacher will then pass on the results to the pupil at their earliest convenience.
