First music exam questions

[Kidsncats]

DD is taking Grade 1 shortly and I have a few questions.

What should DD wear to the music exam? It's not on a school day so she won't be able to wear school uniform.
Also, her music teacher is accompanying her on the piano, should we buy a gift in recognition of this?
Roughly how long does the exam last?

many thanks.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Unless she is singing she should wear whatever she wants to.

If she is singing she should avoid any clothing that can be nervously fiddled with (long handkerchief hem cardigans, anything with dangly cords etc)

[JulieMichelleRobinson]

She can wear anything she likes, though I think a good impression can make you feel more confident - sometimes comfortable is best, depending on the student. It won't make any difference to the marks unless you're doing one of the performance/recital type exams (as opposed to regular grades) where you get marks for 'presentation,' which might include dress.

If it's her school music teacher accompanying, he/she wouldn't expect a gift but it might be a nice gesture; if it's her instrumental teacher nothing would be expected.

I can't remember exactly how long is scheduled for grade 1, but it's under 15min. You should be at the venue 30min before the time, as a rule of thumb.

[JulieMichelleRobinson]

Clothes wise, last exam session I was involved in the students were wearing everything from sparkly party dresses to jeans and trainers; I asked my students to wear 'nice' clothes, but it's up to them what they think fits that bill.

[chocoluvva]

The exam itself will take 10 mins.

She can take wear anything she likes.

[YeGodsAndLittleFishes]

Mine have worn smart jeans and long sleeved top to any music exam (when not in uniform).

Tutors have always charged me for accompanying. It's always been £10.

[Kidsncats]

Many thanks for the replies!
DD will be relieved that I won't be putting her in a dress!
Thanks again.

[Wafflenose]

Yep, she can wear anything. I was a bit shocked when one of my teenag e pupils turned up in dungaree shorts, ripped red tights, boots with non-matching laces and a floppy hat... but she was just expressing herself and her unusual appearance didn't affect her exam one bit.

A card for the teacher might be a nice gesture. I never expect anything at all when I accompany my pupils, but a few have written thoughtful cards. :)

[Theas18]

Wear what she likes and is comfy in..

Check the board website for duration but it'll be 10 mins approx. be early, but be expected to wait too, some examiners are terrible time keepers and get chatting etc!

Accompanist - card/flowers/wine is always nice, but also check there isn't a fee?...we have a professional accompanist we use now but dh did most of the exams till some of the grade 7/8 stuff was incredibly hard!

[LilyBolero]

Dress: whatever she is comfortable in. It makes no difference at all.

Timing; 12 mins in the room, leave plenty of time before for parking etc. I would aim for 15-20 mins warm up time.

Good luck!