I, for one, do not like exams. However, when the time comes, you still have to do your bit to achieve a certain grade to know your level and standing. For those who have had the chance to sit for exams from a distance, especially in an uncertain situation like what we’re facing now, I think you’d get the drill. But what about the practical component of one’s music exam?
In the past, as a candidate, you’d just drive to your location (I remember mine was a hotel) without much thinking. Today, there’s a slightly different feeling, mood and scene, especially when you have to present your best through audio-visual means – without the examiner there and then instructing you to proceed accordingly or repeat certain parts.
Speaking to one of the candidates who had this arrangement, as per necessary by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in the UK, here are some of the parts that I thought are worth highlighting.
Given the current wobbly situation affecting many around the world, many institutions have resorted to switching the mode of examination. The easiest way is to have it online, provided students/candidates have access to the Internet as well as recording equipment, where necessary.
- For the practical part of the music exam, in addition to doing the required preparation on the student’s part, the music instructor/teacher is now requested to send a video recording of the student performing the pieces. Due to the slightly different nature of exam, certain parts of the exam have been eliminated and replaced accordingly. This applies to students doing exams remotely.
- Students have the flexibility of submitting a date (through the official online booking of exams site) for exam as well as are allowed to have their performance recorded as many times (up to the chosen date) and don’t necessarily have to perform live on the date chosen and submitted.
- To facilitate registration, candidates are requested to create and register their accounts with the relevant exam board.
- Students and teachers must ensure that video recordings are done in a single take until they have fulfilled the requirements in terms of number of pieces to be played.
- During performance, all other non-candidates are requested to be out of the video view. This is unless the candidate is below 18 or is accompanied by another instrument player. Nevertheless, the focus should be on the main instrument and the candidate him/herself.
- Video recordings can be done via most popular smart devices including the smartphone and laptop.
- There are video file sizes and formats to adhere to.
- For keyboard instruments (like the piano), the whole keyboard should be within sight, including the pedals.
- Compared to previous in-person exams where only general comments are given on overall performance, this mode of exam will see marks also being awarded for the candidate’s overall performance.
- As per tradition, the maximum number of marks a candidate can score is 150.
