EXAMS

Musical examinations provide an opportunity to inspire and motivate students.  Exams are ideal for improving a student’s technique & provide students with a sound musical understanding.  Exams can be offered in theory, performance, leisure or full graded exams that also focus on aural development, sight reading & technical ability.

Selecting a suitable entry grade for students is also an important decision.  Not all students begin playing music at an early age and sometimes a preliminary exam doesn’t seem quite appropriate.  Careful consideration of the student’s knowledge, abilities and expectations should be addressed before enrolling in an exam.

Some students excel when being challenged and other students need to ease into the exam process ensuring that their confidence develops simultaneously. Not taking the time to assess student’s abilities and expectations can adversely affect a student’s love of music and self esteem.

Throughout the examination process students quickly learn the level of effort required to master each skill.  Exams promote steady progress & successful candidates are rewarded for their efforts as they graduate each grade with a certificate of attainment.

Examinations also help to maintain a uniformed standard amongst teachers and students alike, ensuring students are learning and teachers are passing on information correctly.

Examinations are available to all In Tune Music Academy students in both practical & theory streams through both the Australian Guild of Music & Speech (AGMS) & the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB).

Examinations may not be suited to all students and should not be encouraged without commitment from the student, support from their family or before their confidence levels are adequate to cope with the extra workload.  The demands of other extra curricular activities & school commitments should also be taken into account.

It is important for parents to understand what is expected from students entering exams and to be reassured of their child’s ability and requirements if necessary.

It is important that a student’s best interests are at heart when entering exams and that students are not being pressured into an unsuitable level by peers or enthusiastic parents.