Preparation for grade exams
Many students decide to take grade exams, as they offer an opportunity to get an internationally recognised qualification and feedback from experts. Of course, they are not compulsory, but if you decide to take exams, we offer additional services to help you shine on the day and get a good mark.
MOCK EXAMS
Mock exams are hugely beneficial in helping students feel well-prepared, confident and ready for the big day and we recommend all candidates to have a mock exam before the official event.
You will experience performing all the elements of your exam in an exam-like scenario. It will be a great test of how well prepared you are, and you will also receive written feedback based on ABRSM or Trinity College exam marking criteria, commenting on tone quality, musical shaping, rhythm, tempo, technical ability and overall performance.
Why and when you should do a mock exam
It is the best thing you can do to help you get ready for the real thing – a mock exam will help you feel more relaxed on the day. You should plan your mock exam a few weeks ahead of the actual exam day to allow some time for tweaking and to overcome any problems that you might have.
We host all our mock exams on a grand piano in our Sherington Road Studio in Charlton.
MOCK EXAMS FEES (all grades)
30-minute appointment: £40
45-minute appointment: £55
The fee covers the mock exam itself, and you will also receive written feedback and verbal feedback from our Head Tutor, Andrea. In the remaining time you can work with Andrea on any of your pieces or get some valuable tips on aural / sight-reading.
2023/24 Accompaniment Fees
Grades 1 – 2: £80 (30-minute rehearsal + exam)
Grades 3 – 5: £100 (45-minute rehearsal + exam)
Grades 6 – 8: £120 (60-minute rehearsal + exam)
The fee covers:
- One rehearsal will be arranged in advance before the exam day. A pianist will also attend your warm-up session before the exam, so you can have another brief rehearsal on the day.
- All the preparation, travel time, and expenses to the local exam centre (Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in Greenwich, or Blackheath Conservatoire).
- The exam itself.
Additional fees:
Any extra rehearsals and aural sessions are charged at £30 for 30 minutes.
PIANO ACCOMPANISTS
Our tutors regularly play for students taking grade exams at the Blackheath Conservatoire and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in Greenwich.
Accompanying a well-prepared student is very straightforward. It usually requires one rehearsal ahead of the exam, but you can book more than one if you wish to rehearse more. We can also cover some aural training in your rehearsal time, as this is something that many instrumentalists find very useful.
You will need to provide original piano parts. However, we will have all the necessary materials for aural training if required.
Please email [email protected] to enquire about our accompanist availability.
*If you require an accompanist for an exam centre more than 3 miles away from Blackheath or Greenwich, we recommend looking for an accompanist locally in that area. We may still be able to do it, but there would be an additional charge to cover the travel time and expenses.
You can find quite an extensive list of accompanists at www.pianoaccompanists.com.