How to Prepare for an Exam Piece

Stage 1 ~ Get the basics right

Basics include the following:

• accuracy of notes (practicing both hands separately and together helps)
• timing and counting (a metronome can be employed for this purpose)
• articulation (slurs, staccato, legato, accent)

Stage 2 ~ Get the dynamics. tempo variations and other performance directions right

At this stage, students need to build in dynamics (i.e loud, soft, crescendo, decrescendo), tempo variations (i.e. ritardanto. accelarando) and other performance directions (eg sustain pedal) in their playing.

Stage 3 ~ Bring the whole piece up to exam speed

Once the student is able to balance the whole exam piece, the last stage will be to bring the whole piece up to exam speed.

Mastering the above 3 stages usually involve months of patient and regular practice.  However, once the student is able to master the exam piece, he or she would have developed a whole new level of skills and techniques.  From my experience a student who can execute all 3 stages well can expect to receive at least a 25 out of 30 for that piece.