AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ROLE AS A MUSIC SCHOOL IS TO BE ABLE TO MEASURE A PUPILS PROGRESS. NZ MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC DOES THIS THROUGH THESE THREE ELEMENTS, WHICH ALLOW PUPILS TO GAIN QUALIFICATIONS FOR THEIR MUSIC DEVELOPMENT WHILST ALSO PROVIDNG CONFIDENCE, MOTIVATION, AND DISCIPLINE.
PRACTICAL EXAMS
THEORY EXAMS
AUCKLAND COMPETITIONS
Practical Exams: 23rd - 27th August 2023 Somervell Presbyterian Church
Practical Exams are held annually and are designed to measure a student’s ability to play at a certain level. NZ Modern School of Music Practical Exams are designed for Piano, Guitar and Keyboard and encompass a wide range of levels. Practical Exams are important to gauge a students progress, but also for them to be able to be acknowledge that they have achieved a certain level of performance.
For the beginner, we have Pre-Grade Exams. These are split into Initial, Preliminary, Preparatory. This is then followed by Grades 1-8 across the three instruments. In Piano we have Modern Piano Practical Exams, however we also do offer Contemporary Exams for those who wish to follow a more classical style of piano. Below is a table of the exams offered.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY
On the day of the Practical Exam, please arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time. You will be greeted by a NZMSM Team Member who will take your details and ensure everything is correct. Please ensure you have your Syllabus with you. When the Examiner is ready, the NZMSM Team Member will take you into the room and introduce you to the Examiner. They are there to make you feel as comfortable as possible, because they would like you to perform at your best. They will guide you throughout the exam. Once finished, you may leave. You will receive your results in approximately a week’s time, and your certificate will arrive in approximately a month’s time.
HOW DO THE GRADES WORK?
When first beginning Practical Exams, it is important to understand that the first three Practical Exams are your beginner exams (Pre-Grades). These are available to all students and are a great way to begin the Practical Exam process. Completion of the Initial, Preliminary and Preparatory will generally take a pupil 3-4 years of tuition. Once they have completed these three exams, you will have a good understanding of the Practical Exam process. Please note that some exams can be skipped if a student is performing well, or if they previously haven’t been involved in the exam process. For example, if a teacher thinks a pupils is at a Preliminary level, they can sit this without completing the Initial Exam.
There is no entry criteria to sit any of the Practical Exams up to Grade 7.
HOW LONG DO THE EXAMS TAKE?
This table shows you the time required for each of the Practical Exams. The first three Practical Exams are 15 minutes each.