Introduction: Why exams and competitions matter
If you have budding musicians in your life, you know that preparing for exams or competitions can be stressful for the whole family. Exams provide snapshots of how well a student copes under pressure, and while the process can feel like a make-or-break moment, it also helps build discipline, structure and transferable life skills.
What exams offer—and who benefits
Exams and graded assessments motivate regular practice and give learners a clear goal. They can broaden a musician’s repertoire by guiding the pieces and techniques needed to progress. For motivated players, success on an exam or in a competition can encourage continued growth and resilience. In Australia, common pathways include AMEB, ABRSM and Suzuki methods, spanning beginner to advanced levels and carrying recognition within the music community.
How judges view performances: beyond accuracy
Contrary to popular belief, examiners aren’t only looking for perfect notes. They value communication—the ability to convey musical ideas and emotion. As Tim Li notes, the best performances often shine when the musician connects with the music rather than fixating on technical perfection.
Practical tips for parents and caregivers
- Frame the experience positively: focus on effort and growth, not only results. Phrases like “I love hearing you play” or “I can hear how hard you’re working” reinforce a healthy mindset.
- Normalize practice as preparation for real-life performance, not a final judgment. Encourage steady progress and consistent routines rather than last-minute cram sessions.
- Simulate high-stakes moments in low-stakes settings: perform for family, film a rehearsal, or play for friends. This builds familiarity with performance pressure while controlling nerves.
- Encourage a flexible mindset: mistakes happen. Discuss how to recover, keep the tempo, and continue with the music rather than stopping to fix every error.
Managing performance anxiety: practical strategies
Performance anxiety can affect both body and mind, triggering adrenaline, faster heart rate and sweaty palms. The key is reframing the moment as a challenge to access your talents rather than a threat to your self-worth. Experts emphasize:
- Acceptance and re-framing: view the performance as using your best resources at the moment, not proving you’re perfect.
- Psychological preparation: combine regular practice with mental rehearsal—visualize the performance and plan responses to common hiccups.
- Breathing and body regulation: teach slow, diaphragmatic breathing to reduce tension before and during playing.
- Self-kindness: avoid harsh self-critique. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
What to do during a performance
When things go wrong on stage, staying calm is crucial. Persist with the music, acknowledge the moment, and move on. This resilience is learned through practice that includes handling slips without stopping the flow of music.
What if things don’t go as hoped?
Failing an exam or not winning a competition isn’t the end of the road. It offers a rich learning opportunity and builds resilience. As experts remind us, many successful musicians thrive without a formal exam path. What matters is the ongoing love of making music and the support to keep learning.
Creating a healthy musical journey
Ultimately, exams and competitions are one route among many to musical growth. The goal is to foster curiosity, confidence and lifelong musicianship. By balancing structured goals with compassionate coaching, you help young artists develop skills that extend far beyond the recital hall.
