The ABRSM Exam in Singapore: Why You Should Consider Taking Them
What are the Benefits of the ABRSM Exam?
There is more to it than just boasting the results of the ABRSM exam; you grow as an individual and as a musician. Furthermore, it can elevate your career chances to succeed in the music industry. There are many ways to look at the situation, but here are the top 5 reasons why you – or your child – should take the ABRSM exam:
1. Set a goal and motivation for the musician
Having a goal in your career help build motivation to keep progressing, the ABRSM exam provides every music student with a clear direction and goal that can help them build their path to the professional world.
2. Develops all-round musicians with interlocking skills
Simply participating in the musical activity is perfectly worthwhile, but progress is the key to unlocking valuable interrelated skills.
To begin progressing in music skills, one has to challenge themselves. An efficient way to do so would be by taking the ABRSM exam. Not only will these skills aid in music-making, but they can also be practical as one goes through life.
3. Promotes holistic musicianship
The most taken exam is the Music Performance exam out of the vast variety offered. Available for over 35 instruments and organized progressively from Grades 1 through 8 with no age restrictions, the exam assesses a range of practical skills, including one’s listening ability. Both children and adults alike are welcome to take on the challenge to grow into the best versions of themselves.
An advantage of this exam is that students can begin at any grade desired and are permitted to skip levels as and when needed.
4. Specifically designed to motivate musicians of all ages and levels
While it may be regarded as a ‘resume booster’, the ABRSM exam in Singapore is curated to drive musicians to achieve greatness – regardless of age and level. This is vital in cultivating a musician’s sense of self-confidence and in demonstrating their musical ability with a trustworthy international standard of musicianship.
Additionally, the one-on-one positive and helpful feedback individuals receive from expert professionals at the end of the exam serves as valuable motivation for them to grow and further develop their skills. Since the exam is all about assessing one’s quality of music-making, it acts as an excellent opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their musical knowledge and talented musicality.
5. Inspire achievement in the art of music
One of the missions and the primary aim of the ABRSM is to inspire achievement by guiding the student’s musical progress, developing and strengthening their musical skills, and providing realistic, long-term goals for their musical journey. In support of music-making as well as learning across the globe, its concept of high-quality music learning inspires students to be the next best musician in Singapore through the guidance of their development and by nurturing a deeper love and appreciation of music in them.
Tips on acing the ABRSM Exam
As you might know, practicing for an exam is not the same as practicing for a lesson. When practicing for lessons, the chances of you having to stop and correct as you go along are much higher; seeing as the primary purpose of learning in lessons is to improve. When practicing for the ABRSM exam, however, you would ideally want to allow yourself to experience the feeling of performing so that it starts to become more natural and normal. That said, nerves might start to take over as you think of the judges watching you play.
Here are 3 valuable tips to keep with you when practicing for the next ABRSM exam in Singapore:
1. Run your pieces through
Finding opportunities to run your pieces through prior to the ABRSM exam is an excellent way to improve while building your confidence at the same time. Be it mock exams or performances, playing through without stopping to correct your mistakes is valuable in helping you mentally and physically prepare for the actual exam.
2. Record and review your mock performance
As you look back at your mock performance, it is best to observe the parts that went well and those that did not so that you can enhance your performance in the following practice and mock performance. This way, you can keep track of your progress while keeping tabs on what needs to be improved.
In addition, it would be best to keep in tune with how you are feeling as you perform and take note of whether you feel rather nervous. This way, when it comes to the actual ABRSM exams, you are well-versed in managing your nerves.
3. Additional things that may be of help
Suppose you find yourself nervous to the point physical manifestations start to appear, such as sweaty palms and the familiar butterflies in your stomach. In that case, there are several things you can focus on that can help you calm those nerves and ace the ABRSM exam:
- Eat healthily and always stay hydrated
- Complete breathing exercises
- Have enough rest
- Focus on your music, and refrain from overthinking it
