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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIt probably goes without saying that in order to feel confident for your exam you must be well prepared. We all have different methods that work for us but, however you do it, getting that practice in is very important. It can be hard finding the motivation to practice, or the inspiration to pick up those drum sticks, that guitar, or put your fingers on those keys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of our top tips is to set a timer on your phone. Short and sweet \u2013 maybe 30 minutes if you can manage it! After 30 minutes of uninterrupted focus, take a short break to make a cup of tea, walk round the block, or whatever takes your fancy. You\u2019ll be amazed by how setting the timer really makes you commit to your practice. You might even want to go on for longer \u2013 crazy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Number Two – Positive Mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n You may be thinking, \u201cwell, that\u2019s easier said than done!\u201d, and you\u2019d be right of course! However, it\u2019s really important to view your playing, practicing and performing in a positive light when you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A great tip that we were once told was to keep a little journal where you can write down some of the positive things you have achieved on that day. Maybe you nailed that scale you always have trouble with, or perhaps you smashed the first half of the piece or finally played that rhythm correctly. Whatever it is, if you can focus on the things you\u2019ve achieved, exam prep can feel a lot less overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number Three – Take Regular Breaks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Yes, you heard that right. This is your permission slip to stop practicing! You didn\u2019t expect to hear that, did you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve all been there, where we\u2019ve locked ourselves away for 10 hours, with the aim of doing nothing but practice, practice, practice. We may have done great for the first hour, but for the last nine hours we\u2019ve procrastinated and not made much further progress! <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why taking regular breaks is so important. Stepping away from the practice space will refresh the mind and reduce stress. Just like you might set a timer for your practice, set a timer for breaks too. That way, you won\u2019t cut them short (or extend and take another five minutes, am I right?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number Four – Set Small, Achievable Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n If we look at exam prep as one big task, it feels HUGE. Even learning one piece can seem like a beast if we don\u2019t break it down into smaller parts. Setting large goals like this can also just set ourselves up for failure if we cannot achieve them, which is why setting small goals that are achievable is the way to go! <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, aiming to learn the first four bars is much more manageable, and you are far more likely to succeed and feel positive about your progress. In your next practice session, you can learn the next four and before you know it, the piece is complete!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping a Practice Diary is a good way to keep track of your goals and progress. Check out our Practice with Purpose Diary here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rs-event.sg\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image.png\")
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