Help!

[harris27]

hi,

i am going to be taking my grade 1 test soon, i am quite comfortable playing music and ok reading it but i am scared incase i mess up in front of the examiner! whats it like ? and any tips for improving my sight reading?

[pianoplayer88]

First of all, about the sight reading...I don't really have any trouble with that, but take it slow and always look ahead at what's coming next. As for the test, just relax and try to pretend your examiner isn't even there. And do your best!
Good luck!

[shingo]

Hi,
     Although it is easier for me to say this when I am not in your position, you must make sure to relax. Obviously a bit of natural adreneline is usefful and will keep you alert and on your toes but too much worrying will be detrimental and actually increase the chances of you messing up. Like Pianoplayer88 said above try and imagine they are not there and you are playing on your own as you do at home.
     I am most nervous playing something new for my teacher as I know him well enough to be embarassed by my performance and want to impress etc.  At least in an exam you do not know the people and not likely to see them afterwards.
     Good luck!

[keypeg]

Before I did my first exam I lined up some teddy bears to observe me.  A fat pillow was the examiner. When I got comfortable being examined by the teddy bears I enlisted the help of my best friend. She looked suitably stern and asked me serious question in an intimidating voice.  The examiner was much nicer, rather kind, and did not look like a teddy bear.

[guendola]

Don't think about nervosity. You will be nervous anyway, see it happen as expected and then concentrate on music. Unfortunately there is no magic formula, but this comes close to it, but it needs a bit of practise:

First rule above all:

You will enjoy exactly what you will focus on. So rather enjoy the performance than stage fright.

[pianochick93]

When I went for my first exam in many years, I was nervous too. After I got into the feel of my pieces, I completely (well almost) forgot that the examiner was there, and just concentrated on the music. I lost myself in it, and I heard everything as it should be. I stuffed up a few times, but still passed with an pretty good mark.

You'll be fine. Don't stress yourself out too much, and don't get so nervous that you will freeze up, if you do that, then you will be in trouble.
As many people have said, being nervous is natural, if you weren't nervous, I'd be surprised. The trick is to keep it under control, and once your in there and playing, quit worrying, because even if you do stuff up, worrying wont prevent it.

Good luck Harris!