Getting down to the crunch time for May/June Royal Conservatory of Music exams. At this point, we want all repertoire and technical exercises “digested”–meaning even if not at tempo or polished, we’re past struggling through the basics: rhythm and pitch. We also understand which aspects of our ear training need spot work. Usually it’s intervals and playback/sing back.
To help guide your practice, here is a task list:
Exam Prep Practice Task List
Piano Technical – Five times per week. (25 minutes)
- Play one sight-reading exercise.
- Play once through each technical exercise at slow enough tempo to warm up & minimize mistakes. Note which exercises need more work.
- Spot work at least 2 technical exercises noted above.
- Workshop newer technical exercises: arpeggios, new keys.
- Login online for ear training – 5 minutes per day.
Three times weekly, play through technical exercises with a metronome, aiming to increase to marked tempo. This is to practice playing evenly.
Piano Repertoire – Five times per week (20 minutes)
- Play through each song once, at a tempo that allows you to minimize mistakes. Note which areas need more work.
- Each practice period, spot work difficult areas in one song.
- Each practice period, workshop one song.
- Ensure you listen to each song on your playlist while driving, doing homework etc.
Vocal Technical – Five times per week
- Sing along with exercises I sent.
- Practice each exercise using a random starting note you select at the piano, a capella (on your own, to see if you remember the technical exercise).
- Isolate one exercise that is more difficult, to do spot work.
Vocal Repertoire –
- Listen and sing each song once per day, while following along the sheet music to learn your entrances.
- Read through lyrics of songs in foreign languages, following along with any practice tracks I have recorded for you.
Print & keep in your music practice area! On the piano. On the fridge if your parents help you track your work.
Slow and steady does the job!
Kind regards, Rosanna