HSC Music 1 (NSW) exam-day guide
HSC Music 1 (NSW) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed and signed practical examination timetable or appointment slip
Bring the official document showing your allocated practical examination time, venue and candidate number. If you are unsure what document is issued for your exam, confirm with the provider.
Photo identification
Carry current photo ID such as a passport or student card. The exact ID requirements for practical examinations should be confirmed with the provider.
Performance pieces and backing materials ready
Have every piece you will perform rehearsed to performance standard, with any backing tracks or accompaniment parts prepared in the format the provider requires. Confirm accepted file formats and equipment with the provider.
Instrument, accessories and spares
Pack your instrument, reeds, strings, sticks, leads, capos, tuner, metronome and batteries as relevant. Label cases and bring spare consumables (strings, reeds, picks, cables).
Backing tracks and playback device
Bring backing tracks on a labelled device and, where permitted, a backup copy. Confirm with the provider whether you supply your own playback device or the venue does.
Scores or lead sheets for examiners
Prepare clean copies of scores or lead sheets if the syllabus or provider requires them for the examiners. Confirm the required number of copies with the provider.
Water and throat lozenges
Keep hydration and voice care simple: room-temperature water and, for singers, lozenges if you normally use them. Avoid trying new remedies on exam day.
Warm-up plan written down
Write a short warm-up routine for your voice or instrument and know where you can warm up at the venue. Ask the provider in advance about available warm-up spaces.
Arrive early with travel buffer
Plan to arrive well before your allocated time to allow for registration, tuning and settling. Check travel time and parking or transport in advance.
Check instrument and equipment the night before
Test leads, pedals, batteries and backing playback, and tune or service your instrument. Pack everything in one place so nothing is forgotten.
Know the assessment components
Be clear on what is being assessed (performance, composition portfolio or musicology depending on your course pattern) and the weighting. Confirm the exact requirements and weightings with the provider.
Read the practical examination rules
Review the current rules on timing, permitted materials, accompaniment and recording. Confirm the details with the provider rather than relying on second-hand information.
Plan the day
Run full run-throughs of your programme under timed conditions, in the order you will perform. Record yourself and fix only small, high-value issues; avoid major changes to repertoire or technique this late. Rehearse starting and stopping cleanly, recoveries from mistakes, and your spoken introduction if one is required. Check all equipment and backing tracks play correctly, and confirm the venue, arrival time and any instrument or accompaniment arrangements with the provider.
Do a light rehearsal and a full equipment check, then stop heavy practice. Lay out clothes, ID, scores, instrument, accessories and backing tracks together. Charge devices and pack spare batteries. Confirm travel plans and set alarms. Eat normally, avoid strenuous new activity, and get a full night's sleep. Do not cram new repertoire.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and do a gentle, shortened warm-up so you are ready but not fatigued. Arrive early, register as directed, tune and settle. Keep conversation calm and avoid last-minute changes. Use the waiting time for quiet mental rehearsal rather than loud practice.
Follow the examiners' instructions, set up efficiently, and take a breath before starting each item. If you make a mistake, keep going and recover musically rather than restarting unless the rules allow it. Perform to your prepared plan, manage your time across items, and thank the panel at the end. Confirm with the provider in advance how timing and any restarts are handled.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from examiners and venue staff, including registration, waiting areas and when to enter or leave the examination room.
Bring and present the identification and documentation the provider requires; if you are unsure what is required, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Do not use unauthorised materials, devices or assistance during the examination. Confirm with the provider what equipment, backing tracks and accompaniment are permitted.
Keep to the allocated time and the order of items set by the examiners; confirm with the provider how timing is managed and whether restarts are allowed.
Breaks and warm-up arrangements vary by venue; ask the provider in advance about available warm-up space and rest breaks.
Marking is based on the published assessment criteria and weightings for your course; confirm the exact criteria and weightings with the provider.
If illness, injury or misadventure affects your preparation or performance, follow the provider's official procedures promptly rather than deciding on your own; confirm the process with the provider.
Respect other candidates by keeping noise down in waiting areas and not discussing repertoire or results in a way that distracts others.