HSC Music Extension exam-day guide
HSC Music Extension · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed copy of your performance program and running order
Prepare a clean list of every piece or excerpt you plan to perform, with composer, duration and order. Some providers require this to be lodged in advance; confirm the required format and deadline with the provider.
Original scores or lead sheets for each work
Examiners commonly expect to see scores or charts for the works you perform. Bring clean originals or clearly legible copies, and check whether photocopies are permitted.
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID such as a passport or driver licence. Check exactly which documents your provider accepts, as rules vary.
Your own instrument and all accessories
Include reeds, strings, rosin, capo, tuner, metronome, spare cables, picks, drumsticks and any instrument-specific spares. Label cases with your name and candidate number.
Backing tracks and playback device
If you use backing tracks, bring them on two separate devices or media formats, plus any adapters or cables needed. Confirm with the provider whether backing tracks are allowed and how they must be submitted.
Water and a light snack
Keep hydration and energy steady across the day; avoid heavy meals immediately before performing.
Warm-up materials
Bring scales, technical exercises or a short warm-up routine you can run quietly in a designated space without disturbing other candidates.
Performance attire
Choose clothing that is comfortable, allows full movement for your instrument, and meets any presentation expectations. Avoid anything that restricts breathing or arm movement.
Arrival and venue details
Save the address, parking or transport plan, check-in time and contact number. Arrive with buffer time for instrument setup and tuning.
Candidate number and paperwork
Know your candidate number and bring any forms the provider has asked you to submit on the day. Confirm with the provider what must be handed in versus retained.
A written run sheet with timings
Note the duration of each work, setup changes and total program length so you can manage pacing and transitions confidently.
A short post-performance reflection
Some courses require you to discuss or justify your program choices. Prepare a few sentences on interpretation and repertoire decisions in case you are asked.
Plan the day
Lock the program and running order; do not add new repertoire. Run two or three full timed performances in the intended order, including setup and transitions, and record them for review. Fix only small, high-value issues such as tempo choices, page turns or intonation in exposed passages.
Confirm logistics: venue, arrival time, parking, instrument transport, backing-track requirements and any paperwork. Re-read the provider's examination guidelines and check whether scores must be lodged in advance. Confirm any uncertain requirement with the provider.
Protect your instrument and body. Replace worn strings or reeds, check spare accessories, and keep practice moderate rather than explosive. Prioritise sleep and avoid long, fatiguing sessions in the last two days.
Do a light run-through of starts, endings and the trickiest transitions rather than a full performance. Practise your spoken introduction or program explanation if one is expected. Confirm your travel plan and pack the instrument case, accessories, ID, scores and backing tracks.
Eat normally, hydrate, and stop heavy practice early enough to sleep well. Avoid trying to change technique or interpretation at this stage; confidence in settled decisions is worth more than late adjustments.
Eat a normal meal, warm up gently at home if time allows, and arrive early enough to check in without rushing. Tune carefully, set up your equipment, and test any backing-track playback in the space if permitted. Confirm with the provider whether a practice room or warm-up area is available.
Begin when the examiners indicate. Perform in your planned order, keep transitions calm and deliberate, and recover from slips by continuing rather than restarting unless the guidelines allow it. Manage your pacing so the final work is not rushed or underprepared.
If you are asked questions about your repertoire or interpretation, answer concisely and refer to your musical decisions. At the end, thank the panel, collect your belongings and instrument, and leave quietly without disrupting other candidates.
Rules to check
Follow the provider's directions about check-in, waiting areas and when you may enter or leave the examination space. Do not enter before you are invited.
Bring and present the identification and candidate documentation your provider requires. If you are unsure what is accepted, confirm with the provider before the day rather than assuming.
Keep all devices silent and out of sight unless they are being used for an approved backing track. Do not record the examination unless you have explicit permission.
Stay within the allotted performance time and program requirements. Confirm with the provider how timing is measured and what happens if you exceed the limit.
Restart or stop only in line with the published guidelines. Unless the rules allow it, treat the performance as continuous and keep going through minor errors.
Do not discuss or share examination content with other candidates during the examination period. Respect the confidentiality expectations set by the provider.
Take breaks only when directed. If you feel unwell, tell a supervisor or examiner immediately rather than continuing unsafely.
Understand that marks are awarded against the published criteria, including performance accuracy, interpretation, technical control and program presentation. Confirm the exact weightings and criteria with the provider, as they are not uniform.
Treat examiners, supervisors and other candidates courteously. Disruptive or unsafe behaviour may be handled under the provider's misconduct rules, which you should confirm in advance.