QCAA Music exam-day guide
QCAA Music · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID (e.g., driver licence or passport). If you are unsure which forms of ID your school or venue accepts, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Confirmation of your practical assessment details
Know your allocated time, venue, instrument/voice, and any ensemble or accompaniment arrangements. If any detail is unclear, confirm with the provider.
Printed or written performance program/set list
If your syllabus requires a program or statement of repertoire, prepare it in the required format. Check the exact requirements with your teacher or confirm with the provider.
Scores and charts for accompanists or panel
Bring clean copies of your music for any accompanist and, where required, for the assessment panel. Confirm the required number of copies with the provider.
Instrument, accessories, and spares
Pack your instrument, reeds, strings, sticks, cables, capos, tuner, and spare consumables. Label cases and check that everything works before leaving.
Backing tracks or technology, if permitted
If you use backing tracks or electronic equipment, bring them on a clearly labelled device with a backup copy and test playback in advance. Confirm permitted formats and equipment with the provider.
Water and a small snack
Stay hydrated and keep energy steady, especially if you perform later in the day. Check venue rules on food and drink.
Warm-up plan and materials
Bring what you need for a short physical and aural warm-up. Ask about available warm-up space and time, or confirm with the provider.
Performance attire
Choose clothing that is comfortable, allows free movement, and meets any school or venue dress expectations. Avoid anything that restricts breathing or playing.
Arrival plan and contact details
Plan your route, allow extra travel time, and save the venue contact number. Confirm reporting time and location with the provider if unsure.
Medical or access requirements
If you need adjustments, rest breaks, or access support, make sure arrangements are already agreed. If not, contact the provider as early as possible.
Calm-down and reset routine
Have a simple routine for nerves, such as slow breathing, a short walk, or a quiet focus phrase. Practise it before the day so it feels familiar.
Plan the day
Run full mock performances under timed conditions, ideally with an audience or recording device. Review recordings for tempo, intonation, balance, and stage presence, then fix only the highest-priority issues. Confirm all logistics: time, venue, accompanist, equipment, and transport. Reduce heavy practice in the last 24 hours to avoid fatigue or injury, and prioritise sleep.
Do a light, confident run-through of your program without over-practising. Check and pack your instrument, accessories, ID, music, attire, water, and any technology. Rehearse your warm-up and reset routine. Confirm reporting time and travel plan, set alarms, eat well, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Do a short, gentle warm-up rather than a long practice session. Arrive early with time to register, set up, and settle. Use calm breathing and your reset routine, and avoid last-minute changes to your program or equipment.
Follow the panel's instructions, state your name and program if asked, and set up efficiently. Focus on communicating the music rather than on mistakes; if something goes wrong, recover and continue. Maintain stage presence between items, acknowledge the panel politely, and leave the space tidy when finished.
Rules to check
Bring the identification and materials required by your school or venue. If you are unsure what counts as acceptable ID or documentation, confirm with the provider.
Follow all instructions from supervisors and the assessment panel, including reporting times, room access, and equipment setup.
Use only equipment, backing tracks, and technology that are permitted for your assessment. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, confirm with the provider before the day.
Maintain academic integrity: your performance must be your own work, and any accompaniment or collaboration must follow the rules set by your school or authority.
If you need a rest break, access adjustment, or other support, request it in advance or ask a supervisor on the day. Specific break entitlements should be confirmed with the provider.
Do not discuss or share details of assessment tasks with other candidates in a way that could give an unfair advantage.
Scoring is based on the criteria and descriptors set by the authority for your practical assessment. Ask your teacher to explain the criteria, and confirm any scoring questions with the provider.
If illness or an unexpected event affects your performance, tell a supervisor or your school as soon as possible. The process for special provisions should be confirmed with the provider.