VCE Music Inquiry exam-day guide
VCE Music Inquiry · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring current photo identification (e.g., passport, driver licence, or student card). Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a digital copy is allowed.
Exam admission notice or statement of entry
Print or download any admission notice provided. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Instrument(s) and accessories
Bring your primary instrument plus any required accessories (reeds, strings, sticks, rosin, tuner, metronome if permitted, cables, power supply). Label cases. Confirm with the provider whether the venue supplies a piano, drum kit, amplifiers, or music stands.
Printed scores and charts
Bring legible printed copies of all works you will perform or discuss, including any required annotations. Confirm with the provider the exact number of copies and whether photocopies are allowed.
Water and a light snack
Stay hydrated and maintain energy. Choose quiet, non-messy snacks. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the waiting area.
Layer clothing
Venue temperatures vary. Dress comfortably and professionally; layers let you adapt. Confirm with the provider if there is a dress code.
Arrive early (at least 30–45 minutes)
Allow time for registration, warm-up, and settling. Confirm with the provider the exact arrival time and late-arrival policy.
Warm-up plan
Prepare a short, silent warm-up routine (breathing, lip trills, finger stretches, long tones on a practice mute if permitted). Confirm with the provider whether a warm-up room is available.
Know the running order
Have a clear mental or written list of your pieces, keys, tempos, and any transitions. Confirm with the provider if you may bring a set list into the room.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the exam office number in your phone and carry a written copy. Confirm with the provider the best number to call on the day.
Review conduct and equipment rules
Re-read the provider's rules on permitted equipment, backing tracks, page turners, and electronic devices. Confirm with the provider any uncertain points before the day.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue address, arrival time, parking or transport, and what equipment is supplied. Re-read the provider's exam-day instructions and note any items that need clarification. Do a full run-through of your program in performance order, then a slower technical session on difficult passages. Finalise printed scores and charts. Pack instrument accessories and label cases. Reduce heavy practice in the last 24 hours to avoid fatigue. Confirm with the provider any outstanding questions about equipment or room setup.
Light practice only: slow scales, long tones, and a gentle run-through of openings and endings. Check instrument condition (reeds, strings, batteries, cables). Prepare clothes and pack your bag with ID, admission notice, scores, water, and snacks. Set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep. Avoid learning new material. Confirm with the provider the arrival time if you have not already.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Do a short warm-up (10–15 minutes) away from the venue if possible. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. Register, confirm the running order, and locate waiting and warm-up areas. Use the toilet before your slot. Silence your phone and store it as directed. Confirm with the provider where to leave cases and whether a warm-up room is available.
Enter calmly, greet the panel, and set up efficiently. Tune silently if permitted. Perform your program in the order you prepared, or as directed. If you make a mistake, keep going; do not restart unless the panel invites you to. Breathe, maintain posture, and project confidence. Listen carefully to any questions and answer concisely. At the end, thank the panel, pack your equipment, and leave quietly. Confirm with the provider beforehand whether you may ask questions during the test.
Rules to check
Bring current photo ID and any admission notice. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a printed copy is required.
Arrive at the venue at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled time. Confirm with the provider the exact arrival time and the late-arrival policy; do not assume you will be admitted if you are late.
Silence and store all mobile phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices as directed. Confirm with the provider whether any device (e.g., a tuner or metronome app) is permitted in the exam room.
Follow the provider's rules on breaks, water, and leaving the room. If you need to stop during the test, raise it calmly with the panel. Confirm with the provider the break policy in advance.
Perform only the works you have prepared and declared. Do not substitute or add pieces without approval. Confirm with the provider the procedure for any last-minute change.
Treat panel members and venue staff with respect. Do not argue about marks or decisions during the test; use the provider's official review or appeals process afterwards. Confirm with the provider the appeals timeline.
Keep your equipment and scores tidy and labelled. Do not leave valuables unattended. Confirm with the provider whether secure storage is available.
Understand that scoring is based on the provider's published criteria and that examiners' decisions are final unless a formal review is granted. Confirm with the provider how and when results are released.