MATSEC SEC Music exam-day guide
MATSEC SEC Music · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Printed entry confirmation / appointment slip
Bring the printed confirmation of your practical exam slot (date, time, venue). If you have not received one, contact your school or the MATSEC Examinations Board well before the exam. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is accepted.
Valid photo identification
Bring the ID document specified in your entry instructions (often a passport or identity card). Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a school ID is sufficient.
Instrument and accessories
Bring your own instrument where permitted, plus reeds, strings, sticks, straps, capo, rosin, valve oil, spare parts, and a small toolkit. Confirm with the provider whether a piano or drum kit is provided and whether you may bring your own.
Music scores and copies
Bring clean, legible copies of all pieces you will perform, including a copy for the examiner if required. Check the syllabus or confirm with the provider whether photocopies are allowed and whether you must use original editions.
Tuning device and spare batteries
A clip-on tuner with fresh batteries is useful for warm-up. Confirm with the provider whether electronic tuning devices may be used in the exam room; if not, tune silently backstage.
Water and a light snack
Stay hydrated and keep energy levels steady. Avoid heavy meals immediately before playing. Check venue rules on food and drink in the waiting area.
Warm-up plan and warm clothing
Prepare a short warm-up routine (scales, long tones, lip slurs, or finger exercises) and bring a layer to keep muscles warm while waiting. Confirm whether a warm-up room is available.
Arrival plan and contact details
Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to allow for registration and settling. Save the venue contact number. Confirm with the provider the exact arrival time and late-arrival policy.
Syllabus and programme list
Bring a copy of the current syllabus and your prepared programme list, clearly showing the pieces, composers, and any chosen options. This helps resolve any administrative queries quickly.
Metronome or tempo reference
If permitted, bring a metronome for backstage preparation. Confirm with the provider whether metronomes or phones may be used in the exam room; usually they are not allowed during performance.
Emergency repair kit
Include spare strings, reeds, a small screwdriver, and adhesive tape for minor instrument issues. Confirm with the provider whether you may leave the room briefly for repairs or whether a steward will assist.
Needs_review: Any required accompaniment or backing track
If your programme includes accompanied pieces, confirm with the provider whether you must bring your own accompanist, whether one is provided, and whether backing tracks are allowed. Do not assume.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact date, time, and venue of your practical exam using your entry confirmation. Check the syllabus requirements for your instrument and grade, including scale and sight-reading components. Run through your full programme in performance order at least twice, recording yourself and noting any persistent issues. Finalise your repertoire choices and ensure all scores are complete and legible. Prepare and pack your instrument case, accessories, and scores. Avoid learning new pieces; focus on polishing and consistency. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Do a light practice session only: warm-ups, slow scales, and a run-through of pieces at a comfortable tempo. Do not overplay. Check transport arrangements and plan your route, allowing extra time for traffic or delays. Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, scores, instrument, accessories, water, and snack. Charge any electronic devices and pack spare batteries. Confirm the weather forecast and choose comfortable clothing. Set two alarms. Eat a balanced meal and avoid alcohol. Aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Do a gentle 10–15 minute warm-up appropriate to your instrument, but avoid heavy practice. Re-check your bag against the checklist. Leave home with enough time to arrive 30–45 minutes early. On arrival, register with the steward, present your ID and confirmation, and ask where to warm up and wait. Use the waiting time for quiet breathing, mental rehearsal, and slow physical warm-ups. Keep your instrument at room temperature and avoid exposing it to drafts or direct sun.
Enter the room when called, greet the examiners politely, and set up your instrument and music stand without rushing. If you have an accompanist, confirm the tempo and starting point quietly before you begin. Perform your programme in the order you prepared, or as directed by the examiner. If you make a mistake, keep going; do not restart unless the examiner asks. Listen carefully to instructions for scales, sight-reading, and aural tests, and ask for clarification if a instruction is unclear. Maintain a steady tempo and clear articulation. At the end, thank the examiners and leave the room quietly. Do not discuss your performance with other candidates in the waiting area.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo identification and your entry confirmation. Candidates without acceptable ID may not be admitted. Confirm with the provider which ID documents are accepted and what to do if you lose your ID.
Arrive at the venue at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled time. Late arrival may result in a reduced mark or refusal to examine. Confirm with the provider the exact late-arrival policy and whether exceptional circumstances are considered.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored out of sight during the exam. Confirm with the provider whether devices may be left with a steward and whether any exceptions apply for tuning devices.
Follow the examiner's instructions at all times. Do not argue with examiners or stewards. If you have a concern about the conduct of the exam, raise it afterwards through your school or the provider's official complaints procedure.
Perform only the pieces and components listed in your entered programme. Substituting pieces without approval may lead to penalties or disqualification. Confirm with the provider the procedure for any last-minute change due to illness or instrument failure.
Breaks are not normally permitted during the practical exam. If you need water or a brief rest, ask the examiner. Confirm with the provider whether any rest breaks are allowed for your instrument or grade.
Scoring is carried out by examiners using the mark scheme in the current syllabus. Marks are awarded for technical control, musicality, sight-reading, aural awareness, and programme presentation as applicable. Do not ask examiners for your mark on the day; results are released through the official channel.
Maintain silence and consideration in the waiting area. Do not discuss or share details of the exam content with other candidates. Breaches of conduct may be reported and could affect your result. Confirm with the provider the full rules on exam conduct and malpractice.