HAVO Muziek exam-day guide
HAVO Muziek · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring a valid ID
Neem een geldig identiteitsbewijs mee (paspoort of ID-kaart). Welk document precies wordt geaccepteerd en of een kopie volstaat, moet je bevestigen bij je school of exameninstelling (needs_review).
Know your candidate number and exam schedule
Note your kandidaatnummer and the exact time and room of your practical exam. Times can differ from the central written timetable; confirm the details with your school (needs_review).
Bring your own instrument if required
For a practical music exam you often perform on your own instrument. Confirm with your school whether you must bring it, whether a piano or drum kit is provided, and what you must arrange yourself (stands, cables, pedals) (needs_review).
Prepare and label your sheet music and programme
Bring clean copies of the pieces you will play, clearly labelled with title, composer and your name. Check with your teacher whether a programme overview or repertoire list must be handed in (needs_review).
Bring any backing tracks in the agreed format
If you play with a backing track, bring it on a clearly labelled USB stick and, as a backup, on a second device. Confirm the required audio format and playback equipment with your school (needs_review).
Check instrument accessories and cables
Spare strings, reeds, sticks, picks, a tuner, a capo, instrument cables and a power adapter if you use effects. Test everything at home before the exam day.
Warm up before you enter the room
Plan a short warm-up (scales, breathing, tuning) so you start relaxed. Arrive early enough to tune and set up without rushing.
Know the room and set-up procedure
Ask in advance where you wait, how much time you get to set up, and whether sound checks are allowed. These practical arrangements differ per school; confirm with the provider (needs_review).
Prepare for theory or listening components
Some practical exams include questions about your repertoire or a short listening/theory part. Ask your teacher what is expected so you are not surprised (needs_review).
Bring water and a quiet snack
A small bottle of water and something light help your voice and concentration. Avoid heavy meals just before playing or singing.
Leave valuables and phone according to the rules
Phones and smart devices are usually not allowed during the exam. Confirm the school's rule on phones, bags and storage (needs_review).
Plan the day
Do a full run-through of your programme in the order you will perform it, including tuning and set-up. Time it and note where you hesitate or run out of breath. Fix only small, safe details now; do not change your programme or instrument settings at the last minute.
Check all practical materials: sheet music, backing tracks, cables, spare strings or reeds, tuner and ID. Make a packing list and put everything in one bag. Confirm the exam time, room and what the school provides (needs_review).
Do a second run-through, preferably for a listener, and practise starting each piece from the beginning and recovering from a small mistake. Rehearse your spoken introduction if you have to announce your pieces.
Do a light rehearsal only: warm-up, slow passages and first bars of each piece. Avoid heavy practice that tires your voice, lips or hands. Check transport and travel time, and set out clothes and your bag.
Prepare a calm evening: eat normally, limit caffeine and screens, and get enough sleep. If you sing, avoid shouting and smoky or very dry environments.
Eat a normal meal, do a short warm-up at home, and arrive well before your time. Tune your instrument and check your materials once more. Keep talking to a minimum if you sing.
Set up calmly, tune, take a breath and start when you are ready. If something goes wrong, keep going and pick up at the next bar. Follow the examiner's instructions about order, repeats and stopping; answer questions about your repertoire clearly and briefly.
Pack your materials, thank the examiners and leave quietly so others are not disturbed. Do not try to negotiate your mark in the room; ask your teacher afterwards how and when results are announced (needs_review).
Rules to check
Follow the school's instructions on identification and registration. Bring valid ID and your candidate number; confirm with the provider which documents are required (needs_review).
Phones and other smart devices must normally be switched off and stored out of reach during the exam. Confirm the exact rule with your school (needs_review).
Perform only the repertoire you registered or agreed with your teacher. Substituting pieces or instruments without permission can affect your assessment; confirm the procedure with the provider (needs_review).
Treat examiners, staff and other candidates with respect. Do not disturb exams in adjacent rooms, and keep quiet in waiting areas.
Breaks and waiting arrangements differ per school. Ask in advance whether you may leave the room between components and where you should wait (needs_review).
Scoring is done by the examiners according to the official assessment criteria for the practical component. Do not ask for a mark in the room; results and appeal procedures run through your school (needs_review).
Bring only what you need for your performance. Confirm with the provider whether bags, notes or a phone may be kept with you or must be left outside (needs_review).
If you are ill or unable to attend, contact your school immediately. Rules on illness, resits and special arrangements are set by the provider; confirm them rather than assuming (needs_review).