Nervous for a Piano Examination!

Hey,

I have a RCM piano exam next Friday for grade 9, and I'm extremely nervous! Does anyone know little things I can do pre-exam to calm myself down? I did an exam last year for grade 8 and I was sweating and shaking but I did pass with a reasonable result. Except this year I've only memorized two of the four songs and I'm not even ready for scales!

I know that some professional classical musicians take anti-anxiety drugs to calm their nerves for a performance.

It seems like learning to calm yourself during a performance would be one of the first things a good teacher would teach.

I would say go to a therapist and do some biofeedback training and possibly consider takings meds if all else fails. 

At least you don't forgot the notes during the middle of the performance! I always found that I played a piece a thousand times worse and mechanically when people were watching as opposed to playing it alone.

I have had extensive musical training.  I do not recommend taking anti-anxiety drugs though.  Something I did to calm my nerves was a breathing exercise.  It slows your heart down a bit and helps calm you down.  Try this:

Breath in for 4 seconds.  Hold that air in for 4 seconds.  Blow the air out for 4 seconds.  Stay empty for 4 seconds.  Repeat that several times.  If needed, you can do it for 5, 6, 7, or more if you can sustain it.

I do agree w/ fortius that your teacher should teach you calming methods.  Good luck!!

Thank you fortius & inlove07! I will definately try the breathing excersize :)