Sight-reading in piano exams: how to prepare
Use the preparation time well, keep the pulse, and run in with six weeks of short daily tests.
Key points
- Spend preparation on key, rhythm and the hardest bar.
- Keep the pulse; never go back.
- Check your board's current syllabus for the exact format.
The sight-reading test in a graded exam is short and predictable in format. What examiners want is generally the same everywhere: a steady pulse, the right key and rhythm, and keeping going.
Formats differ between exam boards and change between syllabuses. Boards such as ABRSM give candidates about half a minute to look at and try out the test before playing it for assessment. Check your board's current syllabus for your grade's exact requirements.
Using the preparation time
- Key and time signature (5 seconds). Find the key-note on the keyboard; touch any black keys.
- Rhythm (10 seconds). Tap or silently count the trickiest bar. This sets your tempo.
- Shape (5 seconds). Where does the melody go? Any hand-position changes or clef changes?
- Try the hard bits (remaining time). Most boards allow you to try out parts; play the hardest bar quietly.
This is the 30-second scan in exam form.
What examiners usually reward
- A continuous, steady pulse, even at a slow tempo.
- Correct rhythm and key.
- Recovery from slips without going back.
- Dynamics and articulation, once the basics are secure.
A 6-week run-in
| Weeks | Daily (10 min) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Two tests a day from a grade below yours; strict 30-second preparation; no stopping |
| 3–4 | Two tests at your grade; record one each day and listen back for pulse |
| 5–6 | Mock tests: someone else picks the piece; you get exactly the preparation time |
On the day
- Choose a tempo you can keep for the hardest bar.
- Count yourself in silently.
- If you go wrong, keep the beat and come in on the next bar line.
