Disadvantages to Taking Music Exams

Although there are many benefits to taking music exams, there are some disadvantages:

• Focus of lessons can become narrow.  Rather than teaching a well rounded program and developing a well-rounded musician, often times the lesson will focus on passing the exam, rather than creating a musician
• Exams can be stressful if the child is not fully prepared.
• A restricted syllabus (curriculum) can be very limiting to a child's imagination and may lead to boredom.
  
• A few parents use exams to watch their child shine and enjoy the reflected glory.  They become obsessed with their child passing exams and their child excelling.  This can lead to unrealistic expectations.
• Repertoire can be limiting.  Repertoire for most music examinations are geared to Classical music. Some students will find this limiting, boring and lose their desire for taking lessons.
• A great deal of practise is required to pass an exam.  Practise is essential to pass an exam.  If a regular practise routine is not part of your child's schedule, then don't expect them to take an exam - it's only setting them up for failure.