With fear in my heart and willing my feet to move each step, I'd tentatively walk into the exam room. The whole time the thought, 'Why didn't I practice more? Why didn't I practice more?' would scurry through my head and taunt me as I approached the bench.
Trying to make up for my less than adequate amount of practice I'd try to make eye contact with the examiner and with a big smile say, 'Hi.' while trying desperately to project more confidence than I had. And, it never hurts to make a good first impression. All the while, not fooling her/him in the least!
It was now or never baby. Bring it on! Anything but B-.....sending up a quick arrow prayer, 'Please not B-. Anything but B-'
And then she would begin. The ‘Examinator' (as one young exam student once called Sharon) would request, 'B- formula pattern please.' Ugh!!! And we were off!
****
Now, if you haven't gone through the experience of a piano exam, I'm sure you can relate these feelings to some other experience in your life. A school exam, job interview or something of the like.
One of my greatest faults in life is that I am a procrastinator! If I can put it off, I will. If I can't put if off, I still do! Practicing for lessons and in turn preparing for exams was no exception to the rule. There were a couple of years when I had a little more dedication and put the time into it but believe me, those times were few and far between!
These days as the tables have turned and I am now the piano teacher, I sometimes wonder if lightning will strike as I challenge my students to practice more! Having seen the added challenges procrastination and lack of practice can cause, I hope to encourage my students to prepare early and learn better practice habits from the beginning. I'm hoping to have a 2nd chance at this and teach Hannah from a young age how to better plan out her time. I'm hoping to teach her from the mistakes I've made which I guess is a common parenting tool.
Without further adieu, I give you the examiners I had the privilege of driving to the examination centre each day and getting to know while we were in Calgary. See, they're not so scary! In fact, we had a lot of fun together and some great new friendships were formed! Marilyn, Joan and Brian - Hope to see you again sometime!
PS - Between you and me, I'd rather chauffer these examiners than play for them any day! Even though we became friends, I'm sure you'd still find me trembling at the piano! :o)
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