NCLEX - RN: Use The 3-Step "Narrow Down" Technique To Pass The NCLEX Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination or the NCLEX is a test that is administered for the licensing of nurses in America. If you are an aspiring nurse in the United States, you need to pass the NCLEX. A nurse who fails the NCLEX exam cannot practice his profession. This is why it is important for you to know a certain technique that can help you pass the NCLEX exam.

You might be tempted to read a lot of study materials in preparing for the NCLEX exam. This might be because you believe that this will help you in preparing better for the licensure test. The problem here is you are trying to amass a lot of information in such a limited time. This can lead you to overlook other important topics. You can also read just for the sake of reading without properly understanding what you are studying.

Are you starting to feel pressured now? Don't be! You can focus on reading just one or two references to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam. This will be enough if you know a great technique in helping you pass the NCLEX test. Did I get you excited right there? I surely did, right? Well, I am going to share with you something that can increase your chances of passing the NCLEX exam.

The NCLEX exam is usually given using Computer Adaptive Testing or CAT. This puts more weight on how you analyze various scenarios and on critical thinking rather than your knowledge on theories and concepts. So what does this mean? This only means that I can show you how to pass the NCLEX exam using an effective technique!

You must now really be wondering what technique I am pertaining to. Well, let us cut on the chase, shall we? The technique which you can use when you take the NCLEX exam is known as the 3-step "narrow down" technique. Other people would call this the "elimination method" or simply "elimination". Whatever you want to call this technique, it sure is an effective one!

It is understandable for you to feel stressed when taking the NCLEX exam. Fortunately for you, knowing the 3-step "narrow down" technique can help you manage your stressful moments during the test. I can assure you that you will feel more relaxed knowing that you have an effective technique to help you in answering the difficult NCLEX questions.

Here are the 3 basic and most important things on how to master the 3-step "narrow down" technique:

1. Answer first without taking a peek at the choices. If you look at the choices before answering, this can affect the way you use the 3-step narrow down technique. Instead, try answering without looking at the choices. Look at the choices only after you have made a selection. Compare your answer to the given choices of answers. This is a great way to avoid getting confused with closely related choices.

2. Take note of certain cues which can pinpoint the correct choice. If you encounter a question with choices that are radically opposite or ones that pertain to the same thing, watch out! These are cues which you can take advantage of. Choices with the words "always", "never", "all" and "none" are key word indicators. These can help you narrow down your choices by eliminating those with similar or opposite meanings.

3. Check for more than one correct choices. There are times that more than one answer is correct for a particular NCLEX question. Similarly, there are times that none of the answers is correct Look for the choices "all of the above" or "none of the above" to help you resort to this third step.

Remember these 3 important steps of the "narrow down" technique to help you pass the NCLEX exam.

Discover more of the best NCLEX Review Material. Get more information on NCLEX RN test prep resources today.

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ADHD And Refueling

So one day, my son and I were reviewing his day. He was somewhat frustrated because he again had gotten into some trouble. During a class, he said that he had become bored. He changed his lap top settings to show areas of high interest, including the stock market and flight plans. When the teacher discovered that he was not following along with current content being discussed, he was admonished and sent out of the classroom. He told me that it helped him to move to what he liked and that after he did that, he was able to follow along with better focus. How about that? My fourteen year old son who is struggling to understand himself and how he learns...as well as how he can cope with his ADHD impairments...has figured out the concept of re-fueling! I had read something about this sometime after this happened! Of course I knew that kids with ADHD can certainly hyperfocus on areas of interest. But the fact that it actually gives them the power to better focus on an area that might not be of high interest (at least for a little while), was quite something.

Here is an area where positive reinforcement for our children with ADHD could be used in the classroom. Of course it is understandable that teachers are focused on curriculum. Whether a child's interests are discovered by lap top settings or by inquiry, wouldn't it be great if they and all children could be provided a way to incorporate those interests into requirements of the classroom. Literature talks about the need for positive reinforcement, the need for positive relationships in the child's day, and increased self-esteem. Yes, they need to know that there is work needed that they may not always like or may have difficulty in doing well. But it seems that if their teachers have acknowledged their interests and are willing to support them in some way, then perhaps it is a positive situation: a contribution to a very shaky self-esteem and a building of relationships that promote hard work. The reward, again talked about in the literature as being very important, is a healthy self-esteem.

This leads me to the topic of self-advocacy. Parents and teachers certainly need to teach this since it will be absolutely necessary to know how to self-advocate throughout their lives. We parents who support our children with ADHD need to realize that there will come a time that they need to speak for themselves. Certainly self-advocacy can grow with given opportunities like more flexibility in the classroom.

Karen K Lowry, R.N.,M.S.N.
Parent2Parent Family Trainer for CHADD, Children and Adults with ADHD
Author of book, The Seventh Inning Sit: A Journey of ADHD
ADHD Coach for Teens and College Students

http://EzineArticles.com/6477714

Building Upon The Basics Of Introduction To Business

What students most frequently recall about an Introduction to Business class is the abundance of information they received, on many levels in the profession. Many business owners say that some of the things they learned helped them on the path to the success they attained in their careers. Many have used the skills they acquired to branch out into their own ventures.

The number of areas covered in an Introduction to Business course is what moved many people to choose a career in business. In the class, they learned accounting, bookkeeping, administrative duties, and much more. For prominent head secretaries working for large companies, the skills they learned in the business course helped them climb the ladder of success.

Besides the subjects mentioned above, those who went to school before the advent of computers, learned to type, mastered shorthand, and perfected the art of constructing the business letter. Today, Introduction to Business has replaced shorthand and letter writing with classes focused on computer technology. All businesses are digital now, and learning even the basic computer skills is a huge advantage. Some students have gone on to become computer programmers, while others work in the help desk departments of large businesses.

In an Introduction to Business, students also learn how to budget, manage, and distribute funds. They also learn about supply and demand. They learn techniques in how to attract repeat business from customers. Good business ethics is also a valuable lesson taught in the class.

Once students learn the workings of business from the very top to the very bottom, they will discover there are many different departments within one business that work together to keep it running smoothly. Students may decide to continue on to specialized areas of business, whether in management, finances, human resources, and many more.

All of the skills taught in the class prepare students for many different career choices. It is also a great way to jump-start a student's desire to one day own and run his or her own business. Those students who excel in math may pursue accounting positions or budget management careers. Other students who do extremely well in English can choose careers in advertising or writing copy, product descriptions, or company newsletters.

As with any other area in today's world, technology is the key. Running an entire network of computers for small and big businesses alike is a job custom made for those who want to stay on the cutting edge of new computer technology. Others may find that repairing and fixing computer problems is something they feel they were born to do. Every business has at least one computer, while others have hundreds, and the need for good computer tech people will always be around.

Introduction to Business may be the first taste students receive on the way a company runs and what is involved in the process. They may realize for the first time how many people are involved in running a company and that the choices for careers is this field are endless. Students are able to earn their university degrees though a variety of business school programs.

http://EzineArticles.com/6488817

Educational Toys and Childhood Development

Almost all toys can be described as educational, each offering a physical, sensory or creative aspect from which the child can learn and develop. There are, of course, educational toys out there which have been specially created to help nurture childhood development, designed to support a specific development such as co-ordination or identification.

But why are toys such an important part of childhood development? No child is born understanding the world they're brought in to, so from day one they have to learn what things are and how they work. This makes it important to let children play and explore with everything to help build their knowledge and understanding.

There are a range of educational toys all designed to help with the development of various vital learning skills. For example, infants particularly need sensory products which allow them to experience different textures and noises. These sorts of stimulating educational toys are great for infants to begin to understand how things fit into the world. For example, you will probably notice how babies love to drop and pick up; this is them beginning to understand gravity. Toys such as rattles allow them to find a connection between an action (shaking) and an outcome (noise), with push-pull toys again teaching them that they are initiators.

Toddlers can then build on these foundations, and play with educational toys which help them to imitate more adult skills. Much more physical at this age, toddlers enjoy educational toys which involve co-ordination and experimentation, with it important to encourage understanding of the toys and activity they are taking part in. Allowing toddlers to express themselves, either through arts and crafts or dressing-up, enables them to be creative, and important tool to allow them to independently make choices.

For pre-school and early primary school ages, the encouragement of turn-taking is important, so games should be introduced to allow the understanding of 'fair play' to develop. Much more social at this stage, pre-school children can use educational toys and games to help initiate social interaction, and can also allow parents to really introduce the importance of good and bad behaviour. They are also still building on their understanding of adult skills and knowledge, and enjoy identifying objects from the world around them. Animal and transport toys in particular are favourites amongst this age group, as they help to satisfy the child's curiosity.

Educational toys are important as they allow children to learn as they are having fun. Even as adults, we all know the importance of fun to help encourage interest, and for children nothing is more important than getting them to engage in learning and development. The development of skills such as imagination and creativity are just as important as skills such as fairness and knowing right-from-wrong, so providing children with a wide array of educational toys is essential.

With childhood development taking place from the day they are born, children need toys from day one to ensure they are stimulated and encouraged to learn the next set of skills. All of this helps to make sure that come school-time they are equipped with the basic skills to support their understanding of lesson-based subjects.

Willis Toys was established in 1973 as a manufacturer of quality wooden educational toys. From our offices in Widdington in Essex, we strive to supply schools, shops, kindergartens and institutions with products that satisfy their needs for good quality toys and games with great educational value.

Visit our website at the link above to see our full range of educational toys and puzzles.

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Parents participation in the Classroom

While the teacher training course of early childhood education a childcare professional correctly focuses on the wellbeing and education of young children, over and over again too little attention is paid to the role of parents and family members--both as active participants and as part of the daily curriculum--in the early childhood education classes. After all, frequently the very cause that kids are being cared for outside the residence is because parents are at work (and therefore busy) or desire an outside social and learning experience for their children. However, it is serious to remember that parents are the "experts" on their own children and their company, personally and through every day play and projects, should be viewed as a significant part of a child's achievement. It is very important that families take a vital role, and this can be encouraged by the approach of the childcare expert and the syllabus used in the classroom. Form a family-friendly atmosphere! Simple additions like additional coat hooks and chairs, a message board, or a extraordinary area for family members to settle in and play with or read to a child offer obvious signs of greet. Let parents make out that their being there is likely and esteemed by showing them where books, craft items and toys are stored so they can take part spontaneously. Communicate! Newsletters, emails, weekly notes, parent-teacher conference, and every day conversation will keep parents connected to the classroom and the development of their children. Teachers and parentsshould try at all times to stay linked with one another, sharing any concerns or celebrate any success the children practice.Invite family members straight into the classroom to share hobbies, cultural traditions, unique recipes, family pets, etc. This is not only a magnificent opportunity for the little child to see and take pride in her own family, and a great learning experience for the other children in your care, but it also tells families that their exclusive stories are cherished and valued in the classroom. Establish volunteer and social opportunities for families who have stiff work hours: after-work pot-lucks, craft preparation (which might include cutting or assembling), farming, painting, fundraising, etc. Be imaginative and flexible. Don't assume that a parent who is always in a hurry or barely makes it in on time for pickup is not involved in your program. Offer him a opportunity to help or socialize outside of business hours.During the day you can also bring a child's attention to her family and her place within it by the debate and projects that you take on in the classroom.Here are just of few of countless ways you can get started:Help children make a family tree. For very young children, this "tree" might merely be naming everybody in their immediate households and the others who are exceptional to them--including pets, imaginary friends, and toys!A preschooler might enjoy the challenge of exploring another generation or two and including aunts, uncles, and cousins. Keep the tree simple and uncluttered and refer back to it regularly as a source of discussion. Update the trees with the births of siblings and cousins as the children share family news.Using a small box or container covered in attractive paper, help every child craft a photo box with images of his home and family. This "family box" can beused to assist calm a child in need of console or as a tool to begin discussions precise to the child's home wellbeing.Read good books! There are lots of, many excellent children's books that affirm the diversity of today's families. Recognize when choosing readingmaterial that not every child may live in a traditional household, and make sure that your library reflect this. Choose books that symbolize a range of family types, including children living with grandparents or sole heads of household, interracial families, foster families, etc. Be responsive to family
variety with any classroom project you undertake, but know that books give you a unique opportunity to legitimize and support all families.
Helping the children in your program acknowledge and rejoice differences and
similarities among families will assist them create self-worth, confidence, and healthy self-identity. So take the time to get to know your families. It will be a magnificent learning experience for everybody!

Would you like to learn more about
corporate training? John Cruser from Prism Technologies is helping people to achieve with Corporate training. Soft skills Trainingfrom Prism Training.

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Finance Homework Help for students

Why people are so much horrified and tensed by the name of Homework? Most of the times this simple question must have raised your mind, but indeed you never seem to get a perfect answer to it. With the busy and tight schedule of people, they never seem to give their proper time to their children and as a matter of which the grades of their child starts to fall. It comes as a responsibility of parents to either spend time with their children or make proper arrangements for their child studies in order to provide their child with fully equipped education. The best and most suitable option in this context is to make in use of Homeworkmall.net which is a perfect destination that is available to solve all your problems that are associated with subjects handling and completion of homework.

Now there is no need for parents to take tension for their children as it comes to the responsibility of Finance homework help to deal with all the academic problems be it related to any of the subjects of curriculum. This site provides you to have complete site study of various subjects along with a well equipped syllabus that has been maintained for assistance of student to carry out their studies in a well maintained manner. With the provision of Finance Tutor, it is allocated to students to send their problems to the site and in return get perfect solutions to their questions. While logging to Homeworkmall.net, the student can very well find the email address which is along with the contact details and simultaneously they can send their problems to the people who are there for their help at the site. They can be very sure about getting their answers within a limited span of time and in proper understanding aspect. The faculty which is available here is fully equipped in terms of acquiring proper knowledge about any particular subject and therefore the students are not to worry for their problems getting unsolved.

The company follows a particular pattern on the basis of which the teachers that are chosen for the service and education being provided are from different parts of the countries. The students are provided assistance by their teachers through the medium of email or by calls that are made to students for their questions.

It comes fully under the control of students to make in use of Finance homework help in the beast way possible. Whether you are not able to understand any single concept or you seem to be facing problem in understanding any of the solution that is provided by the experts, you can always raise your another query at the same time without any hesitation. So, get involved with Finance Tutor and make you acquainted with proper assistance and guidance.

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Research Assignment Writing Services

In modern era, there is a huge online resource of educational assignments which is being prepared by the experts of reputed universities only after a deep research on several topics. AS per the huge requirement of assignments, so many researchers are serving the various streams of students by offering our research assignment writing services. The guidance of experts is the basic necessity of any stream of students. Due to the improper guidance & lack of knowledge, students may face lots of complications while preparing assignments on any subject. The assignment seekers can visit at our online destination of all kinds of assignments at myassignmenthelp.co.uk.

This is the exclusive destination for the students of different studies of management, masters, mathematical, science & so on. You can leave a request of an assignment then the experts thoroughly examine your basic requirements and prepare assignments as per your demand. The assignments are prepared by the masters of a stream, PhD holders & university experts that have been conducting researches on several topics. The basic information can get from the notes, books & internet as well but only after the analytical studies you may come up with a conclusion.

These analytical studies, deep research & in-depth subject understanding make them ease to add such points in your assignments that surely upgrade your ranking that results a remarkable position in your class. Preparing assignments are totally research based process of work that make you understand during your study for final examination. Its simple & creative format is clearly understood by the student that also reminds & remains the important points at that extant. Our research assignment writing service can be availed round the clock within the given deadline.

The experts are working closely with the students of different streams so that you can avail research assignment writing services of worldwide. These online assignments can also be prepared as per the given specifications of students that are required throughout the semester of different studies. It also helps you to improve your grading as well as ranking among the top students. The clearly understandable format, points and layout make you ease to understand everything clearly. By adapting advanced strategies, we implement simplest form to reach the conclusion. During the masters & management studies, there is a huge segment of students that can follow the same procedure during the preparation of assignments of other subjects. The professional experts are having the excellence of assignment writing ranging from sourcing information from different resources, gathering the information, research, study & analyze the ideas as well as conclusion in all aspects.

You can avail online research assignment service that helps you to submit your assignment before the deadline. Writing assignments are the most creative and research based process that require insufficient time to research, study and analyze the ideas of people. You can secure even A+ grade that also helps you to remind all the things during your examination time.

You can contact directly for more details required further for any assignment writing that also guide you for your further studies.

Balvinder is writing article for Assignment Help and Online Tutorial Services Providers in UK offers Assignment Services including Assignment Help, Assignment Writing and Homework help etc. with excellent teams of assignment writers or Assignment Experts that provide you help with assignment in all subjects like general, management, engineering etc at affordable prices. For more information visit:- http://myassignmenthelp.co.uk/

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Private tuitions are now switching to globalised Home and Individual coaching

Hearing the word tuition, it reminds us the school day when we used to go to take lessons from our teachers. Once upon a time, there was no need of private teacher. But nowadays we elapse our study time more going to private teachers than reading books.

Private teachers are always in demand and their study material helps the students to learn the academic syllabi well. Their readymade notes reduce the pressure to give extra time to prepare note on his own when exam is knocking on the door. Well it helps student yet it has many disadvantages. First of all it makes them dependent on teachers. They do not want to practice to read the text book thoroughly. If a student read his or her book carefully it makes them always self-dependent and makes a study habit. Actually, it becomes not possible many times in school to take care a student individually.

That is why to get more attention a student is compelled to go for private coaching classes. Now in globalised world the competition has been also globalised and the in the cut throat competition school students are preparing themselves to compete globally. Therefore, school curriculum, syllabus has been changed to make a global student. In country, many international institutions are stretching their roots. Besides, international level coaching or private institutions are also growing. IGCSE tuition is like that. IB Tuition, IB tutor are present to teach students to compete vastly.

offered by some IB International Academy on many subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics, Business Management, English, History ,Psychology, Arts, Extended Essay, TOK (theory of knowledge) etc. The main theme is here to make a universal students and take private care. The IB tutor offers mainly overseas studies. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore are those countries leading in this field. Normally per class there are 1:4 teacher student ratio is maintained. Many facilities like online class, video conference, computer facilities are available there. Primary level to secondary level and higher level are covered here. The IB (International Baccalaureate) tutors are normally international teacher and they have very knowledge on their subjects and English. The full range of preparation and all time access to tutors are available here. Business studies are prepared to form a future business skilled person.

Many institutions are available to enroll online and if you search through internet by the IGCSE tuition or IB Tuition you will find many leading names. You can contact them directly or can read the program schedule online. The fee structures are more or less same subject to their respective condition. IB Tuition Singapore in Asia is leading in this field. Although Hong Kong, in India Delhi, Chennai are also becoming popular nowadays.
Teaching experience and a student's eagerness of learning provides actual academic learning tools. Now most of the students are learning only for earning purpose. It should not be practised and teacher should motivate a student to learn. Hope these international academies will encourage it and spread the knowledge IGCSE tuition

Students Inn is a leading institute in Singapore located near Holland Village has reputation for IGCSE tuition and expert IB tutor. The IB Tuition for international school students aims to cater all the knowledge on the subjects in which a student is preparing. We are for your future to improve the skill not only the grade. Must join and step ahead, visit our site to know more.

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GIAC GCPM Test Questions

VUE/Prometric Code: GCPM
Exam: GIAC Certified Project Manager Certification Practice Test
Version:V8.02
Questions and Answers:397 Q&As
Updated:07-31-2011

GIAC GCPM, also known as GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst, is a GIAC certification, it's highly focused by people who want to be IT certified! We are the leader in supplying certification candidates with current and up-to-date test questions for GIAC certification and exam preparation, we provide incredible career enhancing opportunities for thousands of candidates to achieve their dreams, we focus on providing our customers with the most up to date material for any IT certification exams, our dumps are so effective that we promise you to pass your test, or full refund!

GIAC test questions from Killtest are constantly being revised and updated for relevance and accuracy. Our coverage for the real test is up to 96%, and all answers are tested by IT professionals, so we can 100% guarantee you get your GIAC certification at first try when using our GCPM test questions with high quality and reliability. GIAC GCPM exam materials from us is tested by our IT professionals, and it is well welcomed by our customers, if you are not sure whether to buy our product, you can try our demo first and then make you own decision. Save your time now.

You work as a project manager for Killtest Inc. You report the project details directly to the vice president and the administrator of your organization. In which of the following types of organization structures are you working?
A. Functional
B. Matrix
C. Jury
D. Projectized
Answer: B
Which of the following is described in the statement below.? "It is a group of sequential and related project phases that are defined by the organization and control needs of the management or organizations concerned with the project, the nature of the project itself, and the application area."
A. Verify scope
B. Project charter
C. Activity list
D. Project life cycle
Answer: D
You are using the PDCA model to determine, implement, monitor, control, and maintain Information Security Management System or ISMS. You have to evaluate the new processes and match up to the results against the probable results to determine the differences. In which of the following phases of the PDCA are you working?
A. Do
B. Act
C. Plan
D. Check
Answer: D
Which of the following processes describes the statement below?
"It consists of the processes required to ensure that the project contains all the work required to complete the project effectively."
A. Project communications management
B. Project scope management
C. Risk management
D. Project human resource management
Answer: B

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Play School Franchise - Be An Active Player in the Growing Business

The transforming work culture and increasing corporate pressure has made parenting a difficult task for working couples especially when it comes to education. Education from wherever attained has to be of excellent quality as these productive years of learning significantly contribute towards building socially responsible and intellectual personalities. After handling intense pressures at work and coming back home late in the evening and then teaching their children can take a toll on anybody's health. Preschool education is a perfect solution to this difficulty faces by almost every young working couple.

Preschool learning has emerged as an important aspect of a child's education process. It is provided to young growing children belonging to the age group of 2-5 years. This recently established form of learning and education is not just an answer to the difficulty of young couples in imparting the best elementary education to their little ones, but also encourages the psychological and physiological growth of ignorant toddlers. The business of opening a preschool has recently boosted. Today, young working couples do not have to think twice to get their babies admitted to a play school as they are available with several options. As a consequence of the massive growth of the industry and the mounting demand for pre-primary education, play school franchise are also being bought by numerous money-makers.

It has been observed that when between the ages of 2-4 years a child has can learn and retain more than usual and so he can easily grasp whatever is taught to him at play school. Getting their child admitted to a preschool can assure parents their child's complete safety as a play schools cannot function without conforming to certain regulations which include the security of its students. The teaching methodology of a play school focuses on the social and intellectual growth of a child and encourages creative thinking. Although a play school does not teach complex concepts of math and science, it involves the child in various activities that enhance his learning skills and bring out his creative talent. A toddler at a play school can acquire basic knowledge of general topics relating to science, math, social skills and health awareness that include learning basic rules of keeping themselves clean. A teacher at a preschool is like a second mother to the child. She gives personalized attention to every child and keeps a watch at their development process.

The play school concept has emerged as a lucrative segment of the flourishing education market. Getting involved in the business can be extremely beneficial as this phenomenon is no more restricted to the affluent it has now easily affordable to the lesser income groups as well. Owning a Pre school franchise can thus prove to be a beneficial decision!

http://goarticles.com/article/Play-School-Franchise-Be-An-Active-Player-in-the-Growing-Business/5169676/

9 Top Tips For Performing Well In Music Exams

The word "exam" strikes fear in the hearts of many. Of course it doesn't have to be that way if you approach it with the right attitude.

1. Prepare as well as you can so that whatever the result, you can truly say you did your very best.

Sometimes not doing well is down to nerves which in turn is caused by the knowing deep down that we haven't prepared as well as we'd have liked. This causes apprehension about whether we'll make the same mistakes we've been making in practice. The only solution is to work so hard that on the very day that you feel confident and ready with only a freak catastrophic incident/bad luck being able to ruin things. When you go into an exam, you want to leave feeling you did everything as well as you could and that the rest will take care of itself.

In the run-up to an exam, you should increase your practice time by at least half an hour (e.g. if you're doing one hour's practice a day, increase that to one and a half hours, if you practice half an hour a day, increase to one hour's practice a day etc), five days a week.

In order to get top marks in your selected pieces you should be able to play to memorisation level, without needing the music. This is the point at which you transform the music from a series of notes to a piano masterpiece. Concentrate on elements like articulation, expression, dynamics and tempo. Try to feel and enjoy each piece so that the performance comes through on the day of the exam.

2. Maintain good health

Before a performance, you need to have the right amount of rest. Your diet/nutrition is also important in order for your body to function properly. You cannot afford to be tired and run down as this will affect your performance.

3. Prepare one final time

Things like the location of the venue, time of exam and what they are playing are should be prepared well in advance. Ideally try to have a mock exam, set under exam rules with your teacher. This enables you to experience exam conditions as close as possible, giving you a feel for what to expect on the day.

If this is not possible, prepare yourselves in plenty of time in order to stay calm and control your nerves on the day.

4. Record yourself

Playing a piece knowing you're being recorded mentally puts you on the spot, adding a bit of pressure to perform well. This is good as it concentrates the mind, making you aim for a good recording of yourself. Because you naturally don't want to make mistakes while being recorded, you are more focused. Do this enough times and you will get your top performance somewhere along the way. When that happens, save the recording and listen many times as a reminder of what you're capable of achieving.

5. Visualise success

If you're the type that worries more than the average person or gets frustrated easily then its likely you sometimes carry with you fearful thoughts. These can sabotage your success. In order to change that, replace any negative thoughts with visualisations of you performing well. This should be done regularly and also in conjunction with practice, usually before you start. When you make progress in a particular area, reaffirm your positive thoughts and gain encouragement by visualising success. Do it repeatedly. Right after each breakthrough you make, visualise success!

6. Practise performing in front of friends, family and strangers

Get used to playing in front of others. Also, be willing to get feedback from people who will tell you what needs to be said, not what you want to hear. This could be other musicians or friends of your teacher.

7. Physiology

What's that? It's how you control and use your body. This in turn affects your emotions. We for the most part, control our feelings and emotions. A common trait of nervousness (and therefore negativity) shallow breathing, often quickened.

One of the best ways to relax is to focus on breathing. Why not try practicing some breathing exercises; breathing in through the nose gently to the count of five and then breathing out through the mouth? Focus on counting your breaths and continue doing this until you feel calm and in control.

Another area that affect is our facial expressions. It may sound simplistic but when you smile, you will send a command to your brain that says "I'm doing something that's associated with being happy. Therefore I must be happy!". Don't just do it with your mouth though. This is a commonly made mistake and that's where some of you might say "I tried that but it didn't work!". No, you also have to smile with your EYES. Open them wide and even pull a silly face if only for a short time.

When your eyes are 'smiling' you'll more likely feel the emotion associated with smiling e.g. happiness.

When you walk into the exam room/hall, smile at the examiner (and if present, the audience). Don't slouch, or walk with your head down, looking at the examiner nervously with fearful darting eyes. Walk with purpose to wherever you are meant to perform with your head up.
This may sound easier said than done, but you'll be surprised at how these small changes can make you feel.

8. Stay focused on enjoying the music

Never forget your objective, which is not simply to pass an exam. That's setting your sights too low. Your aim is to share your enjoyment for the pieces you chose to learn and eventually play before them. Don't get hyper analytical regarding what you're doing right or wrong. Just focus on enjoying the music as and playing well at the same time and it will show.

9. Don't worry about mistakes

This is linked to visualisation of success. As mentioned earlier, worry is a form of self-sabotage. How can that help you?! Mistakes will almost always occur when performing. They are a normal part of live performance and you won't die for playing a wrong note even if it sounds obvious to all concerned! It is much more important to enjoy the performance and make it exciting carrying the audience along with you in your journey of the piece, than to worry about being perfect.

Ugo Onwutalu is a musician and piano teacher, also playing the guitar and organ. He is the founder of Grade Music Tutors, a UK music tuition production and entertainment organisation based in London. Visit Grade Music World for information on everything music-related, from learning an instrument and preparing for exams, to getting a job in the music industry.

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