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How Singing Exams Can Help Unfocused Students - And Make You a Stronger Teacher Too
- Sinead Nicgabhann
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest: motivating students to practise consistently can feel like a full-time job in itself. For many young singers (and some older ones too), focus is fleeting, discipline is patchy, and excuses are plentiful.
But there’s a game-changer that too many singing teachers overlook: music exams.
Whether you opt for RIAM’s Musical Theatre and Popular Singing grades or RSL Rockschool’s modern vocal syllabi, structured assessments can transform not just how your students sing - but how they show up to learn.
Structure Builds Focus
Music exams provide a clear, time-bound goal. Instead of vague “we’re working on your voice” lessons, there’s a specific outcome: five songs, clear technical requirements, and a date on the calendar.
This kind of structure is powerful - especially for the students who drift in and out of lessons without momentum. The presence of an exam sharpens their attention, creates purpose behind the warmups, and for many, finally triggers the practise habit that’s been MIA.
Accountability Without Harsh Pressure
One of the best parts? Students can now take exams by video - both RIAM and RSL offer digital submissions. That means they can record their performance in your studio, in a safe, familiar environment with your full support.
This flexibility removes the panic of live performance, but still provides all the benefits of accountability, assessment, and recognition.
From Student to Performer
One of the most underrated benefits of exam prep is how it pushes students to become performers, not just singers.
Gone are the days of eyes glued to the lyrics. When preparing for an exam, memorisation becomes essential - not just for musical accuracy, but for confidence. Learning lyrics, owning the stage (even if it’s just your living room), and shedding the safety of sheet music trains students to rehearse as they will perform.
This kind of mindset shift is powerful. They’re not “practising” anymore - they’re preparing. They’re learning to embody a character, command attention, and trust their own memory and interpretation.
It’s Not Just About the Voice
We all face new challenges in life. For your students, preparing for an exam is a chance to rise to something difficult and unfamiliar. It’s a chance to show up even when they’re nervous, push through when it’s boring, and grow a little each week.
In short, it builds them.
When you guide students through an exam process, you're not just teaching scales and songs - you're developing focus, resilience, responsibility, and confidence. You're mentoring humans, not just singers.
That’s real teaching.
For Students Who “Don’t Practise”
Even the most distracted students tend to shift gears when there’s an exam looming. And even if they don’t, going through the recording process - preparing takes, analysing tone, choosing their best performance - is practice in itself. Sometimes it’s the only thing that works.
So yes: exams help those who struggle. Especially when framed not as a high-pressure performance, but as a milestone in their journey.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Teaching Career?
Helping your students thrive is only part of the picture - building a confident, sustainable singing teaching business is what allows you to keep showing up with energy and clarity. If you’ve ever wondered where to begin or how to structure your teaching career so it feels less overwhelming, I’ve created a resource just for you.
👉 Download my FREE guide: 5 Steps to Start Your Career as a Singing Teacher
This practical guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your teaching career off the ground with confidence, clarity, and focus. Whether you’re transitioning from singer to teacher or refining your studio systems, these five steps give you the foundation you need.
And if you’d like more personal support.
👉 Book a free 15-minute discovery call with me. On this call, we’ll talk through your goals as a singing teacher, the challenges you’re facing, and simple, effective ways to build a teaching practice that’s both rewarding and sustainable.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With the right tools and support, you can create a teaching studio that not only inspires your students but also energises you as a teacher.
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