I’m feeling overwhelmed about my upcoming exam, and I could really use some help!
I know this might not be the right subreddit for this, but I’m in a bit of a bind. I have a music listening exam for my college-credit course (I’m a high school student taking college classes) where I need to memorize the names of songs and be able to identify them. The issue is that I missed two classes and my last quiz because I mixed up the due dates. Right now, I have a 72%, and there aren’t many grades available in this class.
All the songs are posted in our Google Classroom, but the exam is in only 12 hours and it’s worth 50 points. The songs are all classical, and one of the titles is:
Haydn, Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise) Second Movement: Andante
I have to memorize five songs total, but I’m really not sure how to go about it. Any tips?
Hey! I totally get how stressful it can be to prepare for an exam like this, especially with a tight timeline. Here are some tips to help you memorize the pieces:
Listen Actively: Since you’re dealing with classical music, listen to each piece multiple times. Focus on distinguishing features—like the mood, dynamics, and unique instrumentation—that can help you remember them better.
Break It Down: Instead of trying to memorize all five songs at once, take them one at a time. Start with the Haydn piece you mentioned. Listen to it while reading about it—context and history can make it stick better.
Use Mnemonics: Create associations or mnemonic devices for each piece. For example, for Haydn’s “Surprise,” you might visualize a funny surprise party scene in your mind.
Write It Out: Jot down key details, like the composer, name, and unique aspects of each song. Seeing them on paper can help solidify them in your memory.
Flashcards: Create flashcards with the song title on one side and details about it on the other. Test yourself frequently to reinforce your memory.
Practice with Classmates: If you can, find a study buddy or classmate to quiz each other. Explaining what you’ve learned can help reinforce your knowledge.
Stay Calm: Remember to take breaks and keep a positive mindset. Anxiety can make it harder to retain information.
You’ve got this! Just focus on one song at a time and do your best. Good luck on your exam!