Should You Skip Music Rehearsals Because of Exams? Here are 6 Reasons Why the Answer is NO.
- Mark
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
This is a topic I often get asked about, so thought it would be a good one to kick off 2026! I am going to write this blog post aimed more towards parents but it should be equally valuable for students and teachers to read.
My daughter is only 11 (as of writing) and has only taken her year 6 SATS exams so far so I don't have much personal experience with my own child. However, I am obviously more biased towards music because I work for the Entrust Staffordshire Music Service and manage the ensemble that she attends. Therefore, she is likely to have no choice other than attend rehearsals regardless of exams.
This was the same for me though as a child, but my parents were not musical at all. I would never have considered missing band so that decision was mine and not my parents. I was a member of the Sandwell Youth Band back then but I fully appreciate the world is a different place now and youngsters have different challenges.
When exam season arrives, it’s natural for parents to go into protection mode. Grades matter, futures matter, and anything that looks 'extra' can feel like a distraction. Music rehearsals are often the first thing to be cut, especially if they are free to attend, as they are in Staffordshire.
But for many students, missing rehearsals during exams does more harm than good, academically, emotionally, and developmentally. Not to mention, cramming in last minute study just makes students think they are not good enough and highlights their failure to study properly over the year.
1. Music Is Not a Distraction, It’s a Support System
For students who are involved in band, orchestra, choir, or ensembles, music is not just a hobby. It’s a structured, meaningful commitment that provides:
Routine during a stressful period
A healthy mental break from constant studying
A sense of normalcy and motivation
Research consistently shows that short, purposeful breaks improve focus and memory. A rehearsal can actually increase a student’s ability to study effectively afterward, not reduce it.
2. Skipping Rehearsals Often Increases Stress
It may seem logical that removing rehearsals frees up time to study. For me, from a teaching and parental point of view, I would encourage students to balance their workload in advance, in preparation for exam times so they can actually lessen the study time during the most stressful week. Last minute rushed or unstructured preparation is never a good idea.
In reality, students who miss rehearsals often report:
Increased guilt and anxiety about letting their group down
Stress about falling behind musically, especially if there is a concert approaching
Loss of a key stress outlet and chance to see a different set of staff and friends
Music is one of the few spaces where students can fully engage without being evaluated or graded. Taking that away during exams can leave them feeling overwhelmed rather than relieved.
3. Music Teaches Time Management
Balancing rehearsals and exams forces students to:
Plan ahead and be independent
Prioritize tasks and balance everything
Use study time more efficiently
These are real-life skills, not just school skills. Shielding students from busy schedules may feel supportive in the short term, but learning to manage commitments is essential preparation for university and adult life.
4. Rehearsals Are a Commitment to Others
Music ensembles rely on every member. When a student misses rehearsal:
The group suffers musically
Ensemble leaders must adjust their plans
Other students lose confidence in the ensemble or it isn't as fun
Learning to honour commitments, especially during challenging times, builds responsibility, reliability, and respect for teamwork. These values matter just as much as test scores.
5. Music Involvement Supports Academic Success Long-Term
Students who stay involved in music often develop:
Better concentration, memory and general intelligence
Stronger discipline and better relationships
Higher motivation and positivity
Colleges and universities don’t just look at grades, they value commitment, perseverance, and balance. Continuing rehearsals during exam season sends a powerful message about a student’s character.
When I lived in Dubai, I was head of music but also a year 13 form tutor so it was my responsibility to prepare my class for university applications. One of the most important things that universities liked was any proof of involvement in music such as grade exam certificates but especially membership of ensembles.
6. The Goal Is Balance, Not Burnout
This doesn’t mean students should ignore exams or overextend themselves. The healthiest approach is:
Attending rehearsals as scheduled, don't consider not attending
Adjusting study strategies, not eliminating music
Communicating with teachers and directors when needed
Music and academics don’t have to compete, they can coexist. Students should never worry about missing rehearsals, provided there is communication with the leader of the group, I guarantee all will be okay but just not showing up is not acceptable. As parents, encourage your child to take responsibility for their own attendance, let them communicate with ensemble leaders rather than you doing it for them.
To Finish: Music Is Part of Your Child’s Education, Not an Obstacle to It
Encouraging your child to continue attending rehearsals during exams teaches them:
How to manage pressure
How to care for their mental health
How to stay committed during difficult seasons
Sometimes, the very thing that looks like a distraction is actually what helps them succeed.
Supporting balance, rather than removing passion, can make all the difference.
I wish all students taking exams this year the best of luck. If you need support with GCSE Music, check out this post.
Having a good quality music stand at home, greatly increases your chances of wanting to practice. Check out my Kraftgeek blog where you can get 15% off all their products.
Thanks for reading and best wishes for the year ahead! ❤
Mark Glover
4/1/26