Music Production Student Reflects on Taking Exams From Home

As a double major in Music Production and Recording Arts & Music Performance, Carolina Lage ’22 didn’t mind completing exams online this semester. Due to COVID-19, Elon students participated in exam week at home during the first week of December.

When asked how about her preferred method of testing, Lage explains that she was “used to taking exams in person and on paper, which was very comfortable specifically for music exams.” However, Lage discovered that “online exams at home are comfortable as well because I can work more peacefully.”

“I like the fact that online exams are more relaxed so I can work at my own pace,” says Lage about the change. She also feels that “I have performed better in my online exams because I live alone and can focus better from the comfort of my house.”

To prepare, Lage says “the preparation [for the exams] does not change, just the method of taking them.” She also explains that she felt more tired during the exam preparatory period, which she believes is a secondary effect of having to live in quarantine.

Overall, Lage thinks the semester was too short. “I’d rather have a long semester with fewer vacations because [I found it] hard to prepare projects and study [for exams] at the same time.”

When it comes to future exams, if given the opportunity to complete them online, Lage thinks it will depend on the class. “For theory classes, it’s easier to do them online, but for more practical classes such as my piano or music lessons, I prefer in-person exams.”