Practice Guides
Practical information about practising in Macau: instruments, venues, preparing for exams and competitions, and local musical life. Put together by SOLO, and growing over time.
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What your child needs to get used to on a grand piano before an exam or competition
At home it is an upright; on stage it is a grand. Key return, the soft pedal and the volume all behave differently. This piece explains the three main differences, and how to plan practice in the run-up to an exam.
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Using SOLO for the first time: a few things worth knowing
Unlocking the door, timing and payment all happen on your phone. From messaging us to set up an account, to booking a slot, to letting yourself in with your own code — plus what is in the room and what to bring.
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SOLO: a Macau piano room designed around soundproofing
When you rent a place to practise, the hard part is not the rent — it is whether you will disturb anyone. This piece explains how far the soundproofing goes in SOLO long-term studios, how 24-hour access works, and what MOP 2,000 a month includes.
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Where do Macau wind players practise?
Home, a music-shop practice room, a school or an orchestra rehearsal room — all three work, and all three ask you to fit around them. This piece compares how many hours a day each one gives you, and sets out hourly, monthly and long-term rates.
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Major music competitions in Macau, 2026
Macau holds well over a dozen larger youth music competitions a year. Organised by month, with entry periods, competition dates and who can take part.
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Exams and competitions that ask for a video: where can you record in Macau?
ABRSM Performance Grades and some competition first rounds are submitted as video. How the grand piano room can be set up for it.
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