All About ABRSM Grades & Support

[verykiasu2010]

mark, I think your DS sure gets distinction one ..... :salute: :salute:

[phtthp]

mark,


what songs do your son play ?

[markfch]

SnowieBob:

Don't worry, you won't feel bored if you can hear her improving! And btw, if she can play her scales like a 'song' her scales can get close to full mark.

DS haven't learnt scales yet, but he's quite nimble with his fingers.

When he practises scales, must get him to use only the leftmost bass clef keys since that part of the piano is really under-utilized.

[markfch]

verykiasu2010:

mark, I think your DS sure gets distinction one ..... :salute: :salute:

I hope so. DS certainly loves his music and has been taking piano lessons since 3yrs plus. He played a few songs on stage during his K1 year-end concert and I was as proud as a peacock. These are the memories as a parent, I'll happily bring to my grave. :boogie:

BTW, T said to get distinction, his level should be one grade higher before taking the practical exam.

[markfch]

phtthp:

mark,


what songs do your son play ?

As ds has been learning for 3 yrs, his T has taught him to play quite a wide repertoire of songs. But since he needs to prepare for the exam 9 mths down the road, T said she'll focus on the exam pieces from now onward.

If you're asking about classical songs, recently he finished learning simplified versions of Spring by Vivaldi & Ode to Joy.

[phankao]

markfch:

BTW, T said to get distinction, his level should be one grade higher before taking the practical exam.

It's grade 1. So just practise the scales - accurate and steady (thankfully piano don't have to focus on intonation). If it is both accurate and steady - will get full marks.

The 3 pieces (1 each from A, B, C) - practise for accuracy and rhythm. Once everything accurate, add in dynamics(soft/loud, fast/slow, wide contrasts). That way, sure get very high marks for the pieces.

If you have Scales and the 3 pieces with full or very high marks, quite likely to get distinction if the other sections are reasonably alright. But these 2 sections are the ones he surely has control over - as in, can practise ahead! The others are not 100% within his control bc aural, sightreading are all unseen beforehand.

[joyofmusic]

I’ve sent you a PM.

[jedamum]

acforfamily:

violet04:

[quote=\"sunshine05\"]I'm teaching DS piano myself. He's currently at about grade 2 level.


Any other recommendations as to what books to pick up?

Thanks!

Hi Sunshine05,
I would like to suggest Alfred's Classic Edition Series: Teacher's Choice for the Young Pianist & Czerny op.599 (Practical Method for Beginner on the Piano).

Yes Teacher's choice is good
Also \"everyone's favourite piano pieces\" for children - many songs inside both classics and favourites[/quote]hello,
where can i purchase these books? for my 5yr old who just started lessons, i just want to add variety to home practices.
thanks. he is currently using Bastien Piano Basics (Primer A).

[jce]

All major music stores will carry these books including Yamaha, Cristofori etc. But these books will be difficult for a beginner.

[Serendipity]

Hi all,


Hope to seek feedback on the average age that children usually take their piano exams? At what age do they start Grade 1, and so forth? When do people usually reach Grade 8?

Oh, and I understand there’s a difference between practical and theory exams too.

Appreciate your input so that I have a better idea of the average timeline (though of course, understandably there are individual differences).

Thanks!