All About ABRSM Grades & Support

[sleepy]

My dd uses these books when in grade 1


1. John Thompson’s easiest piano course - part 1
2. John Thompson’s Modern course for the piano - the 1st grade book
3. Hanon 60 exercises
4. Czerny op. 599

[sleepy]

jedamum:

will you be able to recommend me some books for beginners for variety purposes. TQ.

My dd uses these beginner books

1. Piano Advertures by Nancy and Randall Faber - level 1
2. A dozen a day

[Dreamaurora]

There are many factors that decide this such as the amount of time that the student practice, the student’s natural hand eye coordination, etc. But in general this is what I told my students.


UK-based exam systems i.e. ABRSM, Trinity, LCM is planned in such a way that average student can progress comfortably one grade per year. To achieve this progress, in general students need to practice a base of 20 minutes + (5 minutes X grade to be taken) per day. So of course if you plan to skip some exams or accelerate the progress more time need to be devoted to practice.

Now do note that this is just a general guide, there are exceptions to the case. But do note that grades do not matter in the end. Some of my students are capable of extraordinary progress and I encouraged them to go further as long it does not make them fatigued or frustated. Technically speaking, it is indeed doable to get grade 8 before turning 10 years old or within 3 years of starting piano. It has been done plenty of time in Singapore, but be careful that this requires extreme dedication and motivation from the student part, not to mention a very skilled teacher. Too often students are forced to progress through the grades just because the parents want to boast or save money. In this case, it would be better to let the kid take his own time.

Regarding age of starting grade 1, it really does not matter. I have a student who started learning piano from scratch at tender age of 25. He managed to pass grade 7 practical recently. I also have students who started from the age of 4 years old. Never too old or young to learn piano.

[peanut_butter]

Serendipity:

When do people usually reach Grade 8?

Considering that many stop progressing when they get caught up in the education rat race, few who started out late in the journey make it to G8. It would be good to complete G8 before the O'levels. Once they are in JC, the pressure cooker runs at full blast. The fastest way to improve is to join a choir or ensemble as a piano accompanist (even if the student is very bad at it initially).

There are exception cases. I started learning at age 6, did my G1 when I was 9 years old and G8 after 22 years old. But then, I am from the last century.
:imcool:

Serendipity:

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

Yes. Students who are academically strong, will find G6 theory relatively easy. Make sure the student is very strong at G5 syllabus before attempting G6. Otherwise s/he will be in for a nasty ride.

[jedamum]

sleepy, thanks!

[Serendipity]

Thanks peanut-butter and Dreamaurora for your comprehensive responses!


Guess I’ll have to wait and see how well my DD takes to the ivory keys. Means hard work on both her and my end too though it seems!

[i3mum]

I have heard of NAFA Gifted young pianist course for children which did 2 grades in 1 year. It seem to be a fast pace & sound stressful for both child & parents. There is 1 mummy who told me her 9 year old DD is doing grade 8 now.


Serendipity : if you are keen, can send your DD for audition when she's 6.

http://www.nafa.edu.sg/in_courses/youngtalents/2010/_JM_GiftedYoungPianistsCourse.htm

[Serendipity]

:faint:

Hahah... dun think i want that sort of added stress!! Also, NAFA's too far away lah... So long as my DD learns to have a love for music and can make decent progress, I'm happy.

[jce]

Serendipity, good for you! Happy for your DD too. So many are just chasing after the certs that they forget to let the child enjoy. And also, what’s the point if at the end of grade 8, the child is NOT playing at the standard of a real grade 8 but merely playing the 3 exam pieces well.

[Serendipity]

Hi jce,


Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Of course, i only hope i won't forget my intentions and get caught up in the paper chase too!