All About Piano Theory Examinations
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Just call up the music schools in your area. Most music schools conduct theory lessons, either in group or individual.
Private piano teachers are likely to be charging the same fees as grade 5 practical because it is their time spent, so theory same fees as practical.
Music schools, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper for theory lessons compared to practical lessons. -
Dear SnowieBob
My gal is currently at grade 2 theory and grade 3 practical. Was planning to let her take the gr 2 theory exam in Mar 2013. So far only covered 1/3 of the theory, do you think there is enough time? :skeptical: The teacher is seems to be more keen to let her take practical in Jul 2013.
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If I may answer… if there’s an intensive drill on theory during the holidays, it should be doable. But it also depends on the child. Some kids don’t pick up theory easily. Why do you want your girl to do grade 2 theory? The teacher, I think, is probably thinking about skipping the grades and just go for grade 5, which is actually the only theory paper your child needs.
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jce:
If I may answer... if there's an intensive drill on theory during the holidays, it should be doable. But it also depends on the child. Some kids don't pick up theory easily. Why do you want your girl to do grade 2 theory? The teacher, I think, is probably thinking about skipping the grades and just go for grade 5, which is actually the only theory paper your child needs.
Jce, also depends on the teacher's skill in teaching theory lar. I know of teachers who are really good in teaching practical but totally hopeless in teaching theory and viva voce, so they outsource to another teachers. While you and I know that straightaway grade 5 theory can be done with proper preparation, most teachers would prefer to go through grade by grade if they are not so theory inclined. But I agree with you, I see no point in taking grade 2 theory; all my students take grade 5 theory directly (after they have passed grade 3 practical). -
I will make the younger ones take grade 1 as a starting point, it is like an "intro" into theory exam. Then most likely not take any others in between until the big grade 5.
Yes, agree, like any other thing, teachers play an important role. So far I have come across more "unskilled" piano teachers than theory ones. Perhaps it’s because little time is spent on theory for starters… And sometimes I am guilty of that too. It is difficult to balance the practical and theoretical side of things especially when the student is not strong in both. -
jce:
Yeah, quite difficult for a lot of teachers because of time limitation to teach both theory and practical. I am actually considering to send students to take grade 3 Practical Musicianship first before grade 5 Theory. I think the syllabus is actually quite good and helps student to apply the theory concepts in practice. Sadly, according to ABRSM people that I spoke to, the number of students taking Practical Musicianship in Hongkong and Singapore are practically less than 10 every year.I will make the younger ones take grade 1 as a starting point, it is like an \"intro\" into theory exam. Then most likely not take any others in between until the big grade 5.
Yes, agree, like any other thing, teachers play an important role. So far I have come across more \"unskilled\" piano teachers than theory ones. Perhaps it's because little time is spent on theory for starters... And sometimes I am guilty of that too. It is difficult to balance the practical and theoretical side of things especially when the student is not strong in both. -
Singaporeans and Hongkies are very practical people so they don’t see anything in practical musicianship. Most important thing, get certs, and get them fast.
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Many thanks for your great advice. I understand that it is not necessary to take theory 1 - 4 exam. My gal is 7 this year and for me, I would thought of sending her to lower grade theory just to let her feel how the theory exam is. Prefer exam at the beginning of the year rather than Oct as it will not clash the school examination period.
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At this young age, starting with grade 1 is advisable, it is a foretaste of what is to come. After grade 1, it is probably advisable to move on and perhaps take grade 3 along the way, or just go for grade 5.
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Hi jce
My gal has finished the grade one theory but skipped the theory exam and now learning grade 2 theory. Would like her to try out the gr two exam in Mar to get the feel of the exam. She took the gr one practical and moved on to do her grade three now.
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