All About ABRSM Grades & Support

[sunflower]

phankao:

Dreamaurora:

[quote=\"ngl2010\"]
Btw, anybody knows where the music bookshop at Bras Basah moved to? Their book prices are very competitive.

Wait until you see the diploma prices.

You mean the bookshop at the first floor? They have moved?

I thought the music bookshop still there at the first floor behind the escalator?

Or... are you referring to the Shanghai book company? The one BEHIND the music shop? that one closed down a few years ago.[/quote]Is it Swee Lee, the music shop that sells instruments on the 3rd level? Think it's still there, but not sure whether they sell music books though.

[KKKS]

The music bookshop in Swee Lee had been closed probably 1 - 2 years ago. They used to have a beautiful limited edition Baldwin grand piano on display with the keys in reverse black and white. I could remember that piano cost a bomb!

[sunflower]

phankao:

Dreamaurora:

I spoke to a Trinity examiner last time and he said whenever he examined ATCL or LTCL there would be definitely be quite a few trainwrecks as there is no prerequisites and anyone can take the exams. I think ATCL or LTCL are useful for students who just wish to focus on acquiring repertoire and enjoy performing. Though personally I am not sure if ignoring sight-reading or aural while preparing the diplomas is a good idea because it may lead to certificate holders who just know how to play diploma exam pieces. I think too often we hear complains about pianists who cannot improvise Happy Birthday but could play stuff such as Beethoven's Appasionata. Last time ATCL used to have ATCL(Performance) which by the way I think was an excellent certificate because it assessed more than just performance. But Trinity scraped it; I guess the lure of commercialism was too strong.

Well, ngl2010 and quite a number of parents say they prefer their kids to enjoy the music-making, right? So just master and play the pieces very well for a ATCL and then they can explore as they wish later on, lor.

The ones I know who did ATCL at 10 or 11yrs old are not the \"trainwrecks\" lah. All got distinction. hehe. If they want to develop aural, improvisation, accompaniment, they still have quite a number of years to do so, and only if they have the interest, right?

Sight-reading and improvisation are very important practical skills, which students could carry with them throughout life. With these skills, they’ll enjoy making music and playing the instrument more, than having to struggle to play the music fluently.

I think these skills should be trained concurrently with mastering the techniques for exam pieces. This will make a person a more rounded musician, be it for self-enjoyment, music appreciation or professionally.

[sunflower]

KKKS:

The music bookshop in Swee Lee had been closed probably 1 - 2 years ago. They used to have a beautiful limited edition Baldwin grand piano on display with the keys in reverse black and white. I could remember that piano cost a bomb!

Oh! So Swee Lee used to sell books IN their music shop? It's a pity they close that section.

[KKKS]

sunflower:

KKKS:

The music bookshop in Swee Lee had been closed probably 1 - 2 years ago. They used to have a beautiful limited edition Baldwin grand piano on display with the keys in reverse black and white. I could remember that piano cost a bomb!

Oh! So Swee Lee used to sell books IN their music shop? It's a pity they close that section.

Yes, it's a pity the shop was closed. Their price was reasonable.

[sunflower]

KKKS:

sunflower:

[quote=\"KKKS\"]The music bookshop in Swee Lee had been closed probably 1 - 2 years ago. They used to have a beautiful limited edition Baldwin grand piano on display with the keys in reverse black and white. I could remember that piano cost a bomb!

Oh! So Swee Lee used to sell books IN their music shop? It's a pity they close that section.

Yes, it's a pity the shop was closed. Their price was reasonable.[/quote]You mean the whole music shop moved out? Thought I saw the shop some time this year, could see some instruments being displayed. It’s quite difficult to find, tucked at some obscure corner on the 3rd level. Hmm, I think it’s beside Art Friend, right at the other end. You meant shop there but book section closed right? :?

[KKKS]

I am just wondering if any of the teachers in this forum is willing to give comments and advice on the students performance through the video clips when posted. This will not only help and benefit the students but also the parents who know very little about music, like myself.

[ngl2010]

KKKS:

sunflower:

[quote=\"KKKS\"]The music bookshop in Swee Lee had been closed probably 1 - 2 years ago. They used to have a beautiful limited edition Baldwin grand piano on display with the keys in reverse black and white. I could remember that piano cost a bomb!

Oh! So Swee Lee used to sell books IN their music shop? It's a pity they close that section.

Yes, it's a pity the shop was closed. Their price was reasonable.[/quote]Yes. Their price was really reasonable. I guess not many people know that there is a book shop inside their music shop

[Dreamaurora]

KKKS:

I am just wondering if any of the teachers in this forum is willing to give comments and advice on the students performance through the video clips when posted. This will not only help and benefit the students but also the parents who know very little about music, like myself.

I would not mind to do this, but there are a few things to consider when listening to comments from other teachers.

1. Music is subjective and a teacher's interpretation of a music can be different from others. The same thing applies to examiners as well. I still remembered the last time I played in this masterclass and immediately afterwards my own teacher came up to me and asked me to disregard whatever the masterclass' teacher said to me during the masterclass as it was in conflict with what he wanted.

2. The students may not be able to execute all the details. As a teacher, I need to be aware of my students' capabilities. Not all students will be able to achieve extremely high standard of playing and as such I have to adjust the levels of details according to the students' capabilities. If you get a comment online does not mean your child may be able to execute it.

[ngl2010]

Dreamaurora:

KKKS:

I am just wondering if any of the teachers in this forum is willing to give comments and advice on the students performance through the video clips when posted. This will not only help and benefit the students but also the parents who know very little about music, like myself.

I would not mind to do this, but there are a few things to consider when listening to comments from other teachers.

1. Music is subjective and a teacher's interpretation of a music can be different from others. The same thing applies to examiners as well. I still remembered the last time I played in this masterclass and immediately afterwards my own teacher came up to me and asked me to disregard whatever the masterclass' teacher said to me during the masterclass as it was in conflict with what he wanted.

2. The students may not be able to execute all the details. As a teacher, I need to be aware of my students' capabilities. Not all students will be able to achieve extremely high standard of playing and as such I have to adjust the levels of details according to the students' capabilities. If you get a comment online does not mean your child may be able to execute it.

Pardon my ignorance. I know interpretation can be different but how the examiner grade the student if the student does not play to his/her likings? Is there any benchmark to grade a student's performance?

Sometimes when I listen to pieces on Youtube, I cannot hear the phrasing well. I guess it depends on how it is recorded. I thought phrasing is important?