<![CDATA[Failing Grade 1 piano exam]]>One of my friend’s son, 11year old, sat for Piano Grade 1 exam and failed. He has been learning piano lesson for 5 years in this piano school. My friend was very upset and wanted to withdraw his son from the school saying that she has spent so much time and money sending his son to this school but can’t see any results. But I was wondering is this (failing his grade 1 exam) the fault of the school or his son? Can we put the blame solely on the school and the teacher? Any advice?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/21394/failing-grade-1-piano-examRSS for NodeTue, 21 Apr 2026 10:59:59 GMTMon, 18 Apr 2011 06:35:15 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 15:04:40 GMT]]>

Applepiedelicious:
My friend's daughter failed her Grade 1 and Grade 2 piano - stop for 3 years then change teacher and take Grade 3 and get 126/150. Both parents and daughter were surprised because the parents thought 'Pass' is good enough.

My daughter is currently with this teacher too so hopefully my daughter is able to score high in her Graded exam *pray*
Wow, I am interested to know what's the teacher's secret in helping your friend's daughter to score so well?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1693508https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1693508Mon, 27 Jun 2016 15:04:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Thu, 28 Apr 2016 06:30:19 GMT]]>My friend’s daughter failed her Grade 1 and Grade 2 piano - stop for 3 years then change teacher and take Grade 3 and get 126/150. Both parents and daughter were surprised because the parents thought ‘Pass’ is good enough.

My daughter is currently with this teacher too so hopefully my daughter is able to score high in her Graded exam pray

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1673971https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1673971Thu, 28 Apr 2016 06:30:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 04:04:22 GMT]]>Inspiring post

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1429148https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1429148Tue, 09 Dec 2014 04:04:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:22:59 GMT]]>I did all the practical exams except Grade 6, got distinction all the way until Grade 5 and just started passing from there. I'm very lazy with scales, I think that's the reason. The scales get harder and harder from Grade 6 onwards! Passed grade 8 this year and I think it's important to prepare for Aural as well 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/672468https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/672468Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:22:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:16:32 GMT]]>For me, I just skipped grade 1 and did grade 2 theory as well as practical. Then I skipped to grade 4 practical only, and then did grade 5 both practical as well as theory... Very easy to remember all my grades, got high merit for all the practical exams (missed distinction by a few marks :P) and got distinction for all my theory exams, haha... Finished grade 5 now and I will not be taking grade 6 practical, just probably doing grade 7 and 8 exams, though dunno when. Btw, I'm also taking violin (but I started much later!!!) and finished grade 1 with high merit (haha). I will be taking the grade 3 practical very soon 😛 and I'm also skipping grade 2 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/670751https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/670751Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:16:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:05:07 GMT]]>

phankao:
Dreamaurora:


Personally, I would let my students play whatever they fancy as long it is within their technical grasps. But do take note that some teachers frown upon assigning non-exam or non classical pieces because that means students progress through grades slower and less income for them in the long run. Chasing grades should never be the reason for the kids to learn piano, but used well, it can be a powerful impetus or motivational factor for students to progress.

The kids can always learn those on their own.

True, but if the parents and teachers are against the idea of them working on non exam pieces they will soon feel constrained and may lose the interest altogether in piano.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407988https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407988Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:05:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:17:10 GMT]]>

sleepy:
Vevey:

7yo DS1 is coming to a crossroad now.

He is getting v bored preparing for this July's Grade 2 exam since last Dec (even tho he is learning non-exam pcs as well). His teacher said that he had picked up quite fast, so now already losing interest after perfecting them.

Don't have to keep practising grade 2 only.

Teacher is teaching my dd grade 3 & grade 4 pieces concurrently after she covered grade 2 syllabus. Every week teacher will spend first part of lesson to listen to dd play grade 2, just to make sure dd maintains her standard for exam. Rest of lesson time is grade 3 & 4 new pieces. Not so bored this way.

Ya, his teacher is going to start him slowly on a grade 3 exam pc. Hopefully, DS won't focus too much onto it now, as he is the type who will raise up to the challenge then become bored after getting it right. :roll:

However, he prefersthe variety of non-exam pcs taught.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407793https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407793Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:17:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:03:52 GMT]]>

Dreamaurora:

Personally, I would let my students play whatever they fancy as long it is within their technical grasps. But do take note that some teachers frown upon assigning non-exam or non classical pieces because that means students progress through grades slower and less income for them in the long run. Chasing grades should never be the reason for the kids to learn piano, but used well, it can be a powerful impetus or motivational factor for students to progress.
The kids can always learn those on their own.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407477https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407477Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:03:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:58:30 GMT]]>

sleepy:
Pen88n:

Playing music is for appreciation and leisure as well. If only coping with 6 months 1 grade and playing 3 exam pieces well, how to enjoy playing the instrument? This is just running after the grading cert.....


6 months 1 grade is the norm in Nafa. I guess it's achievable?

Anyway, weighing more on exam pieces doesn't automatically equal won't enjoy the instrument. Of course the child must love music la. If don't love, how to bring out the colour of music?

I believe a child must love music a lot in order to progress at this pace. Force by parents to practice won't go very far. Motivation to learn must come from within the child.

If coping very well, of course can play leisure pieces like ABBA songs. I guess no teacher would stop a child from playing non exam pieces if the child is doing well

Very true, but to add parents and teachers play equal roles in motivating the children. Parents can do a lot like bringing the kids to concerts, talking about music with them, complimenting them when they make progress, playing music at home and car, etc. Teachers can organise social events such as student concerts or informal gatherings so the students can have more outlet to share their music instead of just music exams.

Personally, I would let my students play whatever they fancy as long it is within their technical grasps. But do take note that some teachers frown upon assigning non-exam or non classical pieces because that means students progress through grades slower and less income for them in the long run. Chasing grades should never be the reason for the kids to learn piano, but used well, it can be a powerful impetus or motivational factor for students to progress.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407475https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407475Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:58:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:28:32 GMT]]>

Vevey:
7yo DS1 is coming to a crossroad now.

He is getting v bored preparing for this July's Grade 2 exam since last Dec (even tho he is learning non-exam pcs as well). His teacher said that he had picked up quite fast, so now already losing interest after perfecting them.
Don't have to keep practising grade 2 only.

Teacher is teaching my dd grade 3 & grade 4 pieces concurrently after she covered grade 2 syllabus. Every week teacher will spend first part of lesson to listen to dd play grade 2, just to make sure dd maintains her standard for exam. Rest of lesson time is grade 3 & 4 new pieces. Not so bored this way.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407409https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407409Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:28:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:21:37 GMT]]>

sleepy:
Pen88n:

Playing music is for appreciation and leisure as well. If only coping with 6 months 1 grade and playing 3 exam pieces well, how to enjoy playing the instrument? This is just running after the grading cert.....


6 months 1 grade is the norm in Nafa. I guess it's achievable?

Anyway, weighing more on exam pieces doesn't automatically equal won't enjoy the instrument. Of course the child must love music la. If don't love, how to bring out the colour of music?

I believe a child must love music a lot in order to progress at this pace. Force by parents to practice won't go very far. Motivation to learn must come from within the child.

If coping very well, of course can play leisure pieces like ABBA songs. I guess no teacher would stop a child from playing non exam pieces if the child is doing well

Definitely achievable if just practise the exam pcs for an hr daily. 😉
But will need to spend more time if want to learn some non-exam pcs as well.

7yo DS1 is coming to a crossroad now.
He is getting v bored preparing for this July's Grade 2 exam since last Dec (even tho he is learning non-exam pcs as well). His teacher said that he had picked up quite fast, so now already losing interest after perfecting them. We r trying to motivate him to do well in the exam (since already paid for :roll: ) but I guess after this experience, we won't really bother w exams but just let him learn for leisure & let his teacher grade him internally. Will let him go for exams only when he next asks for it. 😄

So for your friend's son to fail Grade 1 after 5 yrs, it is possible...esp if the interest & motivation to do well in exam pcs is no longer there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407356https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407356Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:21:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:34:36 GMT]]>

Pen88n:
Playing music is for appreciation and leisure as well. If only coping with 6 months 1 grade and playing 3 exam pieces well, how to enjoy playing the instrument? This is just running after the grading cert.....

6 months 1 grade is the norm in Nafa. I guess it's achievable?

Anyway, weighing more on exam pieces doesn't automatically equal won't enjoy the instrument. Of course the child must love music la. If don't love, how to bring out the colour of music?

I believe a child must love music a lot in order to progress at this pace. Force by parents to practice won't go very far. Motivation to learn must come from within the child.

If coping very well, of course can play leisure pieces like ABBA songs. I guess no teacher would stop a child from playing non exam pieces if the child is doing well

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407221https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407221Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:34:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:21:32 GMT]]>

KoalaMummy:
One of my friend's son, 11year old, sat for Piano Grade 1 exam and failed. He has been learning piano lesson for 5 years in this piano school. My friend was very upset and wanted to withdraw his son from the school saying that she has spent so much time and money sending his son to this school but can't see any results. But I was wondering is this (failing his grade 1 exam) the fault of the school or his son? Can we put the blame solely on the school and the teacher? Any advice?

If your friend's ds is practising diligently, then obviously not the boy's fault.

Teacher needs to be very familar with exam syllabus and knows what the examiner is looking for in a distinction or at least a pass in this case. School needs to employ qualified teachers

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407213https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407213Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:21:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:16:12 GMT]]>

sleepy:
titank:

Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?


Actually it doesn't take very long to master exam pieces. Usually 1 month to familarise with the notes, 3 months to master the dynamic & colour of music. Really, 6 months is more than sufficient to achieve perfection if the child practices diligently 5 times a week 1 hour each time.

So 6 months 1 grade if child is hardworking 😄

Playing music is for appreciation and leisure as well. If only coping with 6 months 1 grade and playing 3 exam pieces well, how to enjoy playing the instrument? This is just running after the grading cert.....

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407208https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407208Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:16:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:07:59 GMT]]>

titank:
Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?

Actually it doesn't take very long to master exam pieces. Usually 1 month to familarise with the notes, 3 months to master the dynamic & colour of music. Really, 6 months is more than sufficient to achieve perfection if the child practices diligently 5 times a week 1 hour each time.

So 6 months 1 grade if child is hardworking 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407200https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407200Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:07:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:41:42 GMT]]>

Dreamaurora:
phankao:

[quote=\"titank\"]Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?


Depends on Age and maturity and ability of the child, I guess? My kids on different instruments. Generally they took just over 5years for grade 8.

It is very possible if you have a reasonably musical and hardworking child to omit the one grade per year progression. But I always advocate that this should never be done at the expense of the student's enjoyment and appreciation of music. I've seen parents that rush their children to get grade 8 and then afterwards issued ultimatum not to practice piano anymore so they can focus on their studies. If this happens, I think the parents are making mockery of the student's and teacher's dedication towards music.[/quote]Nope, no kid stopped practising. Doing diploma. I do have 1 child who did 1 grade per year and stopped after grade 8 though. She is the \"just pass\" kind. But the boys are different. And well, not our decision - we always listen to the teacher's advice. If not, would not have skipped.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407124https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407124Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:41:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:33:26 GMT]]>

phankao:
titank:

Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?


Depends on Age and maturity and ability of the child, I guess? My kids on different instruments. Generally they took just over 5years for grade 8.

It is very possible if you have a reasonably musical and hardworking child to omit the one grade per year progression. But I always advocate that this should never be done at the expense of the student's enjoyment and appreciation of music. I've seen parents that rush their children to get grade 8 and then afterwards issued ultimatum not to practice piano anymore so they can focus on their studies. If this happens, I think the parents are making mockery of the student's and teacher's dedication towards music.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407113https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/407113Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:33:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:08:09 GMT]]>

titank:
Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?

Depends on Age and maturity and ability of the child, I guess? My kids on different instruments. Generally they took just over 5years for grade 8.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406824https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406824Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:08:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:48:33 GMT]]>Wow train for the final grade like that going to take how long? 1 year 1 grade to gauge?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406819https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/406819Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:48:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:40:14 GMT]]>

jce:
My friend's daughter (my friend is a piano teacher) jumped straight to grade 8 (no, did not even take grade 1, only took grade 5 theory which is necessary). She passed with a good distinction. .

Yeah, my son's teacher always said, why bother with all the other grades when ultimately you just want grade 8? He always says not to waste money, but just train for the final grade.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/405126https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/405126Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:40:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:07:30 GMT]]>My friend’s daughter (my friend is a piano teacher) jumped straight to grade 8 (no, did not even take grade 1, only took grade 5 theory which is necessary). She passed with a good distinction.


It takes both hands to clap so it’s not just about having a good teacher but it’s also having a student who is willing to put in the effort and have a good heart to learn.

I’ve had my fair share of students who are musical but no willing to practice or not willing to change their bad habits accumulated from previous teachings.

Sometimes teachers really ought to take a stand in having the last say of whether to send a child in for exam or not. Parents can have a say, but not the last say.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/405081https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/405081Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:07:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:46:45 GMT]]>

chloe_javier:
titank:

Wow can jump Grade where do not have to take Grade by Grade?

Like that can we take G1 then jum G4 after that straight to G8? :celebrate:

The students need to go thru the Grade 2-4 pieces standard before they take Grade 4 exam. After passed Grade 4, then let them try Grade 5-6 pieces standard.
It's really depends on the students ability...Teacher qualification also plays important part..The higher grade students achieve the teacher/ school will be very happy coz they can charge higher fees.

It really depends on the teacher, whether to do grade-by-grade and not the exam, or really to skip grade and do \"fill gaps\". It's really up to the teacher to guage the child's standard and ability too. It's never the same for all teacher-student pairs, so cannot generalise what's best for everyone.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/404151https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/404151Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:46:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:03:14 GMT]]>

titank:
Wow can jump Grade where do not have to take Grade by Grade?

Like that can we take G1 then jum G4 after that straight to G8? :celebrate:
The students need to go thru the Grade 2-4 pieces standard before they take Grade 4 exam. After passed Grade 4, then let them try Grade 5-6 pieces standard.
It's really depends on the students ability...Teacher qualification also plays important part..The higher grade students achieve the teacher/ school will be very happy coz they can charge higher fees.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/403978https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/403978Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:03:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Failing Grade 1 piano exam on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:48:39 GMT]]>Yah it’s not necessary to do all grades.


Eg. my kids just did their grade 1 after 5 years. I feel that these 5 years were not spent on preparing grade 1 but rather, we weren’t keen to pursue grading and lso we just let them learn at their own pace and enjoy.

But at certain age when they are more pressured by friends, they would demand for grading exams. I thought it’s better for that to happen than for me to "force" them to do it.

I spoke to their teachers before and both wanted them to do grade 1 to expose them to exam environment. Most likely they will skip grade 2 and go to grade 3 next.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/403935https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/403935Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:48:39 GMT