All About ABRSM Grades & Support
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markfch:
In fact, this is a common misperception. Slow pieces are often harder to play than fast pieces because they require a much finer technical control and listening skill on the player part.I see. Thanks for the info.
I actually mistakenly thought that since this song is so slow, a grade 4 or 5 will be able to play it well.
If you like Clair de Lune, I can suggest a few more similar pieces:
- Ravel's Pavane pour une infante defunte
- Debussy's Arabesque No 1
- Debussy's Reverie
- Brahms' Intermezzo Op 118 No 2
- Schubert's Impromptu Op 90 No 3
- Liszt's Consolation No 3 -
All these songs are unfamilar to me. But from youtube, found out that I liked Debussy’s Arabesque No 1 & Schubert’s Impromptu Op 90 No 3 very much. Thank you.
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DS is scheduled to take grade 1 exam next Mar. I noticed that for the ABRM grade 1 exam pieces, there are sets A, B & C. Within each set, there are 3 songs of varying difficulties.
I’ve a couple of questions regarding this:
a) Can a student score distinction if he/she picks only the easiest songs in all 3 sets?
b) For a diligent student, is it easier to score distinction doing more difficult or simplier pieces?
Just asking cos I’m curious, that’s all. His teacher has full rein over all things exam as she knows ds & exam requirement best. Thank you. -
Each set of songs usually test different “skills/ technique” to ensure the student has acquire all the “skills/technique” needed for that grade. Some songs may be seem simple (or shorter), but it may not be easy to excel. Some songs may “show off” some student’s strengths better too. A good teacher will take into consideration the student’s strengths and suitability of the songs. At a lower grade, it may be possible to learn more songs (afterall take as practice) before deciding on which pieces to submit for exam.
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Thanks Pen88n.
Hopefully piano teacher will choose songs that are rhythmic & catchy cos I can’t stand listening to the same songs being played over & over again for 9 mths. -
Besides learning just the songs she can also learn other songs from techniques book to improve her techniques too. This year grade 1 songs difficulties really vary, but usually teacher will choose according to child’s ability and to perform her potential. It’s not true that easy songs will score higher, but all songs stands an equal chance as each section of it has it’s difficulty in controlling the tempo and dynamics(g1 songs this year)
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. -
mark, I think your DS sure gets distinction one ..... :salute: :salute:
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mark,
what songs do your son play ? -
SnowieBob:
DS haven't learnt scales yet, but he's quite nimble with his fingers.
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.
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. -
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.