phankao:

40-60 is so many. In dc's school, it's less than 10 in sec 1.

Yes, it depends on the manpower of the school and number of applicants.

Hello,


Just happened to chance upon this forum and thought I would just address some misconceptions and give some advice since the open houses and DSA applications are coming up. :rahrah:

First of all, MEP is not for students who just want to be performers. It is a programme to encourage and train students to be an all-rounded musician. This is why the performance component is worth only 20-25% with theory, history, analysis, composition, aural, etc making up the rest.

Grade 3 Practical and Theory is the MEP eligibility criteria, but in truth those with Grade 5 Theory still struggle with the theory component. It is not advisable to skip any theory grade. Even if you don't take the exam, at least work through the entire grade especially from Grade 5 onwards as the content knowledge from Grades 6, 7, 8 is required for the composition and analysis components.

With aesthetics subjects like art and music, the portfolio and/or audition is always the most important when determining one's entry into the programmes. The graded exams certification (ABRSM or equivalent) is only used for the judging panel's reference. To put it bluntly, it does not truly show one's talent; it only demonstrates one's ability to play 3 different pieces with guidance from the instrumental teacher.

Different MEP schools have their own criteria, but in general what they want to see is talent, potential, attitude. One can't tell much from just a certificate/supporting document. But in an audition, firstly it shows one's technical control of the instrument under assessment conditions. And more importantly, how much the student understands about their chosen repertoire (the work itself and its background) becomes very apparent.

MEP is a really tough programme. The demands may be even more than other academic subjects. Just think of all that subject content to learn (which is not easy to begin with), then the long, tiring hours (between 1.5 to 3 hours) after curriculum time plus having to make time for instrumental practise.

It is normal for MEP centres to take in 40-60 students in Sec 1 because those who cannot cope will eventually drop the subject. :imdrowning: By mid-year or beginning of Sec 2, the number will be down to 20+ and much smaller by Sec 3. However, MEP-DSA is different as there is a 4-year minimum period of study and any student who wants to drop out of the programme has to leave the school.

Okay, getting quite lengthy already so I shall stop. Anyway, hope the above info helps!