All About Piano Theory Examinations

[jane84]

I find it strange that parents are discussing what grades to take?

Should n’t this be the responsibility of the teachers to decide?

I have always leave it to the professionals to do it.

[SnowieBob]

jane84:

I find it strange that parents are discussing what grades to take?

Should n't this be the responsibility of the teachers to decide?

I have always leave it to the professionals to do it.

Ya usually is for the teachers. But I ever met parents saying \"my child is already p5 still grade1? Can we don't waste time and go g2-3?\" :roll:
So need to explain to them.

[Faun]

Dear Snowiebob,


My dd taking theory exam next year. There are a lot of Italian, German and other foreign musical words to memorize.

Do you know where I can find an audio CD that has a recording of all the terms and meaning found in the AB Theory Of Music Guidebook? I think it is easier for her to memorize if she knows how to pronounce those terms. The ones especially hard to pronounce are the German.

Thanks in advance.

[SnowieBob]

Faun:

Dear Snowiebob,


My dd taking theory exam next year. There are a lot of Italian, German and other foreign musical words to memorize.

Do you know where I can find an audio CD that has a recording of all the terms and meaning found in the AB Theory Of Music Guidebook? I think it is easier for her to memorize if she knows how to pronounce those terms. The ones especially hard to pronounce are the German.

Thanks in advance.

Hi there, nope currently there isn't any cd that records all the terms. But u can try out the websites where they pronounce all the words.
Try this: http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/textl/langsam.html

One of the example on top.
Hope this helps

[Faun]

SnowieBob:

Hi there, nope currently there isn't any cd that records all the terms. But u can try out the websites where they pronounce all the words.
Try this: http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/textl/langsam.html

One of the example on top.
Hope this helps

Dear Snowiebob,

On behalf of dd,
:thankyou: This is a very very great help.

:udawoman:

[SnowieBob]

I'm glad that it's useful! Good luck for exams!! Remember to practice some past year papers

[Miracle Child]

Hi,


DS is interested in music i.e. he will pick those pieces he likes to play, even new ones that he hears from the internet and learn to play on his own…however, I think he does not really enjoy the rigidity and perhaps the "more boring" classical training for ABRSM exam. Is there any other course for non-classical piano lessons? Any recommendations on teachers? I would prefer that his love for music be sustained rather than be "killed" by all the ABRSM practical and theory exams…thanks.

[Dreamaurora]

Miracle Child:

Hi,


DS is interested in music i.e. he will pick those pieces he likes to play, even new ones that he hears from the internet and learn to play on his own...however, I think he does not really enjoy the rigidity and perhaps the \"more boring\" classical training for ABRSM exam. Is there any other course for non-classical piano lessons? Any recommendations on teachers? I would prefer that his love for music be sustained rather than be \"killed\" by all the ABRSM practical and theory exams...thanks.

Actually, it is a misconception that classical training is more rigid and 'boring' as compared to non-classical training. There is a massive amount of written piano repertoire for all levels and there isn't even a requirement to take exam; it is entirely possible to get to a high level of playing without taking even a single exam. Even if your child wants to take exams, there is a wide range of exams available from other exam boards that focus more on the performance aspect e.g. Trinity's Performance Certificates.

What is unfortunate is that many teachers are quite rigid in the way they teach classical piano. I have met many teachers who do not even bother to try using books outside the official books ABRSM provide. So the students are trapped in a cycle of learning exam pieces and the requirements. And many do not bother organising activities that break the monotony of individual weekly lessons. That should not be the way.

Should you insist that your child tries non classical, there are plenty of music schools that offer pop/jazz piano such as Contempo or Play-by-ear. There are plenty of private teachers who offer these courses too.

[peanut_butter]

Doesn’t Yamaha teaches popular music? There’s a teacher with grade 5 yamaha certificate advertising in this forum. Play-By-Ear takes in mainly adult students.

[morach]

Hi,


My ds is planning to take Grade 5 piano theory in march next year. Does anyone know where I can send him for the theory preparation class? Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.