Teacher Dreamaurora - Piano Q&A

[Dreamaurora]

chamonix:

Hi Dreamaurora & everybody,


Is it possible to self study Grade 5 theory? My children's previous teacher has recommended us The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part I) for self studying. Are there any other books or programs that you would recommend? We are keen to try out the theory books (for practices) available on market. But most don't come with answers, and this makes it hard for someone without music background like me. I understand you do publish books. Do you happen to publish theory books with answers?

Many thanks!

Whether it is possible? Yes, it is possible. I studied grade 5 theory myself when I started learning piano because my first teacher was a PRC and he could not teach theory. And I have no money to attend the music school's group theory lessons. So I asked a friend of mine what to do and she recommended me that same pink color book to read up. Then I bought the mock exam papers and their model answers and figure out their connections. Somehow I still managed to pass the exam.

Do I recommend learning by yourself? No, because I basically brute forced my way through the theory and learnt everything by rote, I did not really understand any of the concepts. It is only much later during my full time study that I actually relearn all the concepts and began to understand how a good understanding theory links to my playing.

Anyway if you want to start self-studying, there is indeed a theory book that comes with complete answers.

http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Materials-Music-Theory-Programed/dp/0205295843

You will have to order this online though. It is by no means complete but I recommend going through this book first before doing the pink book. I am indeed working on a grade 5 theory book now (which comes with answers). But the prototype will only be ready in a few months time. If you want to, you are welcome to be guinea pig.

[Dreamaurora]

peanut_butter:

chamonix:

Is it possible to self study Grade 5 theory? My children's previous teacher has recommended us The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part I) for self studying. Are there any other books or programs that you would recommend? We are keen to try out the theory books (for practices) available on market. But most don't come with answers, and this makes it hard for someone without music background like me.

I like Ying Ying Ng's Music Theory for Young Musicians. My late teens students use it for self-study. But I still mark their work la. If in doubt, you can get a teacher to check when you complete the book. They have explanations that link well with the exercises. Their topics flow better than Lina Ng's. It's easy for adults to comprehend. I didn't use additional material, except for mock exam papers. Some music store carries the exam answers. The only draw back is it is too colorful for many adults or teachers to accept.

Ying Ying Ng's books are not bad, one of the better options on the market. Unfortunately none of the ABRSM theory books in the market now is fully comprehensive yet. The Americans have better theory books that are actually quite interesting to read and informative, but may not be fully relevant to the preparation of grade 5 ABRSM.

[phankao]

Dreamaurora:

peanut_butter:

[quote=\"chamonix\"]Is it possible to self study Grade 5 theory? My children's previous teacher has recommended us The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part I) for self studying. Are there any other books or programs that you would recommend? We are keen to try out the theory books (for practices) available on market. But most don't come with answers, and this makes it hard for someone without music background like me.

I like Ying Ying Ng's Music Theory for Young Musicians. My late teens students use it for self-study. But I still mark their work la. If in doubt, you can get a teacher to check when you complete the book. They have explanations that link well with the exercises. Their topics flow better than Lina Ng's. It's easy for adults to comprehend. I didn't use additional material, except for mock exam papers. Some music store carries the exam answers. The only draw back is it is too colorful for many adults or teachers to accept.

Ying Ying Ng's books are not bad, one of the better options on the market. Unfortunately none of the ABRSM theory books in the market now is fully comprehensive yet. The Americans have better theory books that are actually quite interesting to read and informative, but may not be fully relevant to the preparation of grade 5 ABRSM.[/quote]Someone i know did Grade 8 abysm theory self-study by using online resources only and got distinction.

[Dreamaurora]

phankao:

Someone i know did Grade 8 abysm theory self-study by using online resources only and got distinction.

Haha, actually quite a few people prepared exams, practical or theory, by themselves because of various reasons. I did prepare my grade 8 ABRSM by myself (parents were unsupportive at the time) and still managed to do ok.

So are the exams too easy? A common complaint levelled towards the graded exams are that they do not test the proficiencies of the students comprehensively, instead they only recognise the end results that are a reflection of the effort the students put in towards exam. How you arrive at the results do not matter to the examiners.

So using myself for example, last time when I prepared my grade 8, what I did was that I bought the CDs and literally copied every single details they did in the CD. When I took the exam, the lowest mark I got for the pieces was 26 :evil: But was I competent pianist? Definitely no. Although I knew that I had to do certain things in the pieces, I lacked the knowledge of the reasonings that can only come from the guidance of a good teacher. And not to mention, my technique was far from the ideal.

That is why I personally feel that grade 8s are not suitable as the final destinations for the students. I've seen way too many clueless grade 8ers that have very limited music knowledge and well rounded education. I once asked a girl who got grade 8 distinction 1 day before her exam what she was going to play for her exam and she had no clue about the titles or the key signatures.

[phankao]

Dreamaurora:

So are the exams too easy? A common complaint levelled towards the graded exams are that they do not test the proficiencies of the students comprehensively, instead they only recognise the end results that are a reflection of the effort the students put in towards exam. How you arrive at the results do not matter to the examiners.

I don't think the exams are too easy. Not everyone can manage without guidance, especially the young kids. The person I know who did gr 8 theory self-study is a high-performer in everything, academic and otherwise.

Well, my kids go for theory lessons. 4months' coaching for grade 5 theory. ;D 6mths' coaching for grade 6.

[sunshine4]

Hi Dreamaurora,


May I consult you on the following:
My son just started learning piano at age 5 and it has been 8 months. However, I noticed that he has a tendency to memorise fingerings and still have some difficulty reading notes. When I asked him, he told me that he needs to look at his fingerings as he does not know how to look at the notes and fingerings at the same time. May I know if you have any suggestions to this? I am not a pianist myself and I feel that his difficulty is valid. Thanks.

[sunflower2005]

Dreamaurora


Regarding theory exam is it advisable to go Grade 5 straight w/o taking any of other grade ?

[metz]

sunflower2005:

Dreamaurora


Regarding theory exam is it advisable to go Grade 5 straight w/o taking any of other grade ?

My children's previous piano teacher suggested to go for Grade 5 theory exam whenever they are ready. No need to take any of the lower grade theory exams.

But I understand that is not the standard practice. Some teachers have different preferences. Am I right, piano teachers and all?

[metz]

Dreamaurora:

peanut_butter:

I like Ying Ying Ng's Music Theory for Young Musicians. My late teens students use it for self-study. But I still mark their work la. If in doubt, you can get a teacher to check when you complete the book. They have explanations that link well with the exercises. Their topics flow better than Lina Ng's. It's easy for adults to comprehend. I didn't use additional material, except for mock exam papers. Some music store carries the exam answers. The only draw back is it is too colorful for many adults or teachers to accept.

Ying Ying Ng's books are not bad, one of the better options on the market. Unfortunately none of the ABRSM theory books in the market now is fully comprehensive yet. The Americans have better theory books that are actually quite interesting to read and informative, but may not be fully relevant to the preparation of grade 5 ABRSM.

Thanks for the recommendations! Ying Ying Ng's books are really more colourful than Lina Ng's. Already added that to my cart. Have any of you come across http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Theory-Practice-Model-Answers/dp/1848491182/ref=sr_1_17?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332311761&sr=1-17? I am wondering if it will be useful.

[metz]

Dreamaurora:

Whether it is possible? Yes, it is possible. I studied grade 5 theory myself when I started learning piano because my first teacher was a PRC and he could not teach theory. And I have no money to attend the music school's group theory lessons. So I asked a friend of mine what to do and she recommended me that same pink color book to read up. Then I bought the mock exam papers and their model answers and figure out their connections. Somehow I still managed to pass the exam.

Do I recommend learning by yourself? No, because I basically brute forced my way through the theory and learnt everything by rote, I did not really understand any of the concepts. It is only much later during my full time study that I actually relearn all the concepts and began to understand how a good understanding theory links to my playing.

Anyway if you want to start self-studying, there is indeed a theory book that comes with complete answers.

http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Materials-Music-Theory-Programed/dp/0205295843

You will have to order this online though. It is by no means complete but I recommend going through this book first before doing the pink book. I am indeed working on a grade 5 theory book now (which comes with answers). But the prototype will only be ready in a few months time. If you want to, you are welcome to be guinea pig.

I was so happy to read that there is such a theory book that comes with answers. But when I looked at the price, I went :yikes: . Very expensive

Sure, I'll be glad to be guinea pig. Er, got special price for guinea pigs?

Thanks for sharing your experience. I understand where you are coming from. Like the practicals, passing and scoring well for the exams doesn't necessarily mean one can play well at that grade. I am not aiming for my children to take Grade 5 theory exam within the next few months by self-studying. But it would be an interesting challenge to learn something new on our own.