All About Piano Theory Examinations

[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.

[metz]

How about his piano teacher? Mine is taking Grade 5 next March too, under the guidance of his piano teacher.


Otherwise, you can approach music schools if they provide preparation for theory exams for non-students. Another alternative is to hire a private music teacher to prepare your son for the exam.

[sleepy]

Just call up the music schools in your area. Most music schools conduct theory lessons, either in group or individual.


Private piano teachers are likely to be charging the same fees as grade 5 practical because it is their time spent, so theory same fees as practical.

Music schools, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper for theory lessons compared to practical lessons.

[jo.010813ong]

Dear SnowieBob


My gal is currently at grade 2 theory and grade 3 practical. Was planning to let her take the gr 2 theory exam in Mar 2013. So far only covered 1/3 of the theory, do you think there is enough time? :skeptical: The teacher is seems to be more keen to let her take practical in Jul 2013.