All About Piano Theory Examinations
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I'm glad that it's useful! Good luck for exams!! Remember to practice some past year papers
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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. -
Miracle Child:
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.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.
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. -
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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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If I may answer… if there’s an intensive drill on theory during the holidays, it should be doable. But it also depends on the child. Some kids don’t pick up theory easily. Why do you want your girl to do grade 2 theory? The teacher, I think, is probably thinking about skipping the grades and just go for grade 5, which is actually the only theory paper your child needs.
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jce:
If I may answer... if there's an intensive drill on theory during the holidays, it should be doable. But it also depends on the child. Some kids don't pick up theory easily. Why do you want your girl to do grade 2 theory? The teacher, I think, is probably thinking about skipping the grades and just go for grade 5, which is actually the only theory paper your child needs.
Jce, also depends on the teacher's skill in teaching theory lar. I know of teachers who are really good in teaching practical but totally hopeless in teaching theory and viva voce, so they outsource to another teachers. While you and I know that straightaway grade 5 theory can be done with proper preparation, most teachers would prefer to go through grade by grade if they are not so theory inclined. But I agree with you, I see no point in taking grade 2 theory; all my students take grade 5 theory directly (after they have passed grade 3 practical).
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