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> Session A exams, dates, preparation, results
saxophile
post Mar 4 2012, 03:44 PM
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Bleurgh. In advance of my exam tomorrow, I appear to be succumbing to a cold (first one all winter, too!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) At least it's piano and not sax, so if I can't breathe adequately it'll only affect my performance indirectly...
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Misterioso
post Mar 4 2012, 04:07 PM
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QUOTE(saxophile @ Mar 4 2012, 03:44 PM) *

Bleurgh. In advance of my exam tomorrow, I appear to be succumbing to a cold (first one all winter, too!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) At least it's piano and not sax, so if I can't breathe adequately it'll only affect my performance indirectly...

That's bad luck, saxopphile - hope you still manage to give your best.

Good luck!
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saxophile
post Mar 5 2012, 05:36 PM
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Phew - glad that's over! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Some mistakes in everything (well, at least that shows consistency (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ). I came a bit unstuck and lost my place in the middle of what is usually my best piece, but managed to get back on track after a slight pause and inner panic; and I think I learned some useful lessons:

1) I can actually play in front of someone else. Paralysis did not set in, as feared.

2) I can stuff up and the world does not immediately come to an end. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

3) I need to get out more, musically. The thing which threw me most was having to adjust to a different piano: the action was heavier than mine, and the balance seemed all wrong (bottom end comparatively much louder than the middle and upper register). Parts of my pieces which should have been mp were more like mf, and when I tried to compensate for this by playing more gently, some notes failed to sound altogether.

I'm looking forward to learning some new pieces, too....

(Oh, and the examiner was exceedingly nice; and the steward didn't pass any comments on the fact that I was changing into slippers in the waiting room - I can't pedal properly in heels - so that was good as well!)
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jazzycat
post Mar 5 2012, 05:45 PM
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QUOTE(saxophile @ Mar 5 2012, 05:36 PM) *

Phew - glad that's over! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)



Sounds as though it went OK, saxophile: good luck for the result (IMG:style_emoticons/default/goodLuck.gif)
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louloubelle
post Mar 5 2012, 06:34 PM
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QUOTE(katemorrisviolin @ Feb 26 2012, 06:52 PM) *

Grade 4 violin this term, which feels so much more grown-up than grade 3 for some reason. I've got new strings and new bow hair, and am raring to go. Bring it on! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


Wishing you all the best for the big day, katemorrisviolin. I follow your posts on VivaStrings, as a fellow island dweller, but from the north.
I am a late (>60) returner, having played violin for 2 years at school and restarted last summer.
I know what you mean about Grade 4---I was really chuffed when I started the pieces about a month ago; not so happy with the scales, though ! If I don't chicken out I will be doing the exam in Session 3, as other commitments don't really fit in with exam in June/July.
I am most nervous about the aural tests, but have bought all the ABRSM books and will start tackling them at some stage-----it is so much more fun playing the pieces, whichI think will be the least of my worries.

What pieces are you doing?
I love Adagio, Melodie and the Klezmer (my favourite), but cannot make anything of the Alpine Tune.

Best of luck to all braving the exam room just now !
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barry-clari
post Mar 5 2012, 07:08 PM
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QUOTE(saxophile @ Mar 5 2012, 05:36 PM) *

Phew - glad that's over! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Some mistakes in everything (well, at least that shows consistency (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ). I came a bit unstuck and lost my place in the middle of what is usually my best piece, but managed to get back on track after a slight pause and inner panic; and I think I learned some useful lessons:

1) I can actually play in front of someone else. Paralysis did not set in, as feared.

2) I can stuff up and the world does not immediately come to an end. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

3) I need to get out more, musically. The thing which threw me most was having to adjust to a different piano: the action was heavier than mine, and the balance seemed all wrong (bottom end comparatively much louder than the middle and upper register). Parts of my pieces which should have been mp were more like mf, and when I tried to compensate for this by playing more gently, some notes failed to sound altogether.

I'm looking forward to learning some new pieces, too....

(Oh, and the examiner was exceedingly nice; and the steward didn't pass any comments on the fact that I was changing into slippers in the waiting room - I can't pedal properly in heels - so that was good as well!)


Sounds promising! All the best for a good result, and hope your cold's better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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saxophile
post Mar 5 2012, 08:24 PM
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QUOTE(barry-clari @ Mar 5 2012, 07:08 PM) *

Sounds promising! All the best for a good result, and hope your cold's better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


Afraid not - it seems to be settling in and making itself comfortable (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fever.gif) . However, I no longer care. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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bassoonista
post Mar 5 2012, 09:11 PM
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[quote name='saxophile' date='Mar 5 2012, 05:36 PM' post='1133415']
Phew - glad that's over! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Some mistakes in everything (well, at least that shows consistency (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ). I came a bit unstuck and lost my place in the middle of what is usually my best piece, but managed to get back on track after a slight pause and inner panic; and I think I learned some useful lessons:

1) I can actually play in front of someone else. Paralysis did not set in, as feared.

2) I can stuff up and the world does not immediately come to an end. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

3) I need to get out more, musically. The thing which threw me most was having to adjust to a different piano: the action was heavier than mine, and the balance seemed all wrong (bottom end comparatively much louder than the middle and upper register). Parts of my pieces which should have been mp were more like mf, and when I tried to compensate for this by playing more gently, some notes failed to sound altogether.

I'm looking forward to learning some new pieces, too....

(Oh, and the examiner was exceedingly nice; and the steward didn't pass any comments on the fact that I was changing into slippers in the waiting room - I can't pedal properly in heels - so that was good as well!)quote]

Did you do your exam in Leeds, because I must have been just after you, and yes, the examiner was lovely
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lottie
post Mar 6 2012, 08:48 AM
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I seem to remember from my piano exams many moons ago that you're allowed to try out the piano before your exam starts?

Because I'm an adult and confident I would just ask outright now and test the piano for all dynamic ranges and weight of action. I guess it would only take a few scales to try it?


Good luck for everyone - I still have three weeks to wait and I'm getting fed-up of my Joplin piece (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
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willobie
post Mar 6 2012, 08:54 AM
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QUOTE(lottie @ Mar 6 2012, 08:48 AM) *


Good luck for everyone - I still have three weeks to wait and I'm getting fed-up of my Joplin piece (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Which pieces are you playing?

W (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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saxophile
post Mar 6 2012, 09:13 AM
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QUOTE(bassoonista @ Mar 5 2012, 09:11 PM) *

Did you do your exam in Leeds, because I must have been just after you, and yes, the examiner was lovely


No, mine was in Harrogate (on the basis that we knew the piano there was not a million miles away from ours at home - Son No.1 did his Gr 5 in Harrogate last year).
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lottie
post Mar 9 2012, 06:07 PM
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QUOTE(willobie @ Mar 6 2012, 08:54 AM) *

QUOTE(lottie @ Mar 6 2012, 08:48 AM) *


Good luck for everyone - I still have three weeks to wait and I'm getting fed-up of my Joplin piece (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Which pieces are you playing?

W (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)



I'm playing the Purcell 'Halleluja', the Brahms 'Dimanche' and then the Joplin 'New Rag'. I'm sick to death of all of them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) But I was supposed to do the exam last Nov and had to postpone due to family probs. Just wish I had spent all that time on scales too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) ... but no... neglected the scales as usual (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Now only two weeks to go (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
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jazzycat
post Mar 14 2012, 11:44 AM
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Nine days to go and I have a cold. My breath control is now completely rubbish.
Trying not to panic...
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balu114
post Mar 14 2012, 12:08 PM
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4 more days to go...and I have lost my sheet music.

Forgetfully, I left my book at a friend's house who posted it to me by First Class a week ago and I haven't received it yet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Couldn't find the book in any of the local music shop and I have placed an order for the book at June Emerson's... they have promised to send it by special delivery. Keeping my fingers crossed.

If I don't get the book, then I (and my teacher) will have to play the piece from memory (IMG:style_emoticons/default/eek.gif) and I can recall only 70% of the score... at least I will get some marks for attempting!!
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louise1712
post Mar 14 2012, 07:48 PM
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QUOTE(balu114 @ Mar 14 2012, 12:08 PM) *

4 more days to go...and I have lost my sheet music.

Forgetfully, I left my book at a friend's house who posted it to me by First Class a week ago and I haven't received it yet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Couldn't find the book in any of the local music shop and I have placed an order for the book at June Emerson's... they have promised to send it by special delivery. Keeping my fingers crossed.

If I don't get the book, then I (and my teacher) will have to play the piece from memory (IMG:style_emoticons/default/eek.gif) and I can recall only 70% of the score... at least I will get some marks for attempting!!


Oh no (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) am impressed you can recall any of the score though, I certainly wouldn't be able to do that! Hope you get your book in time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fingersCrossed.gif)
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