Grade 8 Theory Options

[Ifsy]

Anyone out there to convince me that I can manage Grade 8 theory on my own?


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[appleblossom]

Anyone out there to convince me that I can manage Grade 8 theory on my own?


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Hi Ifsy
My piano/theory teacher retires in a couple of weeks, so I will be going it alone for the Summer at least. I have the books for Gde 8 Piano and theory which I have made a start on. I will be doing these alone until I can find another tutor, so we can help each other if you like!!! Before both exams, I will definitely find another tutor to get the rough edges tidied up- probably a term before the exams. I am hoping to sit them in Spring 08.

Jillian x

[1stviolin]

My son and I are thinking of taking it together ... he'll probably do much better than me, as he's taking A Level music at the moment and I'm very rusty!

[Malone]

I'm taking grade 8 theory in June too! I think its the 16th or something. I did it a while ago, but the course I'm doing now pays for everyone to do it so I'm having another bash at it. I seem to have forgotten everything! The white ABRSM theory workbook is much better than the usual book thats brown or something. The Josephine Coe book is good too... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[flute fanatic]

Myself, I could never do grade 8 theory on my own; however I think for you it could be possible.
I have only taken grade 5 theory and started to learn grade 6, but I found it too difficult.
I remember working through theory books at a young age on my own and it took ages; I finally decided to get a teacher leading up to my exam and was amazed how quick I learnt.

It's amazing how someone else can make something so easy just through a little explanation.

On the plus side, UCAS pioints for uni can be gained.

Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[ivanmus]

If your understanding of the following are very good then of course you'll manage the 8th grade exam.
a. All aspects of Rudiments of Music Theory
b. 4-part Harmony
c. Melody writing and the ability to hear the sounds you write, in your head.
d. Quick musical perception; for example when merely looking at a score, you should be able to systematically discuss (in words) what you see; identify chords, harmonic structure, modulation, possible instrumentation.
e. Personal drive/motivation to set a goal and work towards it, without any compromising.

If you have at least gone through the lower grade workbooks and you feel you are able to tackle the topics therein, then you should be ready to BEGIN preparing for Gr.8. preparation should take you at least 6 months.

Do purchase Past Qs. Papers.
You could prepare for the topics of the exam by going through various papers, topic-wise OR you could complete the workbook satisfactorily, and then work through entire papers. Time yourself too. If you have someone to go through a paper or two, after you have worked them, it would help.

[sbhoa]

c. Melody writing and the ability to hear the sounds you write, in your head

Not essential.
I got good marks (18/20) without being good at hearing accuratly in my head.

[ivanmus]

You are right..."not essential" to hear the melody. I have had some students, who could not hear their tunes in their head and like you, still managed to do fairly well or very well (at Theory Grade 5 level).
However it is possible that if one is able to hear the tune given, then the response might be even more effective/balanced, with an exciting climax - it could lead to a 'full mark' (no guarantees of course, its also imp to be neat, and write in articulation, expression marks, and other indications, phrasing etc).

In proceeding towards higher grades(6,7,8) or diploma level exams in theory, it is an asset to 'feel' your way thru' the music as you decide chord selection/choice. You probably know, there are a zillion possibilities for chord selection and their arrangement or melodic responses (with or without modulation), as one's musical palate and vocabulary increases.

[sbhoa]

You are right..."not essential" to hear the melody. I have had some students, who could not hear their tunes in their head and like you, still managed to do fairly well or very well (at Theory Grade 5 level).
However it is possible that if one is able to hear the tune given, then the response might be even more effective/balanced, with an exciting climax - it could lead to a 'full mark' (no guarantees of course, its also imp to be neat, and write in articulation, expression marks, and other indications, phrasing etc).

In proceeding towards higher grades(6,7,8) or diploma level exams in theory, it is an asset to 'feel' your way thru' the music as you decide chord selection/choice. You probably know, there are a zillion possibilities for chord selection and their arrangement or melodic responses (with or without modulation), as one's musical palate and vocabulary increases.

My theory teacher said that sometimes hearing what you are writing can be a bit limiting. A bit like you get this idea in your head of what you want to write and that's it but if you are doing a bit more thinking about the structure it's possible to come up with a better answer. Of course this isn't true all the time.
I only lost a couple of marks on the composition question at grades 6-8.