Ahh Help!, exam :s Options

[crazy cow]

ok, this sounds random - i was supposed to be taking my AVCM in piano in spring/summer. but...i'm not sure if i want to do it any more.
ok, so that doesn't sound too weird, but i've spent 6 months working on it so far, and i'm just having a bit of a period where i feel like a really rubbish musician and don't know how on earth i'll get into uni. i'm not sure if i want to do any more exams at the moment - i've already got A levels at school, and due to the state of my musical education i've had to do a lot of exams in the last 2 years and have to get from grade 5 -8 for uni in another 2 years. i just feel a bit like all i do is take exams, and in my grade 5 i got a pass, i didn't work as much as i should have done because i'd just finished gcse's the week before after a long illness and i didn't want to do anything else serious, so i didn't really practice.
also the exam board is VCM, which i'm not sure if that's a bit of a 'mickey-mouse' exam board - when i did my preliminary with them about 2 years ago my teacher said they give you marks for 'trying'. i'm not going to be proud of a diploma where i've been awarded marks for trying, and so it seems like a waste of £100+
ahhh but i don't know!! maybe when i stop feeling like a rubbish musician i might feel like i shouldn't drop it, but on the other hand music was something i did for myself, to get away from it all, at the moment i feel like i'm doing this just because my teacher wanted me to (and yes, at the time i wanted to as well..) but like i'm letting down my teacher and my family and myself if i don't do it.
sorry, the post is way to long
any advice?
hoxie
x

[The Old Lady]

OK Crazy Cow,
It is January, a low point in the year, Christmas gone and it is still dark and cold. You are a bit burned out, and probably tired. I think you should NOT play for a week, and do other things which you enjoy. Then go back to it. Would you regret not doing the exam later?? If the answer is yes, then have a break, and then crack on. Best Wishes.
Beverley. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[crazy_purple_piano_freak]

Sorry ...but whats an AVCM?
Try and get your confidence up a bit more, I'm sure you're not a 'rubbish musician'! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) If you're still not sure you want to do it it might be good to put it back for a bit more or to change boards if you feel that its the board you dont like, though I don't know anything about VCM. Cheer up though, I'm sure you're a fab musician! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[sbhoa]

When do you really have to decide?
The entry doesn't have to go in 6 months in advance does it?
Wait until quite close to the last entry date and then see how ready you are.

[crazy cow]

thanks, no i don't have to enter for a while (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
the sad thing is, i really love playing piano i just don't like doing exam pieces and stuff because i end up rushing through exams and then i don't end up doing anything else in lessons (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) then i feel bad if i spend time at home playing other stuff
and i don't feel that my performances are up to the standard, my sight reading is horrendous, my scales almost non-existant etc - my fingers just won't do what i want them to!
i know it sounds a bit rash to just drop 6 months worth of hard work, plus getting through an additional grade 5 theory exam, but i just don't know if this is what i want to do at the moment - i feel i should be spending more times 'getting back to basics' sorting out my technique and things. i just don't think that my technique is very good, the music lacks all expression when i play, i still can't get all the notes right and it's just making me feel a bit low. i don't really know what to do about it :s
oh, VCM is victoria college of music, the AVCM is their first diploma - equivalent in their exam system to the DipABRSM, but not in musical standard (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[AnotherPianist]

It sounds to me like the best thing for you to do would be not to do this diploma. You don't say that you specifically need it for anything; yet you do say you need grade 8. I've also heard you say elsewhere (I think) that you intend to do the ABRSM grade after the diploma. As for whether it's "Mickey Mouse" I can't comment as I don't know the standard required. I would however suggest the following: if you're correct and you can do it after grade 5 and before another ABRSM grade (i.e. you can pass it) then it's probably not going to be as well regarded as other diplomas; and if you're not right and you can't get it then it will suggest it's nearer to the other boards' diplomas than you originally expected (i.e. not so "Mickey Mouse") but you won't have it. You therefore seem to be in a lose-lose situation. Incidentally I've only heard one person who has done a VCM diploma play (although she hadn't taken the exam yet at the time) and she was very good, definitely better than grade 8. I don't know her reasons for doing VCM as opposed to another board but she was good.

From what you have said, it seems to me that in your heart you really enjoy music but not exams. So why make this more stressful than it needs to be? If you need grade 8 then the quickest way to get it in a short time is not to do any other exams on the way to play lots of repertoire building to that level (start on the scales now, why not?) and build up your technique through the different pieces you play. When you feel ready (or are running out of time!) then start on the grade 8 pieces having used the time before not to do exams, not to do what someone else wants, but to do exactly what you need to work on in order to have the best chance of getting grade 8.

For university entrance purposes you'd probably be better off with grade 8 as it's accredited and that's the usual qualification universities are looking for, they know what it is and that's what the people you're competing with will have. I'm not trying to be discouraging, by all means if this diploma is what you want then go for it, but it sounds to me as though you neither want nor need it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif). If you do decide to drop it, don't think of it as six months wasted work, it certainly isn't, you will have learnt a lot from the preparation that you have done so far, and built up technique along the way: it's the work you've done, not the exam that's important. So don't be discouraged, if you want to play for enjoyment, and that's what you like, then do just that: only do the exam when you have to and choose your exams wisely to minimise the number you have to do (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif).

Incidentally how long have you been playing piano for?

[Semele]

hoxie

You are doing things back to front.I have only skim read this thread.I agree with YAP. He is referring to my ex pupil,Nicola.She already had G8.I wouldn't contemplate any diploma,no matter what college,nor reputation,unless you already have G8.

Would you like to PM me and we can discuss this?

Despite everyone slating VCM...me included to a certain extent (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) they are not that bad! The fees are quite reasonable for a diploma too. Their G5 theory is "free"...more on that if you PM me.

Do you have a copy of the syllabus and regulations etc?

AP...sorry,I meant you not YAP. It the wrong time of the morning to post. Kindest regards.

[crazy cow]

So don't be discouraged, if you want to play for enjoyment, and that's what you like, then do just that:
Incidentally how long have you been playing piano for?

I do want to play for enjoyment, i just need to get to grade 8 to get to uni, to become a music teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I've been able to play by imitation since i was younger, started teaching myself keyboard when we did the 'keyboard' course in year 8, then piano when i decided to learn 'stairway to heaven' after the guitar course in year 9, then started having proper lessons in year 10..i'm now year 12, if you can work that out! it hasn't been the most standard education but i've really enjoyed it, except i got wound up about my grade 3 piano (last xmas) and grade 5 in the summer, so grade 1 was the only one i felt happy about (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

You are doing things back to front.
Their G5 theory is "free"...more on that if you PM me.

Do you have a copy of the syllabus and regulations etc?

you're telling me!
i've done the grade 5 theory, vaguely remember the 'free' thing - was it included in taking grade 5 or something? oh well, i had to pay anyway because i'd done ABRSM grades otherwise (apart from the preliminary)
I have a copy of the syllabus, i think there are some regulations on their website, but i've not really read them properly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

thankyou for all the advice, i think it might be an idea to talk to my music teacher tommorrow, as i'm feeling pretty down on confidence with both flute and piano, and i think she'll be able to offer some unbiased advice (like people on here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)) that i don't think i'll get from my piano teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) and then maybe she can help with suggestions for performance coursework and things (the other bit i'm panicking about (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif))
hoxie
x

[crazy cow]

it's the work you've done, not the exam that's important.

if it's any use, that's what i thought too, but my teacher seems quite excited about me actually taking the exam, i feel like i'm letting him down if i don't do it, also for me it's been a lot of work over the last 6 months, it seems like a shame to not add another 6 months and have the 'piece of paper' to prove that i'm that standard. but talking about bits of paper, i always prefer the comments sheet to the actual exam certificate, at the moment i don't think i'd like the comments that would be on it. i just feel bad about dropping it, but at the moment i think i'd rather work on different repertoire (including something for my coursework, unless i choose an exam piece to keep concentrating on for that) and get my confidence back up a bit rather than worrying about trying to get through this and then panicking about whether i have enough time to then do grade 8. and the other day i found myself wondering about what i was going to do after the exam - getting excited by the prospect of a 'fresh start', new challenges, new pieces etc - something which i don't feel like i'm doing at the moment. just don't know anymore. i can't decide what to do (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[AnotherPianist]

I do want to play for enjoyment, i just need to get to grade 8 to get to uni, to become a music teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

It's not strictly true that you need grade 8 to get into university to study music, lots of people here have gone to do it without. I even heard of someone who got into music college (the RSAMD) with a grade 7 merit.

it hasn't been the most standard education but i've really enjoyed it, except i got wound up about my grade 3 piano (last xmas) and grade 5 in the summer, so grade 1 was the only one i felt happy about (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

You're doing better than most of us if you felt happy about doing one exam (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif). Personally I've always liked the idea of having done the exam; but immediately before am terrified (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif).

thankyou for all the advice, i think it might be an idea to talk to my music teacher tommorrow, as i'm feeling pretty down on confidence with both flute and piano, and i think she'll be able to offer some unbiased advice (like people on here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)) that i don't think i'll get from my piano teacher (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) and then maybe she can help with suggestions for performance coursework and things (the other bit i'm panicking about (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif))

That sounds like a good idea to get some impartial advice from your teacher.

if it's any use, that's what i thought too, but my teacher seems quite excited about me actually taking the exam, i feel like i'm letting him down if i don't do it,

Certainly don't do the exam for only this reason.

also for me it's been a lot of work over the last 6 months, it seems like a shame to not add another 6 months and have the 'piece of paper' to prove that i'm that standard.

I'm slightly confused about what you think 'that standard' is. As I said I have no idea, I can only go from what I've read on the boards. If you thought 'that standard' was higher than grade 8 then surely you'd be doing grade 8 first; if you think it's lower then why do you need the piece of paper to say that you are that standard when you'll get a grade 8 certificate that you consider to say you play to a higher standard? To be honest because of this I can't see the logic of why you'd ever want to do this diploma now before grade 8 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif).

but talking about bits of paper, i always prefer the comments sheet to the actual exam certificate, at the moment i don't think i'd like the comments that would be on it.

I hate to say this, but with diplomas it's something you need to consider: how will you feel if you don't pass this exam? Would it really shatter your confidence and put you off completely? Is it worth taking that risk? I'm slightly concerned that you've underestimated the difficulty of the exam (regardless of what anyone says about it being 'Mickey Mouse'). Having said that you did say a while ago that your teacher is a VCM examiner did you not? If so he must know if you're good enough; although be careful to think of his interests: does he want people to enter so he is still in a job (I know he won't be examining you but it's worth thinking about).

i just feel bad about dropping it, but at the moment i think i'd rather work on different repertoire (including something for my coursework, unless i choose an exam piece to keep concentrating on for that) and get my confidence back up a bit rather than worrying about trying to get through this and then panicking about whether i have enough time to then do grade 8. and the other day i found myself wondering about what i was going to do after the exam - getting excited by the prospect of a 'fresh start', new challenges, new pieces etc - something which i don't feel like i'm doing at the moment.

You've said in this sentence what you want to do and it sounds to me (although bear in mind I know very little about your piano playing, I've not heard it) that this approach would benefit you much more.

Please don't feel pushed into any decisions based on what I've said, I'm just looking at the logic behind what you're saying and trying to work out what you want. I can only talk about what I would do in your situation; you need to work out what you want to do. Ultimately though, only you know that. Try making the decision one way and seeing how you feel; then make the decision the other way and see how you feel: that's often a good way of telling what you really want to do.

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

[crazy cow]

if it's any use, that's what i thought too, but my teacher seems quite excited about me actually taking the exam, i feel like i'm letting him down if i don't do it,

Certainly don't do the exam for only this reason.

also for me it's been a lot of work over the last 6 months, it seems like a shame to not add another 6 months and have the 'piece of paper' to prove that i'm that standard.

I'm slightly confused about what you think 'that standard' is. As I said I have no idea, I can only go from what I've read on the boards. If you thought 'that standard' was higher than grade 8 then surely you'd be doing grade 8 first; if you think it's lower then why do you need the piece of paper to say that you are that standard when you'll get a grade 8 certificate that you consider to say you play to a higher standard? To be honest because of this I can't see the logic of why you'd ever want to do this diploma now before grade 8 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif).

but talking about bits of paper, i always prefer the comments sheet to the actual exam certificate, at the moment i don't think i'd like the comments that would be on it.

I hate to say this, but with diplomas it's something you need to consider: how will you feel if you don't pass this exam? Would it really shatter your confidence and put you off completely? Is it worth taking that risk? I'm slightly concerned that you've underestimated the difficulty of the exam (regardless of what anyone says about it being 'Mickey Mouse'). Having said that you did say a while ago that your teacher is a VCM examiner did you not? If so he must know if you're good enough; although be careful to think of his interests: does he want people to enter so he is still in a job (I know he won't be examining you but it's worth thinking about).

1. yep, that's what i'm thinking, it'll just be hard telling him if i decide to drop it.
2. i don't really have a clue what the standard is - that's the other problem - i don't know if i'm anywhere near the grade 8 'target' or how much work i need to do before uni - so far i've been told raindrop prelude is around grade 6, scarlatti's sonata in D minor is on the grade 8 syll, so that could be anywhere between grade 6-8 and the whole of the beethoven sonata is on DipABRSM list (i'm only doing the first movement)
i don't know what the standard is, but i feel i'm not at it, bringing me on to...
3. one of his other students is an adult, did grade 8 trinity college and got one of the best marks in the country and from what he said is a very talented woman...and she's decided she's gonna do this exam - good for her, but it makes me feel like i'm no way near the standard that will be required, plus with nerves as well i can't see how i can pass, i don't think my pieces are anyway near even concert standard, let alone getting me through an exam (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) and yes, it probably would wreck my confidence - it's already pretty low at the moment, i don't think i'd stand a chance of getting into uni if i failed this too (and the other worry is that it's a rather expensive exam to fail...)
aaahhh why is life so complicated?!
hoxie
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