PGCE Interview Recital Piece Options

[robert-samuel]

Hello all.

I think this call for advice/ help goes out to anyone (teacher or student) who has experience of or can give advice on what piano piece I should brush up on for an interview for a PGCE in music. Any suggestions on level and length of piece would be appreciated.

Unfortunately, what with a recent relocation and being a stay at home dad with 2 year old, my piano practice time has been extremely limited - what's more we couldn't bring a piano with us in the move so off to look at digital pianos and clavinovas tomorrow. Anyway, today I was invited to an interview next Wednesday morning for which I have to prepare a single piece of my choice.

Given the limited time to prepare, I need to find a balance between ease to get up to performance standard (taking in to account difficulty and length of piece), and the piece being difficult enough to show off my c. grade 8 capabilities. Should something between grade 5 - 8 be ok???

Pieces I am considering learning/ brushing up are:
Schubert - Allegretto in C Minor D915 (learn from scratch - but not high enough standard/ too short?)
Cimarosa - Larghetto in C Minor (from 2011-2012 ABRSM syllabus)
Scarlatti - Sonata in B Minor Kp.87 (brushing up)
Granados - Spanish Dance (Orientale) (brushing up)
Poulenc - La desinvolture et la discretion (from Les Soiree de Nazelle) - Brushing up, but more challenging given the short time, but is short and punchy.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

[Norway]

I would have thought that for a PCGE, they are just basically checking that you can play the piano - maybe something popular that would appeal to children - maybe a piano arrangement of a Carnival of the Animals piece? I don't think it would have to be too difficult.

[HelenVJ]

Just go with what you're comfortable with. Without knowing you, or having heard you play any of your proposed pieces, it's really not possible to be any more helpful here. Time to make your own decision, I think.

[Susie]

Play something that you are totally confident with, so that should nerves strike, you're on safe ground.

[dotted quaver]

You don't specify if it's PGCE for primary or secondary teaching. In my experience, (for what it's worth!) Most applicants will have a BMus degree and performance will have been part of it. If piano is your main instrument, then they'll expect grade 8 minimum. Just play the most difficult piece you can play the best. Good luck!

[robert-samuel]

Thanks for the advice all.

I went for the Cimarosa given the time (and current circumstances) I had to prepare. The interview went pretty well, and the recital ok (though unfortunately on an out of tune upright).

I was told that given the interview was for a place on the reserve list for the actual course, the competitive nature of music teaching meant that it was not likely that anyone already with a place would withdraw for me to replace.

On paper I was let down by my lack of classroom experience. Pleasingly I was encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the intake for next year, and get some classroom experience in the meantime. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Susie]

Pleasingly I was encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the intake for next year, and get some classroom experience in the meantime. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Under the circs a good outcome perhaps? Well done, and sorry that you're not likely to succeed this time - although you never know ...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[CJB]

Thanks for the advice all.

I went for the Cimarosa given the time (and current circumstances) I had to prepare. The interview went pretty well, and the recital ok (though unfortunately on an out of tune upright).

I was told that given the interview was for a place on the reserve list for the actual course, the competitive nature of music teaching meant that it was not likely that anyone already with a place would withdraw for me to replace.

On paper I was let down by my lack of classroom experience. Pleasingly I was encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the intake for next year, and get some classroom experience in the meantime. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

That sounds really positive. It's worth trying to get as much experience as you can including all phases of education. Schools are pretty open to helping you get this experience. It's also worth applying for LSA or cover supervisor posts. Good luck - it sounds as if you stand a good chance of a place next year if no-one drops out in the next few weeks.