Gained So Much From The Forums Options

[katyjay]

Following on from Another Crazy Pianist's thread on how we found the Forums, I was thinking this morning about how much I have gained from them.

The first benefit I had was getting a better understanding of the AB's exam system, the waiting times for results etc. which made my attempt at Grade 8 a lot less nerve-wracking than Grade 5 was.

Then I realised that I was picking up a lot of information on technique and repertoire as a singer.
I was also learning a fair bit of theory and finding out about composers I'd never heard of - as well as more about composers I had.

I gained a lot of reassurance that I wasn't alone as an adult learner, and that there were many of us facing the same challenges, on a variety of instruments.

I've branched out from singing too. I found the courage to go back to piano lessons. I've re-started recorder playing and begun the violin, and am studying for Grade 6 theory. I'm even beginning to test the water of a move into teaching singing, and am starting to get more solo work.

The balance of my time has moved from accountancy to music, and I'm a lot less stressed and a lot happier now as a result.

And then, of course, there's the concerts. An idle idea I had last November has become a fantastic series of days out. It's had spin-offs - afternoons making music as rehearsals, and other social contacts. I found out about the SRP (and yes, Jo and Sue, I'm planning to give them a try). And I might even keep on with this choral conducting lark.

And, most importantly of all, I've made some really good friends. Some are still virtual ones, but a lot are people I've now met, and get on well with.

So, for all that I'm really grateful, and I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to the ABRSM forums, and to everyone who posts on them.


Cheers

Katyjay

[andante_in_c]

Talk about a coincidence. :) I was thinking this morning of starting a thread exactly like this one.

Because of these forums I have reviewed a lot of my teaching techniques, and have changed some. I have also become more motivated about taking my LRSM, although it has been put back to July because I am probably going to include the chamber music option, so the programme has had to be re-jigged (again!).

I have changed the way I am approaching learning the piano so that I am doing more consolidation at around Grade 6 level.

I have started playing the recorder more seriously, and thanks to jo.clarinet have discovered and joined the London Recorder Orchestra and the SRP. I may well have taken Grade 8 recorder anyway, but found the level of support tremendously helpful.

I have met a lot of other people who are as addicted to playing and talking about music as I am, which means I am more addicted and talk about it even more. :P

And, last but not least, I had my first singing lesson yesterday, from someone known to all of you (not very far from this post ;) ) and am busy trying to get to the grips with the fact that I am a soprano who can sing up to top C, rather than the alto I have been masquerading as for 35 years. :)

Thanks to everyone here for your friendship and your support.

[maggiemay]

Andante - top C ! wow.

(green with envy ...)

yes - I often wonder if the younger and / or less experienced forum members suppose that us oldies / long-time teachers / fairly well qualified guys dish out advice from time to time but don't actually learn much in return - well it ain't so!
It certainly is not a one-way-street.

Like andante_in_c I have looked afresh at some of the ways I teach, picked up loads of new ideas, learnt more about the way some jazz-style pieces are written and played, been highly entertained by some of the amusing threads, encouraged by the enthusiasm of so many students (and other teachers!) and appreciated support and friendship when snags crop up.

Long may it continue.

[sarah-flute]

Andante - top C !  wow.

(green with envy ...)

Ditto!

Katyjay, what a lovely thread and so true. So much encouragement and enthusiasm on here, it's really brilliant. So glad that my flute result took a while to arrive last Christmas or I may never have found this forum! :)

[nicki_flute]

I have made so many good, and understanding friends who share a similar interest to me.

I have learnt a lot about flute repetoire, technique and flutes in general.

I been inspired to take up at the recorder again, and I can't wait to help organise an Easter concert.

[YetAnotherPianist]

So glad that my flute result took a while to arrive last Christmas or I may never have found this forum! :)

Actually, yes, coming up to 6000 posts and you haven't been registered for a year yet. That's more posts per day than Nat.... :o :D.

Still, I enjoyed reading them all; well, the ones I've read :).

I registered because I wanted to be able to read and respond in my own right, rather than just reading over AP's shoulder. Now, though, the forums have really helped my motivation to learn in several ways. As andante says, I'm more motivated to do the ground work towards an LRSM now. It really helps to meet other people in the same situation itself: it makes the diplomas seem like a tangible, achievable goal; not just some remote possibility that might happen one day. I've also made some great friends who have just the right balance of sanity (or the lack thereof ;) ) and an appreciation of music :).

[tk@violin+piano]

i love this forum ! :lol:

[janexxx]

I've also made some great friends who have just the right balance of sanity (or the lack thereof ;) ) and an appreciation of music :).

I second that. :lol:
First of all its a great community of people who have the same interest as me. Second it is so supportive (well MOST of the time :unsure: ) and I don't feel so alone as a late starter anymore
Third everyone seems to have a wicked sense of humour, and the "cafe" threads just give us chance to be silly now and again
Fourth any queries you have you get a reply that is usually very helpful, (but if not makes you laugh), so you are not left stuck.
Fifth, everyone is so generous with their help and time to help, and checking things out...and not just music stuff.
Sixth those that I have now met for real are ALL the most incredibly special people (and I have no reason to doubt that the ones I haven't yet met are so too!)
Seventh, Great concerts!!
Eighth, Great recordings and compositions (I need to catch up on the recent ones)
Ninth....I could go on and on.......but I think that's enough for now.

[fluteandbassoon]

I have learnt loads from just reding threads which I would not have thought of starting. It is a great community of people who love music and their instruments and it is very supportive.

*waves banner saying "i love abrsm forums" on it*

[Rainbow]

I've learnt lots about the ABRSM exam system, viola, piano, singing and music in general from these forums. I've also got to know people who have similar interests to me and have been a great source of encouragement and support.

[Jen W]

...couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed here...

When I started piano over 4 years ago, I just thought I'd mess around a bit in my usual "want to play an instrument but too idle to master it" sort of way...

Since joining the forums I've been so delighted to read about everyone's experiences - they've given me the inspiration to take things seriously, work hard and even take exams (none of which were on the agenda when I began)...and also given me the courage to have organ lessons next year....I just can't believe I'm going to be doing this.... :o :)

I'd just like to thank everyone for all their kind help & advice (not to mention their sense of humour.... :lol:).

[Tess]

i love this forum !  :lol:

Me, too! I'm addicted to this forum! It's a refreshing change from what I do on a day-to-day basis. It's also wonderful to meet (virtually, and, physically of late) and support one another in music and at times, in other ways, too. Janexxx, I AM grateful for your encouragement to take up an instrument! Maybe, voice! Katyjay was inspiring! :)

[crazy_purple_piano_freak]

I have learnt loads from just reding threads which I would not have thought of starting.  It is a great community of people who love music and their instruments and it is very supportive.

*waves banner saying "i love abrsm forums" on it*

*waves banner with F+B*!!
My friend came on this once but isnt on anymore because she said it was 'too addictive' and she 'doesnt have time' but she said that we all seemed like a 'community of people who help each other with music'!! Kind of true..eh?? :lol:

[another crazy pianist]

Although I'm a foreigner and totally ignorant about the "AB" system (don't even know what the abbreviation stands for), I enjoy sharing ideas about music and about life through music. I'm beginning to love the forums (and their members :D ) more than I thought I could, after only two months.

I think this is also the right place to congratulate ourselves (or each other :P ) for our positive and gentle mentality. :P :D :D :D :D

Thanks for continuing my thread (and giving it sense), Katyjay !

[Noodelz]

I've found so many like-minded people who I can talk to about music. My mates don't even know I play the piano. Also, I've learnt that I can get addicted to something so much.