Exam Pieces Preparation Options

[Jazz Chicken]

Hi

I know this will be different for everyone, but roughly how long before you intend to sit an exam do you start learning your pieces. I have got the Grade 2 exam pieces book now but haven't done anything with it yet. I am hoping to take the exam in November.

By the time my Grade 1 exam came round in March I had been working on the same 3 peices for about 4 months and was really quite fed up of them because I felt I had them about as good as I could get and was deparate to move onto something new. I am trying to avoid the same situation but obviously need to give myself enough time to prepare.

Your experiences would be of interest. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[sbhoa]

I don't tend to do it that way round.
I'd prepare for the exam then put in the application when pretty much ready rather than decide when to take an exam then hope I've got things ready in time.
If ready in between sessions then I'd put pieces on hold until nearer the time.

[fsharpminor]

Early grade pieces can be learnt fairly quickly but it depends on the ability of the student.
In your case (with distinction in all your exams so far) I guess you are q quick learner.
What you might do is start learning them now, so they are almost prepared, then have a period playing some different stuff, but just occasionally having a quick play through of the G2 pieces. Then nearer the exam time you can concentrate on them for the last 3-4 weeks and get them in top shape. Don't forget to practise the scales as well !


( Edit a couple of mins later --Ah Sbhoa posted simultaneously with me, and clearly agrees)

[davidmackay]

I have a similar issue. My grade 1 pieces are now in reasonable shape (albeit there is still room for improvement). I'm not due to sit the exam till November and if I keep playing the same pieces they will drive me bonkers. My original thought was to pick up the grade 2 book, however my teacher suggested 'classics to modern' by Denes Agay. I guess this will be familiar to many? Teacher's thinking was that I shouldn't really push myself to learn new techniques at this stage, but rather to learn some new pieces at my level in order to consolidate what I've learned so far.

A few weeks before the exam, I can then go back to my chosen pieces to refresh and prepare. I guess there's no right answer?

[pianodub]

Yes, I would say it is a good idea to learn the pieces in time, in case of any unforeseen difficulties or other things (a student of mine broke a finger in the middle of his preparation for his exam this year and while he still did very well, the couple of weeks coming up to the exam were quite hard going to make up for lost time).

Resting them is a great idea, even if it is just for a few weeks. You may find initially you have to go over them slowly again, but it is really worth while as the pieces really settle in your head during the rest period. I tried this with several pupils this year and it worked well.

As F#minor says though, don't forget about other aspects of the exam; scales and sight-reading can catch people out, even if they play their pieces really well.

[Jazz Chicken]

Thanks, all very helpful and interesting.

I take it if I get the pieces there or thereabouts to satisfy myself that I am capable of the Grade I am working to and then rest them for a while to concentrate on other things it won't be too hard to pick them up again a few weeks before the exam to finish them off. It's not like learning it all again is it?

[Lizzy violin]

Thanks, all very helpful and interesting.

I take it if I get the pieces there or thereabouts to satisfy myself that I am capable of the Grade I am working to and then rest them for a while to concentrate on other things it won't be too hard to pick them up again a few weeks before the exam to finish them off. It's not like learning it all again is it?

I'm learnign my grade 3 piano pieces now for November, done the first working on the other 2. I'm just going to get them pretty good then leave them until a few weeks before the exam.

Will continue to work on the scales and hopefully some slightly harder stuff so the exams will seem nice and easy (OK I'm being optomistic but that's the plan)

It doens't take so long to relearn a piece if you've played it before