Tell Me, i need you Options

[Cellist]

there are 2 different type of classes which are the theory and aural class?
both of the classes must be taken in order to play the cello?
and the theory class for cello only applicable to cello?
every thing must start from grade one even you have a brief knowledge on the notes?
every instrument has their own theory and aural which must starts from the begining in grade 1?

about exam:
i heard people saying grade 3 , grade 4 , grade ...
but people are from different music school
so how can you possibly match the standard?
or the certificate you got is standardise to all musicians which mean people are taking the same exam although from different school?


here is all the ??? , i need the answers

thanks in advance

[rosfrog]

Nothing is obligatory - not even the grades. You can learn to play the cello without ever taking a grade exam, many people do. Here in France, for example, most people have never heard of ABRSM and if you were to say 'I'm grade seven cello' they would reply 'what does that mean, then?'.

However, if you have decided to follow the ABRSM system - it is still not obligatory to do anything. Here are the basic rules :

You will only be obliged to study theory when you need to go higher than grade five practical (grade five theory being necessary for grades 6 and above practical) - even then, you may start with grade five theory and not bother with any of the grades before or after.

Your cello teacher will advise you on which practical grade you should start with, it won't necessarily be grade one. You may also miss out some grades along the way. It is perfectly possible to only take grade 8 (not very interesting though).

So, get yourself a cello teacher. They will advise you on what practical grade to aim for and when (it will be a while before you take an exam), they will also teach you about aural and theory where appropriate.

Enjoy yourself!

[Cellist]

Nothing is obligatory - not even the grades. You can learn to play the cello without ever taking a grade exam, many people do. Here in France, for example, most people have never heard of ABRSM and if you were to say 'I'm grade seven cello' they would reply 'what does that mean, then?'.

However, if you have decided to follow the ABRSM system - it is still not obligatory to do anything. Here are the basic rules :

You will only be obliged to study theory when you need to go higher than grade five practical (grade five theory being necessary for grades 6 and above practical) - even then, you may start with grade five theory and not bother with any of the grades before or after.

Your cello teacher will advise you on which practical grade you should start with, it won't necessarily be grade one. You may also miss out some grades along the way. It is perfectly possible to only take grade 8 (not very interesting though).

So, get yourself a cello teacher. They will advise you on what practical grade to aim for and when (it will be a while before you take an exam), they will also teach you about aural and theory where appropriate.

Enjoy yourself!

the info is really helpful!
And
how long it takes to go to grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8?
is it possible if i study till garde 2, and start teaching myself till grade 5 exam?

[Violin Hero]

I would suggest that doing a grade exam without a teacher is an unwise move. They can tell you what needs improving etc etc and on your own you ma not realise this.

Also I reckon from scratch it will be around 1 year until you are ready for grade 1 but it depends on the individual.

[ffliwt]

the info is really helpful!
And
how long it takes to go to grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8?
is it possible if i study till garde 2, and start teaching myself till grade 5 exam?

It completely varies how long it takes people to reach certain grades BUT you won't be able to teach yourself to grade 5 - atleast not properly.
It's not a race - not that i'm really one to talk on that matter, but grades aren't necessarily important (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[bohemian]

Most people have a teacher right up to grade 8. It's really unusual to take an exam without a teacher unless you already play other instruments to a high level, and occasionally if you're an older learner without the time or money to take regular lessons. Even then, it's not really possible to take exams below grade 7/8 without regular lessons from a professional teacher.

Grade exams, their value and when (if t all) they should be taken are decision for the teacher to make, not the student, in most cases. If your teacher has not spoken to you about grades then I wouldn't start on them. If you don't yet have a teacher and want to try the grade system, then I would strongly suggest you get one.

[Terra]

you can learn with out a teacher but I wouldn't advise it. There are so many bad habits you can get into and once you already got yourself into they are horrible to get out of. I taught myself violin for 2 weeks from the begging but this was because I already studied grade 1 theory and had taken another instriment. I just wanted to teach myself the notes to beggin with really. By the time I started classes I was half way though the abracadabra violin book 1. But my teacher told me a lot of technical things that I wouldn't have learned on my own. I have improved considrably in the month that I have been taking lessons and she said I'd be able to do grade 1 easily by christmas infact I am already playing some low level grade 2 pieces (I've been playing just under 2 months in total). But your skill level will suffer if you don't study with a teacher.

[scifi-karis]

Cellist, if this tells you anything, I am post grade 8 violin, post Bachelor's degree in music performance ... and I still have a teacher! Sometimes teachers can point out things you might not have noticed in practicing by yourself. Sure, I don't visit my teacher weekly anymore, but I still have lessons on occassion. He's a professional orchestral player and he still visits his teacher from time to time as well! You never learn everything in music and I would always suggest that you get a teacher, no matter what level you are at! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Also, the grades are there for motivation. I'm from the USA and most people don't do grades there, but since I moved to Kenya, that is in the music system so we teach the grade system to the kids here. Not all of my students go through ABRSM because not all of them are motivated by getting a certificate that says they are at a certain level. It isn't for everyone! You should learn an instrument for the love of it!

[miss sooky]

I don't do exams, so I can't comment on the grades, but I do play the cello (for love and sheer joy only) and would not ever have managed to make much progress without a teacher. There is an American book that promises to be a home-based, self-taught course but even the preface of that title recommends a teacher if at all possible. I have to say I have only ever found even that most comprehensive book is useful when I have already learned or been introduced to something by a teacher. Maybe have a few introductory lessons at the very least? Whatever you decide, I hope you love playing the cello.

[Cellist]

thanks , i appreciates all the replies
helps a lot!