Should I Let Her Start The Next Grade? Options

[allegretto4]

Hi,

I have a young pupil doing the transfer test in school this autumn. She is going well in her preparation for her G3 piano exam (would probably get a merit at this stage) but still needs a spurt of hard work between now and the exam if she is going to achieve the Distinction which her mum is very keen for her to get!

Mum asked if she could postpone sitting the exam till next Spring because of the transfer test but wants me to start work meanwhile on Grade 4. I prefer not to start her on the next grade before she gets this one! (I have already skipped her over G2 to do G3). I also explained that its not just about exams, etc. but mum is very keen for her to go up the grades asap! I also feel that the child has 'peaked' as far as G3 goes and to keep going till Spring is too much!

Having said all that, the last thing I want is to put this child under too much pressure (she seem to take most things in her stride!).

I would be interested to know what other teachers would have done in this situation.

Many thanks in advance.

[sbhoa]

I'd try to explain to mum that while not doing grade 3 is fine that doesn't mean she is ready for grade 4 immediately. Remind her that the exam is more like the end of a period of study and that passing one usually means the student is ready to start building the skills in order to be ready to start on the next grade.

[bevpiano]

I'd try to explain to mum that while not doing grade 3 is fine that doesn't mean she is ready for grade 4 immediately. Remind her that the exam is morel like the end of a period of study and that passing one usually means the student is ready to start building the skills in order to be ready to start on the next grade.

I agree absolutely with sbhoa - I think grade 4 is quite a bit harder than grade 3 & I certainly wouldn't be happy for her to move on too quickly. Perhaps a festival or concert would be a more suitable goal at this stage.

[maledictis]

I agree absolutely with sbhoa - I think grade 4 is quite a bit harder than grade 3 & I certainly wouldn't be happy for her to move on too quickly.

I agree that the jump between grades 3 and 4 is rather large.
I have recently found this to be a common place for losing students. A lot of them can get to grade 3 without doing spectacular amounts of practice, but grade 4 requires more dedication. It's a kind of "quit or commit" point (hey - that's a good phrase - perhaps I should copyright it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ).