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.

[sarah123]

I think doing a music exam alongside 'proper' exams is a really good idea because it means you can really justify taking time out from revision and stuff to do something you enjoy, so you don't end up feeling guilty practising when you could be revising. If music practice stresses you out, then why put yourself through it in the first place? Personally, I wouldn't dream on taking time out from the usual activities during exams because, far from relaxing me, it would give me more time to worry about the impending doom. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)