Grade 6 to Grade 8? Options

[maya3]

i skipped grade 7 piano and still got 127 at grade 8.

[OboePiano]

I skipped Grade 7 Oboe, and just spent a term or so working on grade 7 standard repertoire, and then managed to get 130 in my Grade 8- I even passed the scales! (still not sure how... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) )

I know a lot of people who skipped Grade 7, as there isn't a lot of difference between Grade 7 and 8 on quite a few instruments

[Edwardo]

Basically, a few months ago my piano teacher suggested that after doing grade 6 I skip to grade 8 work. I was wondering if anyone has done this and if it worked out ok for them? I've just taken grade 6 so will probably be starting my grade 8 stuff soon. Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I went straight from Grade 6 to Grade 8 without doing 7. Basically because I found studying for exams stressful, irritating and expensive. If you have Grade 8 no-one is interested in whether you also passed Grade 7. I agree with others that what matters is to learn and play lots of different repertoire.

Good luck with whatever decision you take.

[Dulcet]

I think you also need time to explore other repertoire between the grades as well to get a better insight generally and improve musicianship,

I tend to learn some other pieces that my teacher recommends in between grades and sometimes when I am learning pieces. Also, I will be waiting for the next syllabus to come out so will probably be learning some pieces at the same time as my scales etc.

Don't forget that wind and brass instruments used to only be able to take grades 3,4,5,6 and 8. I think the omission of G7 was due to a shortage of repertoire more than anything else... and of course there are fewer scale options when you can only play one note at a time.