The importance of a distinction Options

[FullofWind]

Should you only sit grade 8 when you know there is a very high chance that a distinction will be achieved? There will be musicians for whom this would be a mammoth task but if a child was capable of getting a comfortable pass, would it be better to wait up to two years until they were beyond distinction level? How are resits viewed by conservatoires if a child wishes to gain a distinction at a later date?

[FullofWind]

Lots of very good responses, thank you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

We are currently facing some teacher issues. Not with a teacher but trying to organise a regular one over the next 1/2 years - long story. If he continues to work and practice in the way he is doing then he could be grade 8 pass level by the summer of next year and if we still haven't got a regular teacher by then I wondered if he should sit it or leave it. He really isn't exam oriented but without a goal, other than local music groups, he may lose focus.

[Claudia's Mum]

Lots of very good responses, thank you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

We are currently facing some teacher issues. Not with a teacher but trying to organise a regular one over the next 1/2 years - long story. If he continues to work and practice in the way he is doing then he could be grade 8 pass level by the summer of next year and if we still haven't got a regular teacher by then I wondered if he should sit it or leave it. He really isn't exam oriented but without a goal, other than local music groups, he may lose focus.

I would say leave it but find him other goals such as performances, festivals, auditions. Or go back and do the grade below if he hasn't done it yet but aim for a really high mark in the 140s. The teacher will advise in any case when you find one.