Hi there,

I was just wondering how long it took everyone to go from beginner to Grade 8 on piano? I'm trying to figure out the average amount of years. Whats the fastest someone could do it? Obviously provided they put the work in? Please cast your vote! (or if you know how long it took a friend, vote for them if they're not here!)

Thanks!

I started when i was 9 and am now 15 so 6-7 years IF i pass grade 8 in March.

I started in 1996, so if I pass in 2006 it will have been 10 years.

Not on piano, but on saxophone 9 months.

Thirty-eight years and counting......

violin: 8 years (started age 4 and a half, took grade 8 the day after my 13th birthday)
piano: 10 years (started age 6 and a half, took grade 8 age 16)
voice: 4 years (started age 11, took grade 8 age 15)

Flute (first instrument with lessons) 3 years.
Treble recorder: either 37 years or 3 months (first played treble recorder 37 years ago, started working towards Grade 8 three months before the exam - no other exams taken).
Piano - haven't got there yet.
Voice - working towards Grade 1.

Thanks guys!

Wow - 6 people did it in 2-4 years?? Id be interested to know what age they were. Kids? Teens? or Adults? Do kids generally pick it up quicker?

Also, if there are any teachers here do you think the poll fairly shows the average time it takes students to obtain grade 8?

Thanks again for the replies and votes!

I was 17/18 when I did it.

Reason- I have musical experience, and was dedicated.

Started flute around the time of my 14th birthday. Passed Grade 8 with distinction when I was 17.

I had taught myself treble recorder to around Grade 5 level before I started flute, and I was very, very, very keen.

Well, provided that I pass grade 8 next year (on the flute), it'll have been 4-5 years.