Hi Everyone,
I did Grade 4 last July. Have been working on the pieces for Grade 5 since September. My teacher says I could do it this March. I have family worries with my Dad, and am worried I will not be able to practice enough and also be stressed. There is an end in sight, he is in a good nursing home now, and I have to clear his flat by the end of January. I am VERY unsure as to do it this March or June. What do you think??
Beverley.

I am really sorry about your dad, and the position you find yourself in.

Were you one of my students, I would say; forget the exam. Play whatever you can whenever you can. The next few months will be difficult.

This does you no good, but you have my sympathy nonetheless.

Steve

Forget about your G5 for the time being.Family comes first.Do it when your circumstances are on a more even keel and you are less stressed out.In the meantime use your music to relieve stress.

Definately forget about your exam for now, there's plenty of time to do it. How about later in the year say November / December? Maybe that would be more ideal. Give yourself plenty of time, there's no point rushing anything just because you feel you have to get it done. Its best to sort things out first and let time do a bit of work, otherwise you could find yourself taking on too much. Best of luck xx

Sorry to hear about your worries. Take it easy if you can (you must!) and let family issues rule. Forget the exam in March as others have said. It really makes no difference to leave until you are feeling better.

Another thought. Why not skip grade 5 and get on with practising grade 6? As you are obviously skilled and ready for grade 5 so quick, you may as well jump a grade. That would give you time to sort out your family issues, and give you a good reason to take exam later in the year. Win-win??

Best wishes to you, your dad, and family.

Richard
Hong Kong

Hi Beverley - sorry to hear about your dad. From my own experience of a similar situation with my mother, I would say put off the exam until the summer. I remember how stressful I found my mum's situation and I could barely focus on my work, let alone anything else. I took grade 4 last summer and am doing grade 5 this March, although I had intended to leave a year between grades. Even if your pieces were, say, at pass standard now, you would still need to focus on polishing them and bringing everything else together before March (that's unless you don't suffer at all with nervousness of course ).

Jen

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I had a lot of family problems at the end of last term and over Christmas, and I know how very hard it can be to concentrate on other things when that's all that's going round your mind.

I'm presuming you're an adult learner, and don't need the grades for college or uni or anything? In which case, there is no rush at all, and you shouldn't put yourself under any pressure that you really don't need. Maybe you could have a look at some of the other grade 5 pieces in the meantime to stop yours going stale. It'll be refreshing just to learn them for fun and will take your mind off things without the pressure of them being for an exam

I'd like to add to the consensus to wait a while. My dad went into a residential home this time last year and it was really stressful, both for him and for me. Everyone's right, your family is much more important. I was really glad I wasn't working at that time, specially as my dad only spent 10 weeks in the home before he became ill (and died after a few weeks in hospital). I was able to be with him a lot and to be with him when he died. Put off your exam until things are settled and less stressful. Good luck, it won't be an easy time.

Thanks very much everyone. I will wait until at least June/July. I don't "need" the exam for anything, and yes, I am an adult learner. Dad is not "ill" as such, but has a form of dementia where by he doesn't do very much. So, once he is settled, and the flat cleared, I should be able to concentrate more. The idea of doing a few more Grade 5 pieces appeals, I will do that too. Don't want the pieces to go stale, although I LOVE them. Dance of the Blessed Spirits, and Sicillienne . Thanks again. This is a great place to come for like minded people.
Beverley.