[font=Book Antiqua]
Hello everyone.
I am wondering whether to retake again my grade 3 music theory exam. I have taken this twice and fialed both times. The 1st attempt got 55 marks and the 2nd attempt got 50 marks.
Am thinking, should I try a third time or move on to grade 4?
I am a singer and am taking my grade 3 some time in 2006. Am aslo registered blind but have some sight so qualify for bigger paper and extra time.
I want to carry on my sinigng and know that I have to get grade 5 in order to take higher exams.
Practical musicanship has also been suggested but I have no idea what is this.
Advice gratefully received.
Many thanks
JoAnneHat

Hi JoAnneHat.

I am sorry to hear that you failed your Grade 3 theory. Have you had the details of what marks you got for each section, and was it the same problems this time as last time?

Just I think it would be better to look at these and nail down what the issues are rather than pushing on to Grade 4. But don't just automatically sit Grade 3 again until you really understand what more you need to do to pass it.

Yes, when you are ready to take the higher grade singing exams you will need either grade 5 theory, or grade 5 practical musicianship or grade 5 jazz. But there's plenty of time for that yet.

Practical musicianship is a test of your wider musical skills. At grade 5 it entails singing and/or playing back a tune from memory, some sight reading, some transposition, some improvisation and the ability to spot the "errors" in a piece of music played to you. You have to use the piano or another instrument as well as your voice in some of the tests.

My suggestion would be to talk with your teacher about the results, and about what you want to achieve with your singing. Also pinpoint what the trouble is with the theory, and work on those issues - like all music theory only improves with practice! And maybe look at musicianship if actually taking a written paper is the real problem.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Cheers

katyjay