Although I got my exam results last week, I didn't get the marksheet til yesterday and I thought I'd start a topic to thank everyone who helped me.

Pieces
A: 22 (the main impression seems to be that the opening was good and the dynamics were effective but that the semiquaver passages were underagile)
B: 23 (musical and expressive, effective use of tonal colour, phrasing and articulation well planned and effective BUT some unsteadiness at times [nerves!]
C:24 (an exciting performance, contrasts well marked, positive approach to rhythm, dynamics well varied BUT double stops not always 'centred' and a little unruly at times)

Scales: 14 (what can I say? They were good in lessons and in practising but my intonation went to pot in the exam)

Sightreading: 14 ('a performance achieved' - I could have done better but oh well)

Aural: 14 ('errors in A, B and Cii) I was surprised and relieved to find that I'd passed after the fiasco in the exam.

Total: 111

Overall, I'm fairly pleased as he said that my performance was musical and expressive, which is good, and I really do think that most (not all, but most) of my mistakes were due to nerves.

Thanks everyone for putting up with my exam nerves and helping me, especially Nicki_flute, Sarah-flute, katyjay, noodle, Oddball, Trebor, YAP, Car Expert and many many more (you know who you are!).

Rainbow

You're welcome, sounds like you got some encouraging comments

Well done Rainbow - looks like you got a good report. The semiquaver passages in the first piece are causing a few problems with my grade 5 viola students.

Those comments look good - well done!

Car Expert

Yes, they're a nightmare! They were at their best about a month before the exam and then I got all wound up about them and the more worried I got, the worse they became!

The rest of the piece is so straight forward, but the semiquavers really make up for it!
What was your 3rd piece Rainbow? I can't think of one with double stops, obviously it's one I don't know.

The Finale:Toccata from the Bertold Hummel Sonatina - I love it!

Thanks. I remember you telling me that before.

Congratulations Rainbow!!! What exam did you take?

Lisa xxx

Oops, can't believe I didn't mention that! Grade 5 viola!

Well done hon, you got some nice comments there. Technique can be worked on, and nerves can be steadied, but you've musicality in droves from what he said so go you

B was the Mozart? What was your A piece, I know you have told me but I can't remember....

The Tambourin by Gossec. I don't really remember anyone saying that I was musical before, except my teacher and my parents, and normally I feel completely unmusical so it was really nice to read that!

Rainbow, although you might have been hoping for a higher overall mark, those comments are really great, and your piece marks too! Nerves probably accounted for some of the stuff like you said, don't worry about it though, cuz I'm sure that will go away one day.
The examiner must have seen how musical you are The other stuff comes with work, but you can't learn musicality. You're a great violist, don't forget it!! Methinks the word is "potential".

Big well done!

Well Done Rainbow

*beats CPPF to baking the well done cake*

Thanks, you've really encouraged me when we chatted on MSN! I really need to do some technical work, any suggestions of exercises to do? I think that I'll be working on the Bach Cello Suite and some Vaughn Williams folksongs next.




Eats cake. MMMMMMM!

Kreutzer They're quite fun actually...
Well...sort of.

Lol, don't have much money atm so if anyone could describe exercises that I could do, I'd be grateful!

Well done, Rainbow!

Thanks!

Ummmm...I'll have a go. Actually, I'll either PM you or tlak to you on MSN about it, because it might take a while! if you want to work on bowing, the first thing to do is practice in front of a mirror, and then next thing is to go back to basics and play open strings for 10 minutes a day, in different styles (5 mins legato 5 mins spicatto, next day 2 new styles etc). Then apply it to scales. Then apply it to an etude like the Kreutzer (which I may have as a midi file, in which case I can send you sheet music of it). If you want left hand technique, then try things like playing 0 1 0 1 0 1 etc, then 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1, and build that up. Also scales with trills on each note builds speed and stamina. Scales in 3rds (0 2 1 3 2 4 3 1 etc) and double stopped scales may help As I say, I'll talk in detail later. Got a busy day tomorrow, should go to bed soon...

Wow, thanks. It would be good if you could PM me or email me (not really allowed on MSN!). I'll give those exercises a go!

Well done! You must feel really relieved now (I did after my piano exam).... now there's no excuse not to revise for those looming GCSEs...

Well done to you ... keep up the good work

Well Done Rainbow!


Oh well/...*eats cake*

Thanks everyone! Yes I do feel relieved but can't start revising til I've finished my coursework

There is ALWAYS an excuse. I am living proof of that fact.

Congratulations and well done Rainbow, and thanks for taking the time to tell us the report comments.



Amber
x

Well done Rainbow!