I've just failed grade 8, and am not complaining , performance was awful, and the mark was quite deserved. I can sit it again at Christmas, and wonder if I should polish up the same pieces,which i have grown to like,even the Delius Toccata, or do 4 completely new ones? Both ways have an appeal, it would be great to learn more repertoire.The alternatives are a Haydn sonata, Schumann andantino, and some Gershwin,plus a Faure study.
I'd have felt bad at passing it would have felt wrong, so it's good to be given an extra 6 months, but how best to use it?
Thanks in advance
Full Version: New Or Old Pieces
Sorry to hear you failed 
But well done for having another go!
Have a look on the comments form that you will get. If from this you get the idea that the pieces don't really suit you, then try learning some new ones. If you want to have a stab at learning something new, go for it, it might freshen your performance up a bit
But well done for having another go!Have a look on the comments form that you will get. If from this you get the idea that the pieces don't really suit you, then try learning some new ones. If you want to have a stab at learning something new, go for it, it might freshen your performance up a bit
Sorry to hear it didn't go well for you - at least you seem to be in agreement with the result.
I think the first thing I would do is look at a breakdown of the marks - which you've probably done already - but just to work out just where you need to pull up next time. If it's across the board - ok - but it could be that some areas need more of a boost than others. If so, those would be my first targets. Did your sight-reading and aural score well? Did one piece score substantially lower than the others ? ( if so, I 'd perhaps start by making a new choice in that group, not necessarily changing all three straight off). If one piece scored better than the others you might like to keep it on the back burner and do two other new ones.
Btw - you mention 4 pieces - was that a typo?
I wouldn't recommend to any student of mine that they spend the next 6 months on the pieces they've spent the last 6 (or however long) working on! You need some new input - even if it means postponing for two terms rather than for one. Remember you can use this year's pieces in the March session of next year (if you're in the UK). But do also consider the possibility of starting afresh and exploring next year's pieces - the lists are already out.
ps we must be talking about another board here - I realise there's nothing by Delius on this year's syllabus. No problem - except some of what I put above might not be correct / appropriate.
I think the first thing I would do is look at a breakdown of the marks - which you've probably done already - but just to work out just where you need to pull up next time. If it's across the board - ok - but it could be that some areas need more of a boost than others. If so, those would be my first targets. Did your sight-reading and aural score well? Did one piece score substantially lower than the others ? ( if so, I 'd perhaps start by making a new choice in that group, not necessarily changing all three straight off). If one piece scored better than the others you might like to keep it on the back burner and do two other new ones.
Btw - you mention 4 pieces - was that a typo?
I wouldn't recommend to any student of mine that they spend the next 6 months on the pieces they've spent the last 6 (or however long) working on! You need some new input - even if it means postponing for two terms rather than for one. Remember you can use this year's pieces in the March session of next year (if you're in the UK). But do also consider the possibility of starting afresh and exploring next year's pieces - the lists are already out.
ps we must be talking about another board here - I realise there's nothing by Delius on this year's syllabus. No problem - except some of what I put above might not be correct / appropriate.
Too bad you din't pass.
I'm impressed if you would be able to learn all new pieces in time for December.... You must have had a bad day if you are that good. It would probably take me that long to get one together at that level.
I'm impressed if you would be able to learn all new pieces in time for December.... You must have had a bad day if you are that good. It would probably take me that long to get one together at that level.
I recognise the pieces - they come from the current Trinity syllabus. This means Christmas will be the last time with this syllabus before the new Trinity Guildhall exams begin next year.
Why not make a start by learning one alternative piece, whichever one appeals most, and see how you go? You'll then have an idea of how much time you'll have to change another one and get it up to exam standard.
Why not make a start by learning one alternative piece, whichever one appeals most, and see how you go? You'll then have an idea of how much time you'll have to change another one and get it up to exam standard.
I'm sorry to hear that you've failed
Even though you like your current pieces, it might be good to have some fresh input, and learn some new ones. Learning the same pieces for too long can be counterproductive, and learning new ones would also expand your repertoire. Good luck
Even though you like your current pieces, it might be good to have some fresh input, and learn some new ones. Learning the same pieces for too long can be counterproductive, and learning new ones would also expand your repertoire. Good luck
If I were you (and there's a strong possibility that I will one day fail grade 8 
), I would take a break for a few weeks. Then, look back at the comments sheet, isolate what went really wrong and what went ok. Then change the pieces that you 1) don't seem to play well in an exam; and 2) don't like. Play fun stuff too - doesn't have to be hard fun stuff, as easy fun stuff is good sight-reading practice anyways.
Good luck for next time round
), I would take a break for a few weeks. Then, look back at the comments sheet, isolate what went really wrong and what went ok. Then change the pieces that you 1) don't seem to play well in an exam; and 2) don't like. Play fun stuff too - doesn't have to be hard fun stuff, as easy fun stuff is good sight-reading practice anyways.Good luck for next time round
Thank you everyone, for all your comments.I'm sorry to be posting about Trinity pieces here, but it's such a friendly website, and advice is always sound, so thank you again. In response to some of the comments, no I'm not a great pianist, just enthusiastic, I love playing the piano, and teaching some very small pupils, the basics. My teacher supervises my teaching which isvery good of her.
The marks were poor all round, even the sight reading which is generally very good. however since the stress of taking the exam is away, I've felt happier. I've found one new piece which is lovely, and will try to substitute that one.
Suzy, I'm also a doctor, very rural GP.
The marks were poor all round, even the sight reading which is generally very good. however since the stress of taking the exam is away, I've felt happier. I've found one new piece which is lovely, and will try to substitute that one.
Suzy, I'm also a doctor, very rural GP.
.I'm sorry to be posting about Trinity pieces here
not at all - there's no reason not to, and I shouldn't have (initially) jumped to the conclusion that it was AB.
Sounds as if the recovery has started - hope it goes well!
not at all - there's no reason not to, and I shouldn't have (initially) jumped to the conclusion that it was AB.
Sounds as if the recovery has started - hope it goes well!
QUOTE(gummidge @ Jun 26 2006, 01:17 PM) 
Suzy, I'm also a doctor, very rural GP.
I'm only just a doc! Start work soon
What's it like working rurally? I have an aim of doing community paediatrics and much prefer rural life, but have been told that it isn't really possible at the moment so I'd have to be a GP-special interest. I think I'd enjoy it - certainly have done as a student.
QUOTE(SuzyMac @ Jun 26 2006, 12:38 PM)
If I were you (and there's a strong possibility that I will one day fail grade 8
), I would take a break for a few weeks. Then, look back at the comments sheet, isolate what went really wrong and what went ok. Then change the pieces that you 1) don't seem to play well in an exam; and 2) don't like. Play fun stuff too - doesn't have to be hard fun stuff, as easy fun stuff is good sight-reading practice anyways.Good luck for next time round
I second this, it is probably the way to go really. Just have a break for a while, play some pieces you know you play well.. then you have to decide what has to be changed. Good luck with your decisions and most of all, keep playing and have fun!
gummidge
Out of interest do you have a piano teacher or did you put yourself through the Grade 8? I would very much recommend that you invest the time and money in searching out a good teacher if at all possible. Better luck with your next exam!
Out of interest do you have a piano teacher or did you put yourself through the Grade 8? I would very much recommend that you invest the time and money in searching out a good teacher if at all possible. Better luck with your next exam!
QUOTE(gummidge @ Jun 26 2006, 10:18 AM)
I've just failed grade 8, and am not complaining , performance was awful, and the mark was quite deserved. I can sit it again at Christmas, and wonder if I should polish up the same pieces,which i have grown to like,even the Delius Toccata, or do 4 completely new ones? Both ways have an appeal, it would be great to learn more repertoire.The alternatives are a Haydn sonata, Schumann andantino, and some Gershwin,plus a Faure study.
I'd have felt bad at passing it would have felt wrong, so it's good to be given an extra 6 months, but how best to use it?
Thanks in advance
Perhaps the comments form might help you decide what to do. Do the gist of these comments give any idea whether to start new pieces, or rework the same ones?
yes, I do have a teacher, and she is excellent, in a way I feel that I have let her down. I'm an adult learner with 5 children, and a job, and a working husband,so that life is crowded. I have made a resolution to go more often to lessons, as , you are right , it is impossible to achieve this without tuition and guidance, The evidence for that is last weeks debacle!The remarks indicated that I don't as yet have the technical competence for this, and I'd agree, so I'm back to Czerny. lots of sight reading and another Bach prelude and fugue to be going on with. In some ways failure has opened up more opportunities than passing.The remark about the technical competence was made about the Debussy, Minstrels. I'd love to be able to play that well, and it's a goal.
I've found the list of the grade 8 ABRSM scales , and will use them as well as the Trinity one.sThank you all for your help.I'm afraid, in common with many adults that this is a musical Odyssey.
I've found the list of the grade 8 ABRSM scales , and will use them as well as the Trinity one.sThank you all for your help.I'm afraid, in common with many adults that this is a musical Odyssey.
Although it's bad you failed, I like your ohwelltryagain attitude. Hmmmm, this is tricky, but if it was me, I'd probably polish up the pieces I was doing.
I am not going to give you any advice about what to do next because I think that has already been well said above.
I just wanted to say that I think you are FAB for persevering and getting yourself to this level. I have 3 (not 5) children and a full time job and I am hovering around Grade 6 (wanted to do it at Christmas, but not sure now as with illness have lost some practice time) ............... I know what HARD WORK it is to try to play at this level, never mind Grade 8. Getting practice time in is extremely difficult and I think you are to be commended for coming this far...... you have been an inspiration to me ...... I would love to be at grade 8 level some day.
Elizabeth
I just wanted to say that I think you are FAB for persevering and getting yourself to this level. I have 3 (not 5) children and a full time job and I am hovering around Grade 6 (wanted to do it at Christmas, but not sure now as with illness have lost some practice time) ............... I know what HARD WORK it is to try to play at this level, never mind Grade 8. Getting practice time in is extremely difficult and I think you are to be commended for coming this far...... you have been an inspiration to me ...... I would love to be at grade 8 level some day.
Elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth, good luck with grade 6, it's much harder work as an adult, but more enjoyable in an odd sort of way!! All the above advice is very helpful, polishing the pieces is starting to be rewarding, and I'm working on another Bach prelude, no 8 in the first book of the Well tempered Clavier.Lots of flats,which is what scuppered the sight reading. I was given a piece with 5 flats, and thought that it was 4, hence the piece sounded awful, and in general my sight reading varies from reasonable to good. The examiner remarked that it was "wayward" which must be the best euphemism yet for "awful"!!!
I know what you mean about planning , you fix a date in your head. work towards it steadily for several months, and then for all sorts of reasons, you can't do daily practice, and so it goes.The advantage of having taken it too soon, is the helpful remarks on the examiners sheet, which along with lessons have been great for practice. Not that I'd recommend failing, but it has been helpful. Good luck,
I know what you mean about planning , you fix a date in your head. work towards it steadily for several months, and then for all sorts of reasons, you can't do daily practice, and so it goes.The advantage of having taken it too soon, is the helpful remarks on the examiners sheet, which along with lessons have been great for practice. Not that I'd recommend failing, but it has been helpful. Good luck,
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