Welcome to the ABRSM Adult Learners Forum. This forum has been created to allow adult learners who are either learning an instrument for the first time, or returning to music to share their ideas and experiences, and offer help and support to each other.

It is monitored on a daily basis by members of staff at the ABRSM. These designated moderators will provide comments when appropriate or helpful and will remove anything which is deemed to be inappropriate including any form of advertising.

If you have any specific questions relating to ABRSM services please send them direct to us.

However, if you think that other adult learners would be interested in reading your question and any ABRSM reply, you can post it here.

Except for comments by moderators, the views expressed here are those of the author alone and are not necessarily endorsed or shared by the ABRSM.

QUOTE (administrator @ Jul 2 2004, 10:32 AM)

This forum has been created to allow adult learners who are either learning an instrument for the first time, or returning to music to share their ideas and experiences, and offer help and support to each other.

Thank you to ABRSM for creating this forum, to Silver Pianist for initiating the original thread, and to all contributors from whom I've learned so much since joining!!

here here

At what age are we an 'adult learner'!

Maybe it would be the same as a mature student at university, I think that's over 21.

Does this forum database allow for pictures ?
It would be nice to see some of the adult learners etc.
I agree, it's been a very useful and enjoyable forum for me so far.
Sorry for putting my e-mail address in one of the comments once, oops ! I didn't know it was not recommended by ABRSM and there was actually an alternative

no. pictures arent allowed on the forums- i dont think!

QUOTE (sparky @ Feb 8 2005, 09:24 AM)

Does this forum database allow for pictures ? It would be nice to see some of the adult learners etc. I agree, it's been a very useful and enjoyable forum for me so far.

It's possible to upload pictures to a photo-hosting site - for example www.photobucket.com - and paste a link to them - doesn't use up ABRSM bandwidth (as far as I understand it!) and lets people see you. Not as helpful as posting on the site, I realise, but just a thought.

How does one become an advanced member of this forum?

I think it's 30 posts. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong....

cheers

Katyjay

This is a fantastic resource for all adult learners. Well done to the Associated Board for recognising that adults need help and encouragement from each other. Being an adult learner is such a lonely experience, just you and the teacher normally. The only interaction I get with other players is in the waiting room, awaiting my next Bushtucker exam task, or sitting in a doll's house desk and chair taking my theory exam! Oh, and yes of course I have a real treat sometimes when my piano tuner comes round so I can chat piano to him. Any further developments for adults would be exceedingly welcome by all, I'm sure.

Alto 15 January 2006 15.00 pm
Have just joined Forum but don't know where to start! Have taken up violin at the age of 49 but teacher says am doing well. Also am Grade 5 piano and am attempting to learn Grade 5 theory before I can go any further.

Alto, I would browse topics with headings which seem interesting to start with.
Also take a look at the 'viva' boards for the instruments you play.
For light relief and a touch of insanity visit the cafe.
Welcome to the forums.

Alto, 16 Jan 2006 11.25 p.m.

Whoops, think I sent a reply without a message. I must have done something right sbhoa yesterday as you replied! When I get a spare moment after work I will follow your advice.

Need some ice-cream.... can't believe I'm old enough to be on this forum:)

Hi all - 60+ female, just retired. Having passed Grade 4 piano when I was 13! I decided I should take up the piano again. Lovely young!! teacher said I should play a Grade 5 piece which I haven't had too much trouble with. He now suggests I take Grade 5 exam! Well, I could possibly JUST do the pieces, but the rest of it - Sightreading looks impossible, scales etc. look terrifying, and as for the aural, well I wont even go there. I like the thought of some aim and structure to my lessons, so did some research and it was a toss up between Grade 1 and Grade 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Think I'll try Grade 2, do well, and progress that way..any thoughts??? I know the pieces may be a bit boring, but the scales, argeggios still look scary. Bye for now

Hey Tractorgirl. Not sure if this is the best place to post...I assume not many will read the end of an old thread. Best off posting in the piano forum, where all the cool and talented and superior people post (as well as in the strings forum!)

I would see how you do at Grade 2. I probably wouldn't sit the exam, unless you want exam experience. Just use Grade 2 to polish your skills and bring yourself back to speed with the technical/sight reading/aural aspects, then move on to grade 3, and onwards.

Thanks - I'll do just that. Mind you, "end of an old thread" sounds just like I feel sometimes!

I know what you mean!

Welcome anyway

Hi Tractorgirl, I hope you see this before you move on to the piano forum as advised. I am in your age group and have been learning the piano on and off for many years and now am playing Grade 2 pieces which I shall take to a weekend course I am booked onto at Jackdaws in March. I only have a lesson once in a blue moon but practice (almost) every single day. What I would really love is to meet some people about my level to play duets with - does anyone know whether I can arrange that throughy this forum? I shall go and check out the piano forum now.