[b][font=Century Gothic][size=3][size=4]
Hello, sorry that I haven't posted for ages but been very busy

I wondered what teachers thoughts are on adults taking the prep test bedore their grade 1?

I am learning the piano and hopefully restarting my flute in the New Year.

I was working on the old grade 1 piano but having cordination problems so it was suggested to go back to basics and then learn new grade 1 pieces. I am also registerd paritally sighted but have devloped good skills at coping with this.

Hope somebody is able to halp, I have looked at the regulations and can't see anything that says an adult can't do this, I do get very neverous, I took my grade 1 flute 18 montths ago and just failed, but it was very scary doing this.

I am also an actress and singer.

Jo AnneHat

Hi
There is nothing to stop you taking the prep test but have you thought of the Performers assessment for adults instead? This allows you to have a free choice of repertoire (not longer than 15 minutes) and assesses playing only. The examiner writes a report as you play and this is immediately available to you. The only requirement is that you are over 21. Alternative Trinity Guildhall have just published there pre-grade 1 exams and I think they are excellent. Good luck

Yes, I would agree with this - I'd use the Performance Assessment rather than Prep Test. You could even try playing at least one possible Grade 1 piece to the examiner and see how it feels to perform it in the exam room. Nothing against doing that.

Also, do remember when you take Grade 1 for real (or any subsequent exam) that special aural/sight-reading tests can be arranged (as relevant to any particular grade) for those who are partially sighted.

Good luck, with whatever exam you decide to take.

I remember going to an ABRSM seminar when the present Prep Test syllabus was new. The senior examiners were asked what age group it was aimed at & they said mostly 5 to 9, but there was no reason why older children or adults shouldn't take it, if they found it useful to build up confidence before taking a grade exam.

The presentation of the material is childish, but if you can ignore that it could be a useful experience as you have to do technical exercises & aural as well as 2 pieces, which makes it rather more like a grade exam than the Performance Assessment. You could also do a grade 1 piece for your own choice piece if you wanted to.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy it & it goes well. Good luck!

I had an adult take the Prep Test once (it was on clarinet) - he was 25 and had very little confidence, but he loved taking the test. He bounced out of the room announcing that he wanted to do grade 1 the following term, which he did, and got merit! The Board provides leaflets about the Prep Test and Performance Assessment (someone else might be able to tell you whether or not this info is available online) - why not have a read before you decide?

I usually use the Prep Test with children learning the piano, as I find the journey to grade 1 often takes a bit longer than with the clarinet or saxophone.