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Hello, sorry that I haven't posted for ages but been very busy

I wondered what peoples 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 JoAnneHat, it's great to see you back!

I don't see any reason why an adult shouldn't do a prep test as a way into the whole exam process. I think that it's a good way to experience the exam-room situation without having the stress of passing or failing to cope with.

There is an alternative option for adults, called the Performance Assessment, which again does not have a pass or fail attached, and can be taken at any level of ability.

Best of luck with your music, whatever you decide to do.

Cheers

Katyjay

Hi.

My sister did the prep test at the age of 41. (Sure she won't mind me telling you that!) It did wonders for her confidence having only been playing piano for six months or so. A good idea.

I, like the impetuous fool I am, rushed straight to grade one... but thats another story.

Best of luck with it all - but above all enjoy!!

hvl

Hi there. I think it is really useful to do a Prep Test especially if you are struggling with Grade 1 and need a real confidence boost. I also suffer from vision problems so I never use music in exams, but rely on memory. I find it less stressful and distracting. The ABRSM exams cater for people with limited vision (under the disability codes), so provided you ask for it on your entry form and provide supporting medical paperwork, you will get extra time for each exam (usually 5 minutes) and the sight reading test and relevant parts of the aural test will be in a much larger font size when you come to do your grades. I find it makes all the difference, as I see 10 lines on each stave instead of 5 and the notes all dance about every time I blink! They even have to close the curtains in the exam room as the black piano keys all merge into one if the sun is shining on them, but the examiners are always really nice about it! All the very best of luck with whatever exam you go for, rne

Hi JoAnneHat,

If you want to do a prep test to boost your confidence prior to taking Grade 1 then go for it, but I would also insure that you make sure that your entry allows for your sight problems.

There are reasons for special conserations to be taken into account, and as you a partially sighted and there is the faility for extra time, take it. Again this should give you a greater sense of self belief.

Hi Jo AnneHat

I've put myself in to do the flute prep test this term. At 29 I am classed as an adult - physically that is mentally is another matter

I'm doing it mainly to see if I can as I've got a bone tumour at the base of my thumb rendering playing impossible without some jiggery pokery with a pencil and elastic band (sounds wierd it works as a great substitute!!! If a little problematic!).

I'm hoping to do my grade 1 later in the year, I've chosen my pieces for it but need the boost to get there really. As I'm a bit about it.

I remember reading somewhere on one of these forums that examiners really like to see adults taking the prep test - so defintely go for it.

Becca.

PS Only need to get myself practicing now. Has someone somewhere done a study on why entering for an exam seems to put people off practicing? Or is that only me?