Did anyone catch Radio 4's programme on ABRSM exams? It was broadcast this afternoon.

I was particularly struck by the story about a seven-year-old boy violinist. His accompaniest kept on mistakes and the boy soldiered even though tears began to roll silently down his cheeks.

Aw, although is this not a repeat? Just I remember something very similar on a few months ago.

Thanks Rhu for mentioning this, I missed it but it sounds as if it would have been interesting.

If anyone else missed it, you can hear it again at this link to the BBC, except that they haven't made it "listenable" for my mac computer.

Is this the same programme as we heard before? I do remember one that sounds very similar.

Yes.

Okey doke - thanks

Just listened to it this morning - ah the wonders of internet!! Seemed fairly well balanced although I think as someone else had said before it was only the AB that had any input............glad to hear it presented some of the cons as well as the pros.......

Yes I do remember it. Not too impressed I must say but you get the idea what exams are all about. Nice 170/150. Must get that mega-talented pupil on here.

I heard this - listened to it on the Internet - it was a question of listening to it on the radio or watching Neighbours, and I'm afraid Neighbours won, so I listened to it later on the computer. I thought it was interesting, and the comment I liked was about how the accompanist has a direct bearing on the exam - that although the accompanist is not being examined it makes a big difference to have a good accompanist.

never mind the pupil, can I have that examiner?

oh dear.. I'm getting worried now

You gotta remember that examiner gave another candidate 49 (I think)/150 as well.

don't you have a good accompanist?

Thanks for posting about this programme and the link. It was very interesting to hear about the exams that we all know and love ( ) from different angles.

I use the listen again feature on the BBC site quite a lot. Down the Line and Just a Minute are two of my favourites! Technology is great (usually).

I tend to use this if I caught just the end of what sounded like an interesting programme. Great facility apart from the pauses occasionally while the next little section streams down to my computer.

Don't know - haven't heard her play them yet and I expect to get an exam date any day soon...

I need a Plan B.

When's your first run through with her?

that was this morning - & phew - best ever lesson! (we both agreed).

no need to worry then.

Thanks for this link about the programme which I listened to at the computer.

Did anyone else hear the line and agree with the person in the programme who said that "children like their own publicity!" i.e., if you tell a child they play well some will be motivated to prove it!

My mum listen to this on saturday a told me it was very good, I missed it

Does anyone have a problem listening to it over the internet, it's really, really low in my speakers, too low to hear, even with the speakers set on max volume?!?! Anyone else got this problem? Or is it just my speakers?

You can put up the volume on the computer... I have to do that.