Hi there!

I've just taken up learning viola as of 1 Feb and am wondering if you think, in your experience as teachers, it is reasonable for a keen adult beginner to aspire to take G1 practical in the June series this year? I'm going to see what my teacher thinks too, of course, but I'd like to hear/read your opinions too.

Thanks in advance!

Not an experienced teacher, but I am an experienced adult learner

You may have seen on the General Music board that a number of us did something called the Grade 1 challenge last year - taking up an instrument and taking Grade 1 in it at fairly short notice to raise money for charity.

Well, I did that on the violin. I started lessons in the October, and took the exam at the beginning of March, and got a reasonable result.

So yes, it can be done with a bit of effort.


Cheers

Katyjay

I started the oboe last week - and there are Grade Two pieces over the page in my book...which I can almost play... but that's not to say my tone would be worth listening to. I guess it's to do with the standard you set yourself as much as anything? I could take Grade Two next week in terms of getting the right notes inthe right places - sight reading, aural, scales etc, but my tone is poor and articulation dire at best.

I don't think I'd want to take Grade One though (unless it was a Grade One Challenge)... I'm not even sure I want to take exams but if I did I'd wait until Grade 3 or higher to save myself the stress and expense.

I think it's possible too so do have a word with your teacher.
You can start working for it and make your decision with your teacher when the closing date for applications gets near.
I like to be pretty well ready by then if I'm going to enter for an exam.

Interesting that somebody should ask this question. Coincidentally, this very day, when I was off work sick, I came across my late mother's Grade I mark sheet which was done in 1948 at the age of 23. She scraped through with 105 marks. I really can't say how long it took her. However, there was another mark sheet also in the envelope - one for Grade III in 1950, which she passed almost with merit. She was a very musical lady and could have sung alto for Britain. I think the lesson here is: don't be deterred if your first grade is disappointing. Try, try again. Many Grade I scores (self included) at 10 marks lower than Grade II and beyond (not least my own). So go for it!

LR

Thanks guys! Just wanted to know if it was reasonable or not. I'll mention it to my teacher this morning and, as someone suggested and I'd already thought myself, we can make a final decision in late March about a fortnight before registration deadlines. I looked through the tutorial book the other day and it seems to teach all the required notes and scales etc for G1 viola, so it doesn't look like it's too high a standard to aim for.

I don't mind the idea of exams as they make one work - esp. this one!! Also, I'm told they're rather good for string players as it makes you work on your scales, which are rather crucial for us.