Hi,

Have everyone put a young beginner through the prep test for piano? care to share what the rewards are to the child that you noticed? How do you guage when they are ready for the prep test or for the matter any the graded exam? i usually go by the gut feel....which i'm not quite sure whether it is the way to guage exam readines in my students.

I had one and he enjoyed it.
The comments are really nice to get and it's a gentle introduction to the exam system and to playing to someone new.
I have since discovered the LCM pre preparatory and steps exams and I like them better.
They start at a simpler level.
I find the set pieces (there is a big choice) for prep test are too near to grade 1 level though the own choice can be exaier if you want (I made sure the child chose something which was hands together though).

Yes, I use the Prep Test regularly for my young pianists who've had between six months and a year's tuition usually. They seem to enjoy the experience (especially the certificate at the end) and I think it gets them used to the exam room situation in a friendly and, hopefully, not too threatening way.

I don't have a firm view on when to enter each child - I do so as they reach what I consider to be an appropriate standard ie that they can learn the music and play it without too much stress.

I like the Rockschool Debut exam which is aimed at the same level - I've used it for a couple of adults so far - you get proper marks and a detailed comments sheet on 5 pieces. However, I've also used AB Prep test for children - very useful for getting used to playing to a stranger in a room on your own etc. I think they are ready when they can play the pieces and exercises. It shouldn't be too stressful as there is no pass/fail element. They will walk away with a certificate, no matter what! Prep test i sgood for nervous underconfident students for this reason.

Most of my younger pupils do the Prep Test if they're going to go on to grade exams. I find it really boosts their confidence & it's an excellent introduction to taking exams. It's good for them to have to prepare a programme to their highest standard & to experience meeting & playing to an examiner & doing simple aural. They feel a real sense of achievement when they do well. It's difficult to say exactly when they should do it - every child's different, but when they can manage the repertoire to a good standard.