Just got my pieces for Grade 8. I passed 7 with distinction (hoorah!) in July, but having looked at the pieces for Grade 8, I just can't see myself being able to do them! Anyone else felt like that but then actually managed it? The double stopping is v. scary. I am doing a Bach (either Gavotte/Rondeau or Allegro Assai of Sonata III) and the Abinez. I have the Monti to learn, but will probably do the Rachmaninov. I feel very scared. PS I am also old!!! (46)

No worries! Anyone who can pass Grade 7 with distinction can do 8
It means you already have most of the technique and intonation in place

Hi! Yes, I think that there is a big jump from Grade 7 to Grade 8. I can remember thinking the same thing when I saw my Grade 8 pieces. Just take your time, enjoy practising and be patient would be my advice. It's surprising how the double stopping does eventually come. My teacher always got me to practice each line of the double stopping separately so you can see where your fingers are supposed to be and of course the intonation is easier when it's just one note. Good luck. I'm sure you will succeed.

Yes!

The fact you've just finished doing grade 7 says it all really. Well done for that result! But why not take a little break from exam pieces. By all means practice them but take it slowly and enjoy the ump from 7-8. it is very big and a bit daunting but you'll get there in the end!

My own comments as per everyone else AND you are NOT old!! Age is a state of mind. You've already reached and passed Grade 7, so it's not as though you are starting from scratch.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention about the age bit!! No you're not old at all. I took my grade 8 when I was 44. You only have to look at the adult's forum to see that there are so many people out there who enjoy considerable success at "our time in life". Enjoy your success at Grade 7 and keep going.

Isn't 40 considered to be the new 30 these days??

I envy you - I'm daunted by Grade 1

Seriously though, you can do it. Just remember how overwhelmed you felt by pieces you now find a breeze.

And yes, I also agree with the others that YOU ARE NOT OLD! Just older than some, that's all!

I would have to agree - spend some time learning the stuff in between grades 7 and 8! Of course you can do grade 8, you just got a distinction in G7! (And no, you're not old!) but unless you took grade 7 whilst being grade 8 in standard, then it's not surprising that grade 8 pieces look daunting! There's really no need to leap straight into grade pieces in such a rush!

Hahaha, speaking of which, I just had a look at Grade 7 pieces today and they look daunting to me!
For those who don't know, I just took grade 6 end of last month. Anyway, I'm sure too with hard work and patience I should be able to scrape a pass somehow. Am not too worried about going the exam yet, just the amount of work I need to do. Astronomical.

I'd be worried if people who have just taken their grade 7 thought grade 8 pieces looked fine - it's good the ABRSM make each grade a real target to reach, so it's not just "another certificate".