I've just joined in these discussions and have been reading some of the previous posts. I've just passed my grade 3 piano and have started work on grade 5. All this theory stuff has got me worried, ive never done it before in my life. Can anyone tell me if you have to take theory exams to get to a certain grade in practical cuz im kind of worried about it now. Is theory hard or easy? Put it this way, should i be worried about it if im told i need it to get to the higher grades?

It's been a while since i've done theory, but i think that you are required to have taken and passed grade 5 theory to be allowed to take any practical exams grade 6 and above. You have plently of time to work on your theory; just work through the practise books, grades 1 to 5. Everything you'll need to know is in there, and it really isn't that bad. The actual exam questions are pretty similar to the exercises in the practise books, and you can even buy sets of past papers to try. It is scarier than it sounds!

I think you wil find that when you start to work through the theory books you will know a lot of the stuff already from learning to play.
Things like performance directions, note names, time signatures and key signatures (if you remembered not to neglect your scales).

If you're good at maths, you'll be fine.

QUOTE (freda_bloogs @ Sep 1 2004, 11:51 AM)

If you're good at maths, you'll be fine.

i agree...

QUOTE

i think that you are required to have taken and passed grade 5 theory to be allowed to take any practical exams grade 6 and above.

That's right. Good plan to start now, rather than waiting till you want to take grade 6!

Maggie

QUOTE (freda_bloogs @ Sep 1 2004, 11:51 AM)

If you're good at maths, you'll be fine.

English also required my teacher says so ...

Hi everyone
I hope you don't mind a teacher writing on this Students board. If you are taking an Associated Board exam you need grade 5 theory before taking grade 6 Practical. If you are taking a Guildhall exam you don't need theory until grade 8 practical. I think with Trinity College you don't need a theory exam at all. Guildhall and Trinity both ask questions about pieces during the exams which also test theoretical knowledge. One more thing: Instead of Grade 5 theory you could take Grade 5 Practical Musicianship. Some pupils seem to really enjoy this. Everything is done on your instrument. Might well be worth looking into! Hope that helps.

Don't worry you'll probably pick it up quite quickly! i'd never done any theory before January of this year and i should be taking the exam in November. I suppose it helps that i find it interesting though!
jess