Hello,

I have been playing piano ever since I had just turned five and now I'm approaching sixteen. All that time I've been with the same teacher, who has helped me to no end and is marvellously particular about articulation and phrasing. Unfortunately, this year she has been in and out of hospital, meaning that I have not had regular lessons. In fact, I've only had around four in the last 12 months. With my Grade 6 Piano coming up at Easter, I'm getting very worried about my progress.

I have chosen and learnt all three pieces. I'm doing the Beethoven from List A, the Schubert from B and Rumba Toccata from C. I can play all of them fluently with odd hiccups here and there but they don't feel as polished as they would have been, had I had my teacher. Can anybody give me some advice on these pieces on how to really bring them to life?

Also, she was very helpful with my scales and arpeggios. I practise every single one nearly every day but I'm still unsure about where I should place the accents. Is it good for arpeggios to sound smooth yet with consistent accents or just flowing? With respect to scales, I don't know how fast I should play them and if I need to add dynamics.

I've received a Merit on most of my recent grades but I was really hoping for a Distinction on this grade. I know it may be hopeful - and I would definitely be happy with a Merit - but since I don't have a regular teacher now, I was just wondering if you could give me some advice. I am going to ask around for a local piano teacher to help me in the short-term and my friend did Grade 6 last time around, so he can help me a bit too, but could you please post me your tips?

Thank you very much for your time and help.

scales for grade 6 are at minim=76, can't remember the speed for arpeggios off the top of my head though. I generally play them flowily, but i think there is something in the front of the book about a firm touch, so maybe slightly accented would be better.

With regards to your pieces, you sound a lot better prepared than i am (grade 8 this term), but then i guess i'm not realistically looking at a distinction.

I disagree.
No accents in scales or arpeggios.
A bit of a crescendo going up and diminuendo going down might help to give shape.
Try to make them sound as though they are going somewhere.

Did your teacher manage to hear you play in time to decide that you are ready for the exam at easter?
Finding another temporary teacher for now sounds like a good plan.
Is your own teacher well enough to be able to offer suggestions on this?

I'm doing g6 this term too. For the arpeggios my teacher tells me to think:12345 2345 2345 if you get that so there is no accent on the keynote, I practice by starting just playing the first 5 notes.
This reminds me..I haven't played scales this week at all

My teacher also tells me to do that fingering.
I'm doing Beethoven for List A.
Mendelssohn for List B
Richard R-B for List C.

I wish everyone the best of luck for their exams.

I'm doing Sonata in F for A, Refrain du Gondolier for B and Rumba Toccata for C. Good luck everyone!
(Daisy, are you really only 11 and g6 piano/g7 violin/g5 singing? )

Hey Fresh,

I’m sorry about your teacher.

I also chose to do Beethoven and Tocatta. About Beethoven, it is essential to have contrast in dynamics because it is a very expressive piece. It’s worth to try the ornaments, you gain extra points, and it sounds much more polished. In Tocatta, again try and bring out the dynamics. Basically, if you enjoy the piece, it shows.

My teacher told me (I’ve also had the same one since I was seven) I should accent my scales and arpeggios on the 4th beat (something I never managed to do! haha) Your arpeggios should be at about 50 (minim) and your scales at about 76 (minim).

Hope this helps and don’t worry about it! Things usually turn out better than you think, they did with me!

Perfectionist

Dear Fresh,

Do remember to check that you are using the revised scales and sight reading requirements as this comes into effect January 1 2009.