Bit of a long shot this... It's suddenly occurred to me to enter someone for the prep test - I don't normally bother with this and go straight for Grade 1, but I think it would be appropriate for this girl. But I don't have a copy of the set music myself, am not able to go to the music shop in the next few days (even if they have it in stock), and the deadline is coming up!! Does anyone by any chance have it, and the ability to scan it and email it to me?! I'd like to be able to reassure myself that it's not beyond her before I enter her - otherwise I'll have to wait for autumn.

Most people would be reluctant to do this because of copyright laws etc. You might get more response if you just ask people what is required.

Surely if you phoned the music shop - or the publisher - they would post it to you, and it would reach you just as quickly as anyone posting you an illegally scanned page.

As HelenVJ said, shops can post it to you- June Emerson will almost definately have it in stock. I've often ordered from them, and the books have arrived the next morning. HD

I have never bothered with the Prep Test on Oboe. Quite frankly, my own view is that by the time someone has mastered the Prep Test (unless you simply want the experience of entering the exam room when you know you cannot "fail" - or pass for that matter) they are ready to take Grade 1.

I'd consider Grade 1 and give your pupil a challenge.....

That said, I do use the Prep Test for my pianists a lot - there is seems to have much greater value on the road to Grade 1.

Hi Oboist,

I've never used prep test before either - most of my pupils have been at that level after about 3 weeks! But I've got one girl I'm teaching now whose progress is painfully slow, and her parents are keen for her to do an exam before too long just to keep her focussed and practising. (I'm inclined to agree it's a good idea.) Grade 1 is still a way off yet (we've only just got to 1st octave key), so prep test it is. I just hope she can memorise the exercises now! That bit seems quite hard...

Incidentally, I've ordered it online now, am just waiting for it to show up.