Hi,

I'm hoping to do LRSM Saxophone performance in the next 2 years, and wanting to start the preparation early.

For my dip, my recital was fine, and sightreading o.k, but even though i passed the viva part with a few to spare I really felt I was stumbling with many of the questions and i'd like to improve this area for the LRSM, plus with it being so expensive it'd be good to pass it on first attempt!

If anyone's done LRSM performance, can you remeber the specific questions? (even if the LRSM wasn't on saxophone it'll give me a good idea what may come up!).

Any other advice greatfully received re LRSM in general too.

Thanks so much!

I think you will be barking up the wrong tree if you do your viva prep based on previous people's experiences. It is such a random experience, even within the bounds set out in the syllabus. Why not use the time you have to get really deeply grounded in the history of the instrument, the major composers, their biographies and then build up with detailed reading on your particular programme and the composers involved? If you start now, you can just let it absorb slowly so when the day comes you will be so well prepared, you won't even realise it.

Good luck!

Hi,

For the dip I had thoroughly researched the history of the saxophone, all it's alterations, key dates etc, key works for saxophone, and they didn't ask one question about any of that!!!

The only questions I has were to do with the programme pieces, the type's of scales used etc (they were trying to get out of me that the piano part used a phygian scale at one point and I had no clue!).

But yes, i'll start the research now and hopefully should be prepared.

I just thought it would be useful to have a clue of possible questions.

Thanks for the quick reply!

I haven't done a diploma on the sax yet, but when I did my clarinet DipABRSM I got asked some brief historical questions on the clarinet, questions about the composers from my programme, and asked if I knew of any earlier composers for the clarinet (I played Brahms and Finzi). If they had of asked me questions about the structures of the pieces etc. then I probably would have done badly as I don't think I prepared that much on that side of things. I think they can ask you about anything that's slightly related and you just need to prepare as much as you can and use the time wisely. They are also looking for more in-depth answers at LRSM.

I'm starting to prepare for my LRSM clarinet, with the aim of doing it in a year, and as it's a lot of money I really want to be very well prepared for it. The part I'm most worried about is the viva, as I don't feel I'm always able to talk intellectually (in the way they'd want) when I'm in that kind of on-the-spot situation. But I intend to prepare as much as I can and cover as many different aspects as I can think of - then it's just a case of remembering it on the day!

Good luck saxgirl. Lucid

Not that I'm anywhere near LRSM level but what pieces are you planning on doing? I may be able to come up with some questions to help you, given I'm a sax player .

Hi Nat,

I've only just started tinkering with some pieces, but i'm learning Scaramouche Milhaud, Prelude et Saltarelle, might try the complete Phil Woods, not sure what else yet, but any questions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

When will you get your result do you think? It's so cruel that they make you wait soooooooo long!

I've played the Scaramouche Suite, so will dig out my copy and PM you some possible ideas for questions etc.

I don't know your second piece, who is it by, any good?

I have my results early, see my other thread .

'Prelude et Saltarelle' is by Robert Planel; my teacher recommended it. It is beautiful, very steady and dreamy but faster in the the 'Saltarelle' part. It's very playable and certainly uses the saxes expressive qualities to great effect, definately worth a go.

I noticed that Christian Forshaw has just released a cd with it on too.

I'm trying to get some practicing in for upcoming concerts with our sax ensemble (TSax, we have sopranino to bass so I know what you mean, it's a real treat!), but am not getting far with the kids being off school for the holidays! Much as I love them....roll on September!