I have just bought the Grade 7 2009-2010 piano exam book on impulse. Despite the fact that it has been 18 years since I passed my Grade 6 (with Merit) and haven't had a lesson since, I think with a lot of work I might be able to manage the pieces.

I've just passed Grade 7 viola (with a teacher) so the aural won't be a problem, but the scales look very daunting.

Has anyone worked for and taken (and more importantly, passed!) exams without a teacher? If so, would you advise it? I'm still having viola lessons and am working on my Grade 8 pieces, so I can't really afford piano lessons as well, but would like to give it a try.

Also, how does the ABRSM exam application system work if you're entering yourself?

Either fill out a paper entry form (you can download one from the ABRSM website), send it to Portland Place, and they'll send you the time/place of your exam (together with your applicant number, which you then use for subsequent entries).

Or enter online. You'll need to fill out a UK applicant registration form first (which is here). You'll get an email with your applicant number, which you can then use to enter yourself online.

You could ask your viola teacher to hear your piano pieces - he/she would be bale to advise on musical aspects. Perhaps it woudl be worth getting one or two consultation lessons with a piano teacher o iron out any technical difficulties you have.

Good luck

I taught myself piano and took and passed grade three and grade five (this year) - also grade one Jazz piano.

I've now bought the grade seven book and can play three pieces - but, I wouldn't attempt a high grade without someone else's approval. I think that after grade five it's no longer about playing the right note at the right time - it's more about musicality and I don't trust myself to judge that. I'm planning to carry on alone for the time being but when I do feel the urge for an exam I'll book some lessons - even if it's just a few.

Have just taken grade 6 saxophone and passed with merit (128) without a teacher but I will probably get some lessons for the next grade(s) as I think a second opinion is definitely required. For example, the piece I thought I played best in the exam actually gained me the least marks ( we're talking 25/30 so it's still a respectable mark) and the piece I thought went worst, gained me 28/30. So I'm thinking another person's outlook would be no bad thing.

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I taught myself piano and took and passed grade three and grade five (this year) - also grade one Jazz piano.

I've now bought the grade seven book and can play three pieces - but, I wouldn't attempt a high grade without someone else's approval. I think that after grade five it's no longer about playing the right note at the right time - it's more about musicality and I don't trust myself to judge that. I'm planning to carry on alone for the time being but when I do feel the urge for an exam I'll book some lessons - even if it's just a few.
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Yes, I think you're right - I'll go down the same route. I'll work on the pieces and scales until I'm comfortable with them, and then book some lessons later to polish up them up musically to Grade 7 standard. I'll definately need guidance on the scales anyway.

Sometimes I really wish I wasn't so impulsive!

Have you really taught yourself to Grade 5 in a year?! Well done!!

Heavens no! - I taught myself over thirty years and have lately felt the need for bits of paper to prove this. It only took a month or so to prepare for each exam though.

I can't stick scales and have done the London College exams so I could do the technical studies instead. Also I don't have an acoustic piano and have taken to visiting all my friends who have on a regular basis

Sue - just curious, but what did you play...I thought i might do some saxophoen grades? This is admittedly off topic, so do PM me if that's easier...

best
Nick

Nick have sent a PM to you - sorry for leaving it so long

The title says 'Entering yourself for exams' which is very different from teaching yourself.

Speaking from experience, entering yourself or your child for an exam is often a lot easier than going via a school.

It's an easy form to fill in and all info is sent straight to you!

As for teaching yourself, I reckon that by grade 5 you could probably manage quite well, particularly if you listen to the ABRSM CDs. Of course, it's always best to have an experienced teacher guiding you if possible!

As always it depends on your own experience and how important the exams are to you.

Steve