Hi All,

I'm not a teacher but an adult learner just starting to learn the violin and I have a few questions. I've purchased the grade 1 music and scales required for violin by ABRSM. Even though I'm a long way from taking the exam. Is there a set amount of time for me to play like: 30 min, 1 hour, and do I/COULD I get the option to play something of my choice if any time left over.

Any advice here on how to actually be certain that I can attain a distinction as this is where I'll be aiming.

Thanks

Libitina

No - you don't get any spare time. The stated exam length is 12 minutes - in which you have to:

Play 3 pieces, one from each of A, B, C lists
Do some sight-reading (set by examiner)
Do some aural tests
Play some scales (chosen by examiner)

So, you get to choose your pieces ahead of time, but in the exam you have no flexibility. It takes the whole 12 minutes.

To get Distinction, you have to get 130 out of 150.

The time allowed for grade one is 12 minutes if I remember correctly. There is no option to play anything extra.

You might rather look at performance assessment - you get to choose what you play.

Not a teacher but...

In the exam each candidate is scheduled for a certain amount of time, varying depending on the Grade (I think it's 12 minutes for Grade 1, up to about half an hour for Grade 8). However it could take longer or shorter than the expected time.

You have to play one piece from each of the 3 lists (I think one is always unaccompanied and two are accompanied on piano, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong! This is cerainly how it was when I did my Grade 3 Trinity 12 years ago, and that is what I am doing this time, but that may just be a coincidence!). Pick the pieces you like best and that show off your playing as well as possible.

There's no exact speed you'll need to play the pieces at, but look at any metronome markings to give you an idea, or any words at the top of the piece such as "Andante" (walking pace), "Adagio" (slow) or "Allegro" (fast). So long as they are played at a sensible speed which conveys the correct mood and tone it'll be fine. But I would expect a Grade 1 piece to last less than a minute!

In the exam you will have to play all your pieces, plus your scales (probably most of them at Grade 1? There only are three and their related arpeggios); sight-reading, which should only be about one line long; and the prescribed aural tests. This will take as long as it takes and you cannot play anything else other than what is prescribed! You wouldn't want to play anything else anyway, Grade 1 isn't "easy" and for a beginner you'll be having enough to get on with learning the syllabus!

In brief, the entire Grade One exam will last for approximately 12 minutes. There are three set pieces that you will be required to play (accompanied by the piano) and there is no option for you to play a piece of your own choice unless it is listed in the syllabus as 'alternative pieces for the grade'. Included in the 12 minute exam are the supporting tests - scales and arpeggios, aurals and sightreading.

I'm sorry I am not able to advise you as to how to guarantee an outcome of a distinction, especially if the violin is your first instrument, but hope the above is helpful.

Hi There,

What's the difference taking an exam and performance assessment, if you get to chose what to play, and to a later post, no, the violin is my second instrument and piano is my first.

Libitina

Performance Assessment is designed for adults. It's supposed to be either for adults who aren't comfortable with exams; want some feedback prior to an exam; or advanced performers who want an unbiased criticism of their playing (perhaps prior to an audition or concert).

With the performance assessment there are no scales to play, no sight reading and no aural. You just have to pick a programme of up to approximately 15 minutes duration, and play as well as you can.

There is no pass or fail: you just get feedback on your performance: apparently encouraging remarks and constructive, tactfully put criticism! The feedback is provided straight away.

With an exam, you have to play 3 pieces from the prescribed lists, plus scales, sight-reading and aural tests; there is a pass or fail; and results can take anything from 2 weeks to, oh apparently about 6 to arrive! But you do get a nice fancy certificate saying you've passed out of it, and the knowledge that you have reached a specific, recognised, required standard!!!

Thank everyone

most helpful.

Libitina.

Have a look in These Music Exams - all of it is useful, but pages 39-43 tell you what an examiner is looking for when it comes to pass/merit/distinction at G1-5 and G6-8.

Quite often all the pieces are accompanied in AB violin exams.

The sight-reading at Grade 1 is 2-3 lines in length. If you'd like to look at the kind of thing you'll be asked to play, you can get a book of Specimen Sight-Reading Tests for Violin, Grades 1-5, published by the Associated Board.

Good luck with your playing!

[quote name='Maizie' date='Apr 23 2009, 02:05 PM' post='819438']
Have a look in These Music Exams - all of it is useful, but pages 39-43 tell you what an examiner is looking for when it comes to pass/merit/distinction at G1-5 and G6-8.
[/quote

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Have been reading at whilst at work.

Thanks again,

Rachel.