Hi,
Well, I've done it - I've just entered for Grade 8 piano - 31 years after my first attempt !! I've always said I'd have a go having got a pass first time around (I think I got 117). It's also 31 years since I had a lesson, played a scale, did something called aural - of yes, and sightreading. My wife convinced me to try again (albeit after a few glasses of beaujolais!! ).
So, I've got 6 weeks or so to : choose the pieces, learn the scales and aural (both of which seem to have changed since I did them in black & white) and practise sightreading (not too worried about the latter, as I've always enjoyed picking up new pieces and "having a go").
Having done the deed now I'm really really scared - of looking like a fool and wasting my money. Anyway it's done now - so down to work! Any advice/tips would be welcome - I think I've chosen the pieces : A : Bach P&F; B: Haydn; C: Chopin Prelude - I wont' budge on the Bach but could be talked out of the Haydn or Chopin.

HELP !

I don't know if you're doing this already, but my biggest tip would be have some lessons with a good teacher who is experienced in preparing people for grade 8 & also have some practice in performing your programme to anyone who will listen. I'd get the cds & book for the aural or have some lessons in this, also - or try websites like hofnote. 6 weeks isn't very long to prepare a programme like this, so I'd get everything planned as soon as possible, but maybe you're experienced at learning very quickly.

Good luck & I hope you enjoy the experience.

It doesn't do to rush into these things, does it?

Now that you have thought about it for a reasonable length of time, wasn't it a little unwise to enter BEFORE you've even chosen your pieces - unless you already know them well, of course?

Better get cracking, if you only have 6 weeks. Good luck!

Thanks for advice and support mel2 and bevpiano.
I haven't got a teacher (not sure anyone worth their salt would want to risk their reputation on me at this stage) so I'm on my own. I have the aural CDs and will probably sign-up for hofnote. I'm not quite starting from nothing - I've been looking at pieces from the G8 syllabus for some time - my choice is because I like them and they're in the best shape of the ones I've looked at - although the cadenza in the Chopin is not looking good at all.
BTW - I'm the sort of person who only works if I'm given an immovable deadline - hence enter, then figure out how I'm going to do it !

Good luck! I've been umming and aahing for a year about whether to enter, and still haven't made up my mind. Pieces aren't too bad, but the scales etc are never-ending. The last exam I took was grade 6, so I've a lot to learn in that department.

Do keep us posted on your progress.

It took me five and a half weeks to learn the lot from scratch - one full hour per day on scales and arpeggios at each practice, before moving on to pieces.

The challenge to go from 0 - 100% was an ongoing motivation.

Incidentally, I thought that while I was about it, I may as well learn the four not required for the exam too i.e. those in G, A, Bb and E; very much worth the effort.

BerkshireMum, don't let scales/arpeggios deter you from taking the plunge! Give yourself a birthday present and enter for the exam!

Thanks - that's exactly my position - I was umming and aahing for about a year also. I've also seen our children enter music exams (and also accompanying them) so the exam environment is not quite as alien to me as it used to be. I'll keep you updated on progress - first thing was to dust off that old Grade 5 theory certificate (1975 vintage!). Not liking some of the scales in 3rds and 6ths so that's got to be a focus this week. Dom and Dim 7ths I'm starting to get the hang of. The first week is all about learning how much I don't know !
Back to work .. with the practice pedal on ..

A 2 week progress update:
The good news is that I've managed to put in some decent practising (my work can involve travelling/staying way from home which limits access to a piano - but, so far that's not been a problem). The bad news is that the magnitude of what I've taken on is hitting home - particularly with scales. Probably 50% of my time is spent on these at the moment - in particluar the minors in 6ths. Some are secure (but at a "cautious" tempo); most are not. I've been "googling for tips" - one I like is with 6ths, concentrating on LH on the way up and RH on the way down. Any others would be welcome !
I really need to spend more time on the pieces, now particularly my list B choice which is the Haydn - I think a brisk tempo is required to make it "fun". I also am worried about the aural where you have to name the 4 chords up to the cadence.
I'm not regretting entering yet (maybe the exam is still too far off!), but it is much harder work than I had thought. The biggest surprise is the physical effort - with so many years without serious practising, I'm finding my hands and arms ache after 40 mins or so.
Thanks to all for messages of support - it's great to share the pain !

All that in 6 weeks, and 2 of them gone - firstly good luck and secondly I'm both in awe and worried for you: I hadn't played seriously for 34 years when I restarted lessons and on well over an hour a day of practice it took me 18 months to get up to a passing grade 8 - though admittedly I was only grade 5 previously.

Do take care. What ever your ambitions are for the exam please don't injure your hands through stress, tension and over doing it. It can and does happen. If this is a risk then it is infinitely better to take a slower, more gradual approach even if it means not meeting your timetable. Also, make sure you are relaxed when playing and take a rest after every 20 minutes or when ever you feel the tension or aches developing.

(Sorry about trying to 'teach my grandmother to suck eggs'.)

To which I would add that re-starting serious study at about the same time as Robodoc - after a 23 year break - and despite never having stopped completely (I played 3 or 4 hours a week even if I did not practice): it was six months before I could comfortably practice for more than 2 hours a day, and probably about a year before I regained my previous standard (first diploma).

And yes - good luck. There is nothing better than a fixed deadline to make you do the work!

Don't get too hung up on the scales. In terms of exam-passing technique, they're only a little part of the overall score. Minor sixths or not, it won't make all that much difference.

Get your pieces sussed, so you feel comfortable and confident with them and can put in a good, musical performance.

I'm just starting my grade 8 scales too...and minor 6ths are, lets politely say are a bit of a 'challenge'.

The technique I'm using at the moment is just concentrating on where my 4th finger needs to be, in both the LH and RH, and at the moment that seems to work, albeit pretty slow....hope it works for you too!

Zoe

Okay. Here is another one. Practice separately (and of course with each hand separately as well as hands together) the transition between each consecutive pair of chords in the scale. Repeat each separate transition half a dozen times (e.g. C+Ab ->D+B then D+B -> Eb+C, etc.). Then play the whole scale slowly.

Well, now I have my exam date - 26th March - which gives me a little longer to prepare. Steady progress on the scales - put arpeggios are very "lumpy" (years of neglect are obvious). Trying to concentrate on ironing out the hazards in all the pieces before increasing to the target tempo. Thanks Zoe J for the 4th finger tip - that's a good one. Getting excited now, but nervous too !

I agree totally!

I think you're very brave, Enharmonic Change, but that you have the belief that you can do well in this exam is half the battle I wish you the best best best of luck, and hope you do FAB!

Well we all have different tips for scales. Mine was always remembering where the thumbs fall !

I was only wondering the other day how you were getting on! Wishing you all the best too and hope you nail those arpeggios. Glad the 4th finger tip worked...and it only dawned on me the other day that in the 6ths the 4th fingers land at the same time which is an added help! How are the pieces coming along?

Don't forget to let us know how you get on!

Thanks Zoe J, not too bad I think. Remaining challenges with the pieces are getting the Haydn to a genuine presto and, with the Chopin, ensuring the cadenza is accurate and those long argeggio patterns are nice and smooth - with as little pedal as possible. The Bach I think is nearly there.
I now have a bowl by the piano in which I have all the potential scales & arps printed on strips of paper; each time I pass the piano I pull out half a dozen at random - it's really difficult to jump straight from an Eb minor 2nd inv argeggio to a Bb legato 3rds scale to a Dom 7th in F#! Doing me good I think but the tempo is still on the cautious side. My work is pulling me away from the keyboard over the next couple of weeks so I plan to focus on the aural CD and material - I'm telling myself that it's just possible that the break from the pieces and scales will do me good

Well - I'm into the last week now with the exam on Friday. Unfortunately, I'm still having to travel alot with work, so practising is restricted to weekends. Worryingly, some mistakes are creeping into the pieces where I never had them before - I'm hoping it is lack of concentration and this will not happen in the exam. Scales are solid enough (I think) - I need to give the aural maximum attention this week by listening to the sample tests on the CD and reading the texts. I'm hoping to have Thursday off work to do a cram on all the aural tests.
Huge doubts are creeping in, so I'm trying to convince myself this was a good idea and I'm going to do OK - psychological rather than practical preparation may be more effective at this stage.
Any advice for someone who's last exam was when Jim Callaghan was PM and everything was in black and white ?
HELP !!

Try not to worry about it. The reality will almost certainly be better than the anticipation.

From one who had a 60 year gap, and things turned out OK.

Welcome to the club, Enharmonic Change; my grade 2 was back in the 70s, my next exam, last year's grade 8, so I've climbed Mount Everest too!

I had my teacher put me through the whole ordeal a week or so beforehand, which was both encouraging and most useful because up until that time I couldn't be sure that I'd be able to keep it all together for the full half-an-hour. I don't know whether you can arrange something similar at this late stage - I would try at least to play all three pieces in a row in front of a colleague, relative or friend though. It could boost your confidence.

My exam was the first of the day, at 9.30 am, so at least I didn't have to wait around pacing the floor. I ran through scales and arpeggios before travelling to the exam centre, not my pieces though - a bit like last minute revision on the odd fact, rather than complete essay title!

I was terribly conscious of the build up of nerves at the start, during my scales, but they did serve to help me get into it and calm down as much as I could. In the pieces I was concentrating too hard on the music to allow thoughts of nerves to get a hold (which is your slowest piece? It might be better to play this last because by then you're more likely to have control of tempi and nerves). I played Bach then Beethoven, both of them at a fair lick, so when I came to the Rachmaninov (effectively a funeral march) I'd got rid of most of my adrenaline.

By the time the sightreading came to be, I was relieved to have got so far and in the aural with which I finished, I was finally relaxed.

The examiner was at all times most sympathetic, patient and encouraging; he clearly wanted me to succeed.

On the day I did as best I could in the circumstances. That's all you can ask of yourself. And the very best of luck to you for Friday.

I second that....all the best for Friday and will be keeping my fingers crossed that it all goes well!

Well I did the exam yesterday - and survived! Thanks all so much for your support, thoughts and advice. I was extremely nervous at first but relaxed more as no disasters happened. The examiner was very nice. I could have done the pieces better - all had some technical slips in places which hadn't happened before, but nothing major I think. However, I think all the supporting tests went better than expected - the scales were OK, and I was very pleased with my SR and aural efforts (credit to my other half for aural test training last weekend - she teaches flute to Gr8 so is familiar with the tests).
Long wait now for the results - will let you know.
Zoe J - looking forward to your updates on progress

Wishing you the best of luck. One thing though, you wont look a fool and you wont be wasting your money, just remember that. Can't say anything about being scared as I think that is perfectly normal.



Just seen this after I had already posted. Glad that it all went well for you and that you managed to relax. Good luck with your results.

It sounds as if it went quite well Enharmonic Change. Good luck for the results.

I'm seriously impressed that you even got there in the time: Good luck with the results.

I'm so pleased your exam went well and I was thinking of you on the day.

I think if you're like me you will always strive for perfection and anything less than that is frustrating...especially when you know you can do better. But I'm sure (well I'm hoping) that a few slips won't mark you down too much!

Fingers crossed you get a good mark.

I'm getting on really well with my pieces...I've got all the note bashing done with the Mozart and am going through it and concentrating on dynamics and so on. I really enjoy playing it...and that's a big thing for me. If I don't like it, I'll not only not want to practise but I'll tire of it quickly and want to do something else. and considering I'm taking it Novemeber it needs to stand the test of time!

I've decided to do the Bach prelude and fugue for my A piece. I'm half way down the second page of the fugue and at first I thought I'd NEVER get it...but it's slowly all starting to fall into place and I'm really really enjoying learning it. There are a few challenging stretches in my RH where I need to hold my pinky down. But I seem to be getting on Ok pulling out the 3 parts. However I've not played this to my teacher yet so he may tell me different!!

Not started the chopin yet but can't wait to get going on that one as I just love it!

Scales....getting there, just keep at it a bit each day, same with the sight reading.

Aural.....I've bought loads of books and CD's to help, just keep looking at them on my desk and not doing anything on it. I'm working my way up the grades as a refresher through hofnote and so far...I'm confident at grade 1!!!! really need to pull my finger out on this one!

How long do you think it'll be til you get your results?

Thanks so much for your thoughts Zoe J - I hope to get the results this week.

Sounds like you're making good progress on the pieces - so pleased you're doing the Bach P&F - the Prelude is beautiful and not that difficult. Yes, I found the Fugue tricky, and never really achieved a "bold" tempo. Most of the Chopin I found not too difficult, with the obvious exception of the cadenza. I don't really know the Mozart, but you're so right to build the dynamics in from Day 1 and enjoy the practising more. Any idea when you're aiming to enter?

Just got my result: 136

Totally gobsmacked ! Don't know what to say - time to change my signature I guess !

Wow!! Hearty congratulations!

Brilliant! Congratulations!

Dear Enharmonic Change,

Fantastic result! Well done!!!

Congratulations!

Now... wasn't there also a bit of 'unfinished business' with the viola ?

(runs and hides...)

Thanks & great spot Minstrel ! That's spooky - even my wife asked me about the viola the other day (all the viola jokes are bound to follow now!). One step at a time - I can't even remember the alto clef. Priority now is to get a piano teacher (I'm hooked)

Brilliant! Congratulations, you must be so pleased with yourself!

Well done, Enharmonic Change, you must be THRILLED

Don't be scared - or ashamed - of that viola. I'm by nature - and profession - a stereotypical 1st Violin but even I have to admit that, as I get older, the more I enjoy the lovely rich sound of my viola.

As to your post about a piano teacher ... do you really mean to say that, never mind that fantastic result, you did it without a teacher??!!!???

Even bigger WOWs and CONGRATULATIONS from here.

Well done! onwards and upwards?

Just wanted to add my congratulations. I'm glad your courage and hard work were rewarded. Yours is such an encouraging story, so thank for sharing it with us all the way through, it has cheered me up no end!

Well done!.
Makes me reconsider if I should do another Diploma after 37 years !! It would just be for the satisfaction, but is it worth paying out a hefty fee, when I believe I am at a similar standard to when I was 16.

Fabulous result, Enharmonic Change!

Just goes to show that the more mature students can do just as well as those younger.

Firstly CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You must be delighted and what a great result. What are your plans now? Diploma or a bit of time off? and how on earth did you do it without a teacher? (I'd be lost without mine)

I'm planning on taking mine in possibly November or even March. I want to be 100% ready and fully prepared and I don't work well with too much pressure, it just worries me too much.

The pieces are coming on pretty well and once I've got the notes under my fingers with the Bach I can start on the Chopin and I can't wait....Aural, Scales and Sight Reading in my next lesson....

Oh huge congratulations! Good on you for taking it on so positively from the start!

My teacher rather casually asked me whether I would like to sit Grade 8 next year or this year if I had the time...(I have three very young children!) All after a 21 year gap, so I've been watching this thread with a mixture of interest and admiration.

I'm so pleased for you, must be exciting to be thinking about a teacher again...where will it lead!

Best

Do it!

All – thanks so much for your interest and support

Zoe J – Sounds you’re making really good progress, and there is no rush. My plan is now to find a teacher and eventually think about diploma. I mustn’t get carried away though - I know I have big flaws in my technique which will be my undoing if I go any further without lessons – only disciplined practice and pulling it off on the day got me the good Grade 8 mark. I've also never been able to play from memory, which I'll need for the Dip.

How did I manage without a teacher? – well I recorded myself alot and got my wife to listen and critique (and our marriage survived the experience!). Also, I picked up loads of good advice from reading the ABRSM forums. I also listened to different recordings of the pieces to pick up ideas (especially the Bach, which is an open book when it comes to dynamics and articulation). Finally, I got the kids to fire off random scale requests at me !

I’ll probably start another thread on my search for a teacher. I look forward to following your journey to the exam. Enjoy the Chopin!

Berkshire Mum – not so much of the “more mature students” please !

I was referring to age, not behaviour. Sixties children never grow up!

Good luck with the search for a teacher, fingers crossed you get a good one.

I know what you mean about technique, it's taken a while for me to get back to where I was 20 years ago and I'm pleased to say I may even have gone beyond that now. (My old teacher wasn't that good, and I only realise that now having a great teacher)

I'm hoping to be able to play from memory in my exam....some bits of the Mozart I can do already (not on purpose, just through lots of practise) and those bits I can do I really find that I can 'let myself go' more and let the music out if you know what I mean!

It's good that you have a musical other half who was there to help you on the way. My other half is not so musical and doesn't like listening to me practise (playing the same bit over and over again...oh and scales, he doesn't like those either), also if he doesn't like the piece of music I'm playing he's not that bothered about listening to me play it to him....this frustrates me quite a lot as I need the practise playing in front of people. I feel terrible for having a moan about him and I've made him out to be an ogre....he's not at all, he's just not on the same wavelength as me musically.

I also record myself but I am very over critical of what I hear and it never sounds the same as when I play it, it's weird. Was it the same for you?

I also listen to whatever I am learning, both professional recordings and clips on youtube. I know what you mean about the Bach...my teacher normally scribbles on my music suggestions of dynamics, but this one he is leaving more for me to add my own interpreration and I do find that it's coming naturally to me, but I do listen to and love music of this era.

Right..off to practise!

Well done for such an excellent result! I'm sitting Grade 8 this summer (I have to to get into Cardiff University for music) and have only got round to the Fugue which I'm really panicking about so this has given me some confidence!!!
Well done again-your experience has obviously helped a lot of other people too!

When I grow up I want to be a pianist.