Just need a bit of guidance really. I did grade 7 on Saturday, and got a distinction which was a massive suprise - I've had some shambolic teaching and only started playing in September, and this has really boosted my confidence. I'd really like to do grade 8 now (of course!) and it would be with Trinity.

How long do you think it'll take for me to get the pieces up to standard? I really, really can't do scales again: I did them for g8 flute and it was a SLOG, and bearing in mind I'll be off to uni to study a demanding course (9-5 every day just lectures) I don't think I'll have time to do scales. Or I don't want to make time So I'm going to choose to do a study instead, sight reading and aural along with 3 pieces.

That leads me to my 2nd question - does anyone know where I can get hold of a recording of the Sax Scorchers studies? It's 15, 18 and 19 for g8. Also, does anyone know whether I can get hold of a recording of Saxtudes (nos 15 and 16)? I think it'd be useful to listen to them to get an idea of what I need to be doing

My other pieces at the moment are Grovlez Sarabande et Allegro and Scaramouche (Braziliera). Do you think that the overall program would be balanced?

Sorry for so many questions - I'll be doing it teacherless although my accompanist would help me out nearer the time. gulp!

Can't put a timescale on it, though it sounds like you're dedicated. I personally think grade 8 is a significant step up from grade 7 though, so don't be surprised if it takes longer than you think. Having said that, you got grade 7 at distinction, so that'll give you confidence and plenty of ability.



A sample of 'Balletico' is on Saxtet's website, I haven't yet found the others.



That sounds like a nice programme.



Might be wise, at grade 8, to at least get a saxophonist to listen to your pieces for guidance. One thing you might be able to do is participate in a masterclass : this is something I like to do, and it gives you new insights into your playing. Perhaps it might also be good to enter a music festival - again, this will give you valuable feedback.

All the best with your grade 8 journey!

I did the Braziliera for my Grade 8, although I did ABRSM and so had to play the Modere as well. It's quite challenging in the middle and there are some alternative fingerings which make life easier - may be worth speaking to a sax teacher/fellow sax player about these.

I only did Grade 8 sax and learnt it in a term (as the syllabus was about to run out and I liked the old pieces), however had done clarinet Grade 8. Realistically, as you reached Grade 7 so quickly, you should do fine (and you have Grade 8 flute), but what's the rush? Why not enjoy the sax, learn lots of repertoire, build on technique etc first?

Regarding recordings, I can't help I'm afraid There are lots of great recordings of the Scaramouche though

Good luck!

Thanks so much both of you for your replies. There isn't really any rush, apart from me wanting to get music exams over and done with - post grade 8 flute has been brilliant!
I do plan to cover more repertoire and not just learn the exam pieces.
Barry, that's a fab idea about a masterclass!! At uni, there is a lot going on musically so I'm sure I'll find something/someone to help out. I'm currently thinking about this time next year being a possibility for the exam, although November would be best as it wouldn't be clashing with other academic exams. It seems a bit soon though!! I'll have a chat with my flute teacher about it, as she enters everyone for the exams.
I've discovered that the AB g8 sax cd has many of the same pieces on it, so I'm going to buy it and also use it for general listening (my Ipod is showing a distinct lack of sax music). I'm still stumped about the studies though...they're by Jeffrey Wilson and come in a book, but because they were written specifically for the exams I'm not sure a recording is available. I might contact TG to find out
Thanks again

An idea I've just had : email Jeffrey (click here) - the dealings I've had with him have always been helpful. If you ever get the chance to be conducted by him, then do, he's very good, and invariably I end up laughing

Hi, from the sound of it you're at about the same stage as me, I did grade 7 yesterday so I don't have the results yet and I'm not expecting it to be a distinction anyway, but I'm in a dilemma about grade 8 too. I'm in year 10 so will be doing GSCEs next year so was thinking about trying to fit in grade 8 next Easter before the exams start. But because I've only been playing the sax for about a year then I haven't really done any repertoire yet. I think my teachers going to give me a combination of standard sax repertoire and grade 8 pieces to look at over the summer, and then we'll decide in September where to go next.

If you feel you want to do grade 8 ASAP then go for it! You sound as if you're looking forward to it and will enjoy putting work into it, which is good.

Barry-clari...you're a star!! Thank you so much, I've just sent an email to him so hopefully I'll soon.

Kingsley - you're right, I'd definitely enjoy preparing for grade 8. I like having a definite goal to work towards, and as performance opportunities for me on sax are scarce (except from solo improvisations in jazz band) an exam is actually a good time for me to perform some pieces. I 've discovered that I can sight-read Sarabande et Allegro, and had a bash through study no.16 for the technical work/scales option and it doesn't look hideously scary. All guns ahead, I'd say

Ok, a plan has formed I'm aiming to do grade 8 in the next term, around December time. I'm going to see how things go over the summer pieces-wise, and make a proper decision then but the way things are at the moment mean I should be ready. I've had a lovely response from Jeffrey Wilson, so thanks so much for that Barry-clari. I'll update you with my progress periodically....this is going to be the first exam I'll do alone. (I've only done a grand total of 3 anyway )

He always does come up with the goods, does Jeffrey : glad that bit of advice worked for you. All the best with the grade 8.