Hi everyone:-)

After much deliberation, and making decisions then changing plans - especially about Trinity vs ABRSM, I've
decided to start working on DipABRSM, and have so far decided on Bach's WTC book 2 in A flat (886)
and a Mozart piano sonata (B flat, K570), which doesn't leave all that much time - any suggestions as to something romantic and/or modern? Trying to avoid 'overly played' pieces (although I love them anyway and like to try them out just for fun) - ie, something fun, different and interesting, but not too weird!
I will not have a teacher for a few months, so I will probably only work on at most 2 pieces for now, very slowly! Almost too scared to start, since the grade exams (which I only just completed) are rather 'sheltered' and certainly highly structured compared to the diplomas in my opinion. Is it even possible to work on pieces at this level without a teacher?
I will probably be posting quite a bit with progress updates and (possibly stupid) questions!

Yes it is, and that certainly helps breeds a more independent streak to your musical education.
However, you may find it worthwhile to have an occasional lesson to keep you on the right track.

Diploma lessons should be more interactive than grade lessons IMHO. That is to say, you should be happy to direct your teacher to help you with specific problems and questions you bring to the lesson, rather than just sit back and be spoon fed.

Good luck with your DipABRSM!

Fun times

Are you in any rush for the diploma, its often worth trying out a variety of repertoire before making your final decision as to what to play.

Enjoy the ride and good luck
x

thanks:-) I've spent so much time you-tubing the pieces!
In no rush to get the dip, although there are some LRSM/LTCL pieces I've always wanted to play, so this is a stepping stone (though definitely less so than grade 8).

Right about the teacher - my former teacher was brilliant in his way and his students almost always do very well, but he's very rigid and doesn't even let you pick your own pieces!
Think I'll start on one movement of the mozart, it will be my first:)

Hi Sam. Well your Bach and Mozart will only take 21-22mins (You wouldnt need to play all the Mozart repeats, just some of them). The Mozart is relatively easy as long as you sort out the fingering in those awkward bits in the first movement.

My suggestion would be that you could also do two of the Scriabin Preludes Op11 and two Shostakovich Op34.
These pieces are all short and of different character. It would also give good program balance as you would have Baroque, Classical, Late Romantic and 20th C.

This is exactly how my piano lessons are now! And how I try to conduct my clarinet lessons to pupils, personally I think it's the best way. More or less impossible with a lot of little children though!

Look forward to hearing about your dip preparation, Sam