helloo

I've just got back last terms grade results, with a distinction in grade 3 piano (woop!) so now I'm looking at what to next. I'd like to crack straight on with another exam (I've had a few weeks of different music over the easter break) but I'm unsure as whether to do grade 4 or 5. My teacher doesn't seem to mind either way, although when asked in my last lesson I immediately said grade 4 (I was worried grade 5 would be a huge leap). I've had a listen to all the music and the grade 5 options seem much more interesting. So really I'd rather do grade 5 and having already done grade 5 violin, scales and aural shouldn't be too tricky.

So basically I was hoping for some suggestions as to which grade would be best and to see what people think of the leap between grades.
Ta

It depends on where you are technically and musically really. It sounds as though your teacher thinks you may be somewhere near grade 5 level so maybe the grade 3 was a sort of easier introduction to piano exams?

Personally I would say to go through grade 4, pieces and scales, etc., and if you're comfortable with them move straight on to grade 5 without bothering to do the grade 4 exam. After all, every exam costs money. Yes, there is quite a leap from grade 3 to 5, but 4 could be used as a "stepping stone". Another thing to remember is that the whole syllabus will be changing in August with new books and new pieces, so the last time you will be able to use the current pieces will be the first period of next year. If you are not in a rush you might find some pieces you like even better when the new books are released.

I agree with this. The first exam I did was grade 3 which I got distinction for, then when straight to grade 5, ~ but I did also work at grade 4 and other pieces of music. Think, every segment of the exam is getting tougher from grade 3 to 4, this will also include sight reading. so to skip grade 4 is taking an extra leap.
It took me 9months to get from g3 to g5, working 2-3 hours a day at it, (this included other repertoire).

Just to add I also skipped grade 6 and working at grade 7, its taking an incredible amount of practice and focus, which im running out of !!

So consider how much time you can focus a day and how easy it is for you to pick up the scales and pieces before actually committing to it. The fact you have violin grade 5 takes pressure off you. Ultimately you`ll only achieve if you believe and commit to it.

Technique aside - if your teacher thinks you are technically ready -

If you are the sort of person who finds it very hard to work on pieces that they just don't like that much, you may do better with Grade 5. I have a friend who told me that when she was grade 4, she was struggling with a Grade 4 piece that she didn't like very much and then found a Bach Fugue that was Grade 7 that she liked very much and so worked on it a lot on her own. She played that to her teacher who was baffled at how she had such difficulty with a Grade 4 piece but had learnt a Grade 7 piece quite well. It was entirely down to the fact that she liked the latter but not the former.