I'n no teacher but you guys in here look civilised so you might help me-

a) how do you score high on pieces past grade 6?
what do I need to know for the D test in grade 7 aural (esp. period and style)?
c) how do I make scale practice less boring?

My exam is on 15th March- heeeeeeeeeeeeelp!

The easiest way to suceed is to play pieces YOU enjoy. I encourage my pupils to visit the library and get 3 pieces from lists A, B + C (excluding ones in the piano handbook) and perhaps a CD with the pieces on. I encourage them to play through the pieces to see if they can 'feel' it, do they like it? Then listen to the CD. I think you have to feel totally comfortable with the pieces. If you don't then it will show. Try 3 very different pieces (style/mood). This will show the examiner how adaptable you are.
As for scale practice ditch the scale book! Use the rule for every scale. Play the take 1 scale a day (major + both minors). Firstly play the scale in semibreves (thinking about the tone production), then try it in minims, gradually throughout your practice session increase the speed. Playing them slowly and working them out is much more beneficial than playing out of a book at a fast pace straight away. Once the tone and fingering are correct the speed will follow!
Hope this has helped.
Alison

Haha- that was ages ago- one slightly traumatic aural test experience due to nerves and an illegible mark sheet later I am the proud owner of a grade 7 piano certificate- with Merit

QUOTE (cecilia @ Mar 4 2004, 02:41 PM)

I'n no teacher but you guys in here look civilised so you might help me-

im loving that!considering the things that are going on at the mo!lol

Well I was a newbie so I hadn't a clue...

Sorry!!! YOu must think I'm nuts. Does it give a date when messages are posted? I don't read ANYTHING. Can't concentrate for long ~ always busy doing/thinking about something else.
Well Done on your pass. Did you pass Grade 8 or am I going ahead now???
I'm glad there are other people who cannot read mark sheets very much like prescriptions!
Ali

No, I'm sure what you said will help everyone else in that situation... and no I haven't done grade 8 yet!
The date normally shows at the top of the post.

Hi,
Firstly, good luck to you for your exams.

I too have trouble identifying period and style. Try buying some CDs on Baroque, Classical, Romantic etc period to have a feel and identication of each composers. For eg: baroque has alot of ornaments, trills while 20th century has alot of dissonances etc etc. Try hearing more of such songs, and after a while, you will know their patterns.

Hope it helps.

QUOTE (Classical Piano @ Sep 16 2004, 03:02 AM)

I too have trouble identifying period and style.

i simply CANNOT do that part. ive got it wrong every time, yet i know what to look for, dear dear *sigh*