I have a new adult pupil - he's a lecturer, and is being far more pigheaded than any student I've ever learnt.


I started him off getting him over the hurdle he was stuck at (his reeds were damaged, his sax was damaged, and his technique was damaged!) and have him playing grade 2 stuff, but he's learning incredibly fast and I want him to do Grade 3 classical or jazz (his choice), but he doesn't want to do an exam particularly. Does anyone think I should try and persuade him to do one (Summer session) or just give in and let him play. I fear that, as a new player (ex-clarinettist) he'll practice 4 hours a day like he is at the moment, do it for 6 months, and then never play again, and I want him to have an aim.

If he doesn't want to do exams at this point, don't worry about it. If he's ready for Grade 3, find some other musicians and get him playing live, or find out about jazz workshops in your area if he likes jazz. He sounds like he wants/needs to get out there and play...

If he finds his technique just isn't up to playing with other people, then he might be more open to studying for exams.

Violinia

Yep, I agree with Violinia - just help him find as many opportunities as possible to play and perform.
I teach an adult cornet player. He could now comfortably take a grade standing on his head, but he doesn't want to put himself through that stress, so I respect that. He has, however, accepted my invitation twice to play a duet with me at our local church talent evening, and really enjoyed the experience. Hoping to persuade him to do a solo next, but will not badger him into it. Just keep being supportive to your student, and if he's happy, try not to worry about what may or may not happen in 6 months' time I'd say.
Chris

The Performance Assessment seems ideal in this situation providing he is willing to pay the £36 to do it. I have entered adults for this who have enjoyed the experience and have then wished to go on and do exams.
David