I know that this question is like asking how long a piece of string is (because people learn at different paces and put in varying amounts of practice), but can anyone tell me roughly how long it takes to complete all 8 grades, on average?

Also, I've noted that many famous pianists started learning at a very young age? Does anyone know of any famous pianists who started learning as an adult?

I don't know anyone, but I'm sure that someone can do that. My friend who is grade 7 has started 4 years ago. So it's not impossible. But normally we need at least 6 years for grade 8. And there are some people can not get a higher level after grade 8. I think it's all about talented

The average student may take as long as one grade per year, but i've seen some complete the grading system a lot quicker. Personally i think its better to pace the grades and look at other material to encourage the student to view playing as a life long quest, going through the grades to quick can burn some students out so that they loose interest completely.

Hi.

I started taking grades when I was 11 and now im 16 and just about to take grade 8, so it can be done, with a lot of hard work.

Hi,
I am David.
I know my uncle
who started learning
music at the age of
seventeen.

Yeah..as you've said, it varies from person to person. Most people take about a year per grade, but it's perfectly possible to skip every alternate grade, with loads of practice. AFterall, music isn't just about taking exams. So...just complete the syllabus at your own pace yeah? =)

For me, i started learning piano at Form 3 (14 years old) and took my first and only Grade 8 Piano exam in Form 5 (16 years old).

ngyukkai, that is quite impressive, jumping to grade 8 after only 2 years of playing!

I started learning piano when I was 9, am now 15, and doing my grade 8 piano exam this year. The only exams I took were grade 1 (when I was 9) and grade 7, last year, when I was 14. It does vary from person to person

I started playing when I was 7 and now i'm 17 and just done my grade 8. I think its good to pace exams out over a long time (10 years for me). It's given me the opportunity to explore piano music in a greater depth and allowed me to really develop my technique. I'm going to study music at university next year and for some courses, grade 8 isn't even an entry requirement. The best thing to do is enjoy playing and take it at your own pace

I did my Grade 2 Piano when I was 7 or 8 and now I'm doing my Grade 8 at 12.

Please see the thread that I started called Adult Beginners!

There you will see that a lot of us started in our forties and that it takes on average a lot longer for adults to climb the hill towards grade 8 than adults. I started 10 years ago from scratch and have just scraped grade 6. But you will also find that some people on the thread have taken much less time. However, I do not think that anyone who has repled on that thread is at grade 8 standard. I would add that someone who has already got to grade 8 standard on another instrument and then starts piano from scratch when thay are an adult is at an advantage...maybe..

Personally, I would be very surprised if you would find a concert pianist that started from scratch as an adult. But it depends on what you mean by adult. Certainly any beginning after mid teens I would consider is pushing it a bit.

I wonder what others think?

I started playing piano when i was 12, i am now 15 and i'm taking my grade 8 later this year, so it can be done with a lot of dedication and hard work!!

I think it varies from person to person. As an adult learner, there's no rush to get through the grades. I'm happy to take my time and enjoy the journey!