Hi people, sorry to all the fab musicians, but any grade 1 pianists out there? Just wondering what pieces people are choosing to do for their Grade 1 exam and why?

Why sorry ??? I'm sure there are some grade one people around.

Several of my students are preparing for it at the moment. One of my adult students took it last year and got a merit - after starting lessons in her fifties.

People seem to like Giga, In the Pink and Sleeping Cat. March is nice but I think it's at the harder end of the grade. The Brunner Lesson in F in the alternative list is delightful and I'm intending to do it with someone for next term.

I haven't had anyone do Tedesca yet, but Arabian Air is quite well liked, not exciting but kind of wistful. Within reason I usually encourage students to pick the pieces they like.

Are you doing grade 1 soon ? Good luck if so !

Maggie

Hi Frankie

I don't know why you're apologising, everyone has to start somewhere! I am not studying for grade 1 myself but I wanted to wish you good luck for your exam, GOOD LUCK!!!

Lisa xxx

QUOTE (maggiemay @ May 12 2005, 03:15 PM)

People seem to like Giga, In the Pink and Sleeping Cat. March is nice but I think it's at the harder end of the grade. The Brunner Lesson in F in the alternative list is delightful and I'm intending to do it with someone for next term.

Mine also like Giga and In the Pink, but the B favourite is Das Echo, which I must admit is my favourite too.

Frankie82.. what pieces are you playing?

Joy

Well Im doing grade 2 in june but Ive still got my last peice to finish.

Anyway Good luck in your exam

I've chosen Giga, Das Echo and Sleeping cat, I've chosen these just because I like the pieces.

My pupils are doing the same pieces too i.e. Giga, Das Echo and In the Pink.
One of my young pupils said "Sleeping Cat" sounded "wrong" which I thought was great as she unconsciously recognised the substitute of the Dominant chord with the parallel minor chord, which does sound a bit odd at first I must admit.
One question on Das Echo for teachers. What fingers are you using for the 3 triplet phrase in bar 3? The options I am considering are just use 3 on the B and then make a quick move to the five for the next bar on the D chord. Start with 3 on B on the 1st triplet, swap to 4 on B the next triplet and end with 5 ready for the next bar (a bit difficult for Grade 1 players?) or finally, make a big move down to the 5th finger and play them all the same. Its a big move from the high D so this part needs special attention.
Any ideas, suggestions? How are you all doing it?

Gae

QUOTE

What fingers are you using for the 3 triplet phrase in bar 3?

3 on the B, then change to 5 in the next bar.
Not encountered a problem with this.. the change is not done by jumping but by contracting the hand, a technique which we have already used in other pieces.

QUOTE

3 on the B, then change to 5 in the next bar.

Yes I concur with Sbhoa. Mine haven't found this a problem.

I have to admit that Das Echo is one of my least favourites this time - but younger pupils have quite liked it. Timing the last line is tricky and needs very careful preparation - although it's one of the nicer bits of the piece imho.

Maggie

I notice no-one seems to be choosing eeyore's march which I think sounds awful

QUOTE

I notice no-one seems to be choosing eeyore's march which I think sounds awful

I like the humour in it, but I haven't been able to sell it to anyone yet.

One of my pupils started it last term, and enjoyed it - till it came time to put the two hands together. It rapidly lost favour at that point.

M

I just yesterday started playing my grade 1 piano pieces. I used to have lessons but ever did an exam. I'm hoping that I can teach myself for a while and then maybe have lesosns at grade 3.

From the couple of tiems I'vv played the pieces I think I like 'In the Pink' best. Eeyores march is strange! Another good one is the one from a sonnata - I cant remember what that was called.

Hi

I'm taking my Grade 1 piano practical in the next few weeks. I am pretty much as prepared as I'll ever be so can't wait to get it over and done with. My chosen pieces are;

Tedesca
Arabian Air
In the Pink

Hope my nerves stay steady on the day! Had a mock exam in my lesson on Monday and it went really well.

Thanks everyone for so many replies and good wishes! I love Giga, it seems to have the feel of a dance, and lots of movement, but I like Andante too, it seems you can put lots of expression in! I like Arabian air, but I'm not too keen on Tedesca or March........how do you keep nerves under control for the exam? It's my first one..I'm worried I'm just going to panic and not do very well!!!How does everyone cope?

Does no one like the Andante??

My favourites are Andante, March and Sleeping Cat, In the Pink is great too!

QUOTE (Gae @ May 13 2005, 09:18 AM)

One question on Das Echo for teachers. What fingers are you using for the 3 triplet phrase in bar 3? Gae

Hi Gae

My students are using 5th finger straight away for bar three, they don't find it an awkward jump thankfully.. they seem ok with it. They find the last four bars the most challenging part

Joy

Last year I chose Tempo di Menuetto, German Dance in C and Creepy Crawly. There were three groups, the A group, the B group and the C group. Those were the three pieces I like best.

A = Tempo di Menuetto
B = German Dance in C
C = Creepy Crawly

I am new to the Forum and I know this topic has been dealt with but thought I would add to it.

I have recently started to learn the piano and about a year ago I decided to learn properly and have been taking lessons.
I would like to do my Grade 1, but this option has never been mentioned to me by my teacher.

What I would like to know is what does a Grade 1 exam entail...?
Also I was told that the syllabus is online, does anyone know of a website I could look at to see what the pieces are and what I would have to do for the exam...?

Charms

The syllabus is here http://www.abrsm.org/resources/pianoGr1_0506.pdf

You can buy the sheet music at the ABRSM music shop, or most music shops will have it (costs about 3 quid I think)

link for the sheet music http://www.abrsmpublishing.com/publications/5062

You can also get the recording on CD

Thank you, having a look now...looks very imtimidating....

It's fine once you get the hang of it!

I've just taken my Grade 1 Exam and i'm awaiting results and thought A:1,B:3 and C:1 were the best ones - the ones i tokk Obviously!

That is so cool...
How long have you been studying...?

I am looking forward to taking mine, hopefully at some point next year.