Dear All,

I am considering doing a Rockschool exam next and I was wondering if anyone had done one and what the whole experience was like. I want a break from ABRSM after I do my grade 7 and I thought Rockschool might be a good venture. I was attracted to their offer to do an exam with 5 pieces and nothing else. I reckon I would make some good progress as a pianist doing this.

As usual, all views appreciated.

Shelton

I don't know anything about the Rockschool exams, but if you're wanting an exam to do just for playing pieces and nothing else the Trinity First Concert Certificate might be worth looking at too. Since you've been playing around 5 years it may well be around the right level for you to do well in: they place it between grades 5 and 6 in standard but it's not the same as the graded exams, if you're doing grade 7 now then you should be able to make a really good job of it. The information about it is in their piano syllabus if you're interested. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Hi, I've used Rockschool exams for my students and have also used the books for some people who aren't doing exams simply as really enjoyable pieces to play-they are quite technically demanding too for some of the higher grade pieces, so a good way of developing your playing as well as having a complete change. The students I've entered have done all the scales and technical work, just as all my students do, whether entering for exams or not. However, if you are looking for a 'performance certificate' type of exam to build your experience of playing pieces to a high standard, then the pieces only option would be worth considering.

The grade 5 pieces are brilliant. The scales are a bit of a nightmare as you have to work them out yourself. If you click on 'PM' and send me your email address, I'll send you the attachment that I've got on my computer.