hi, i'm new to this service, and I think it looks great

I was just looking through some of your messages and couldn't help but notice how good you all seem to be. Most people seem to be on grade 7s and 8s in loads of differnet instruments when I've only just done my grade 2 oboe! How did u all become so good? look forward to your replies,
Ryan

hahaha...... that's exactly what i think too!

Hello Ryan !

Welcome !

Used to play violin at Jnr and Snr school but didn't do any grades. Just recently picked it up again though.
Started to learn piano 3 - 4yrs ago Passed GII Nov 03 and just getting ready for GIII in June. So u r not on your own!

Just keep enjoying your music. You will gain lots of experience that way and get through your grades in time.

How long have you played Oboe ?

Fiona

I've been playing the flute since I was nine and I'm now 21. Somehow I've reached the stage where grade eight seems a long time ago! The way to move on up through the grades is simply to practice! Practice on your own, join orchestras and bands etc. Don't worry about people who are higher grades and don't let it put you off - we were all grade two once! Also, don't expect to get there overnight - people who are high grades have all put in years of hard work and are reaping the rewards... Most of all, enjoy your playing

Hi fiona, I've been playing oboe for 2 and a half yrs now, and apart from the recorder thats all ive ever played. I'd like to start something new though

I know how you feel! Im 16 and still at grade 6 and been playing for 6 yrs, everyone else seems to whizz through the grades, i just love it, whether i'm doing grades or not.

Well Ryan you haven't actually mentioned how old you are - most posters here are over 16, about 50% are over 20, and at least 20% are teachers!

I didn't realize that everybody was a lot older than me- I'm only 12 and a half today! I enjoy music a lot but I also enjoy using the internet and email services as well, so thats why I tried this Is there any out there who is my age?????????

Many years of practise are a key part of why so many people are high up in grades! Ive been playing for 7 years and am now working towards my grade 8 in june. As DavidMusic said alot of people are older and have put in alot of work! But all that really matters is that you enjoy playing get involved in bands and orchestras if you have the chance its great fun and you learn so much from others!

Overall ENJOY

Jen

Hi Ryan,

I would think 2 1/2yrs is about right for the grade you are at.

Anyway, it isn't the grade that matters. What matters is that you enjoy what you are playing and build up on lots of different music over time.
Try some of your favourite pieces alongside grade work.
It doesn't matter at what level. If you complete a piece you really like, you feel brill !
It also makes you realise what you are playing an instrument for - which isn't necessarily grades !

I may only be GII /GIII but I have completed a few Grade V - VI pieces because I love them

After all, whats the point of having Grade VIII if you can only play 24 exam pieces ?

Fiona.

Don't worry I felt like that 2!!!
Im 15 and grade 4 on violin and piano even though Ive been playing the piano for 6 years. Just remember some people just do an exam and start on the stuff for the next one straight away. Personally I think that doing exams all the time is boring and doesnt give you time to enjoy the instrument. Also when your not doing exams you can be developing other techniques such as adding expression to your playing and improving your sightreading, both of which i have improved inbetween the last piano exam i did two years ago and the one i am about to take in summer!!!!!

Dont be put down, just enjoy it!!!!

Hi Ryan
I'm only just doing my Grade 3 piano this year and my grade 3 flute, though i've been playing flute for just 2 months.i'm doing my grade 5 singing, so i'm quite low down too.i'm 16 though, so i have time!
naomi xxx