I recently was looking at my exam results and had a shock when i found that i passed my grade 1 piano exam (in 1979 when i was only 11) with only 107 points ! since then of course i improved with 1 merit/2 distinctions and another pass but 4 points short of a merit !
Just out of curiosity,have any adult learners failed their Grade 1 piano exam ?

(OK, I'll make this my gentle intro to the forums) - I didn't fail my Grade One although I was pretty convinced I had - without a doubt the worst experience of my life - I was so depressed coming out - honestly the stress was unbearable (the examiner even suggested I go for a drink!)

I was overjoyed with my 117 but that has been deflated ever so slightly by coming across pass statistics that someone posted on this forum which showed that less than 3% of entrants fail at Grade One - which I guess means that its flipping hard to fail (which I suppose makes it something to be proud of )

I've been ticking along at just below merit up to G4 now...I'm convinced that nerves probably knocks 20 points off my score every time...

-=Andy=-

Kids don't seem to shine that brightly, do they? I saw a young friend's G2 results recently and she did pretty poorly on some sections and really only just passed with 104. She's 9. Still, she passed and can move on and that, perhaps is really the crux of the matter, unless you need a G8 distinction to get into a prestigious conservatory!!!!

Child prodigies aside (because they are rare), personal teaching experience has told me that children are either very good at music - sharp sense of musicality, good understanding of what's printed on the page, good at music theory, pick things up very quickly or naturally, especially technique - or,.........children are extremely average - they have a vague understanding of what's wanted and they will pick up ideas and technique eventually, but only after much time has been spent drumming it into them. Generally their music theory knowledge is well behind their pratical grade standard, and I've found this can be a real problem for most of them too especially once they begin approach Grade 4 or 5 practical.

I guess similar situations could apply in all subjects really.

[quote=elisabeth_rb,Aug 5 2005, 06:24 PM]
[quote=Yorkie,Aug 5 2005, 09:52 AM]I recently was looking at my exam results
Kids don't seem to shine that brightly, do they? I saw a young friend's G2 results recently and she did pretty poorly on some sections and really only just passed with 104. She's 9. Still, she passed and can move on and that, perhaps is really the crux of the matter, unless you need a G8 distinction to get into a prestigious conservatory!!!!

[/quote]


I'm afraid that's simply not true from my experience. I believe kids can pick up things generally much faster than us adults whether it's in music or otherwise. We just came back from a music festival at Lake District where the kids were absolutely fantastic! They were brimming with enthusiasm! It all depends on the level of enthusiasm in the kid with regard to the instrument and the character. Are they relatively mature, independent, self-motivated?

My 8 yr old girl took piano on her dad's insistence, for almost 2 terms, got bored and quit even though the teacher assured us that she was progressing very well - playing with 2 hands at the 4th lesson! Still, she asked to quit, just like that! She said she was bored to death with the teacher and the piano so we let her quit though she is now asking for piano lessons!

On the other hand she took violin at about the same time as piano but the difference is, the V has been HER favourite thing for 4 years beforehand (just listening not playing) and hey presto! She LOVES her violin! After only 9 months of lessons from day one, she scored distinction (137) for her grade 3 violin exam last month.

The kid will practise and do very well sooner or later if he/she is crazy about the instrument and the parents are encouraging (them to join orchestras or follow you to live performances) without nagging. Kids need to be taught a spirit of excellence - not to do things in half measures so when the time comes for them to choose their hobbies, they will apply themselves well to them.

To me, as far as KIDS are concerned (not commenting on adults as I don't want to spark a debate here)character is more critical to progress than talent. Accordingly, if my kid has practised cheerfully most days, I'd be VERY happy she DID her best even if it's 104 as above. Brightness does not come into it!

I think you've managed to misunderstand me quite spectacularly there, but never mind!!! It's probably as true with kids learning music as it is with kids learning anything: They'll do well if they really enjoy and WANT to do it. Many who do it as their parents tell them to and they find it just 'OK' are not going to shine as brightly as a kid or an adult who has a passion for it, regardless of how bright they are intellectually etc, (which I didn't comment on anyway!!!!)

Elisabeth

APOLOGIES, Lis ... *sheepish*

No probs! Man, I was afraid of becoming the next 'poster who should not be named' for a minute there, and starting a riot!!!!!!!!!!

What do you play, Tess?

E

What do you play, Tess?

E

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Not a thing, Lis!

I only sang in various choirs prior to middle age! I have a very challenging young son (autistic) who normally takes up much of my time and whom my hubby is babysitting all day as he's off today on holiday! We hope to train some semblance of independence in him. Thereafter, I fancy learning an instrument like the guitar!

Tess

[quote=Tess,Aug 7 2005, 12:56 PM]
What do you play, Tess?

E

[/quote]

Not a thing, Lis!

Tess

[/quote]

Hmm, just like me!!! I'm aching to start cello though and, finances allowing, hope to kick of early next year.

E