hi everyone! I am so glad to be able to communicate and to discuss Music with so many music lovers around the world. I only found out about this forum yesterday evening... what a forum!! salute to everybody!!!

I am learning piano, currently living in Hong Kong, and I am preparing the Trinitys' Performer's Certificate (PC) for the coming Noverber-December. Here's my programme:

BACH Fantasie and Fugue in A minor BWV904
MOZART Sonata in B flat KV570
BRAHMS Intermezzo in C# minor, Op.117 No.3
RAVEL First movement from Sonatine

To be honest, i didn't know why i entered the PC exam. After i had done all the pieces i realized that PC was just a perparation for DipABRSM or ATCL... (to me, it's like pointlessly taking an exam between grade 5 and grade 6.) Since the programme is just as demanding, i feel like i am wasting a year for the PC, instead of taking DipABRSM or ATCL (both seems more "professional"). Also, one more year to prepare for Dip means one more year of piano tuition's fees $$$ .

Has anyone took the PC exam? Can anyone share their thoughts with me, please?
If i pass the exam, what next? should i take DipABRSM or ATCL? or both?? Any suggestions on 'Number of years of preparation' from DipABRSM to LRSM?

BTW: i am struggling on writing programme notes for the pieces above, Can anyone help me to at least start with something....??

Thank you

I don't think you are wasting your time doing the Trinity Performers Certificate. It is different from the graded exams and the diplomas because it purely examines the performance aspect. I haven't yet entered anyone for the Trinity Performers' Certificate as none of my pupils are that advanced, however, if anyone got to that level, I would encourage them to take it, as it is a good briging between exams, plus it tests different skills.

If you have been doing Trinity exams before, the ATCL would seem a natural progression.

I think I am right in thinking that the DipABRSM is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate course, and the LRSM is equivalent to the end of a undergraduate music degree. Therefore they seem to reckon 2 years between them. Obviously there are lots of exterior things effecting this progression as well.

David

i've taken the PC exam....if u have a look at my signature....

personally, i don't think it is a waste of time.....as i see it as a preparation for dip.ABRSM and my music college audition.....

sometimes it's better to wait...instead of rushing our heads to exams.....i am planning to do my dipABRSM...as i think the syllabus suits me more.....different people does different thing....