What grade am I in?

[phil13]

Before I joined this forum about 2 1/2 months ago, I had no idea what ABRSM was or even that it existed. Now I have a basic grasp on that knowledge. I've been playing for 4 years. I'd like to know where I stand on this grade scale, if someone knows.

Here's what I'm learning right now:

Chopin Etude in A-flat major Op.25 No.1

Chopin Nocturne in F minor Op.55 No.1

Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor Op. posth. (polishing)

Mozart Sonata in C minor K.457

Bach Italian Concerto 1st mvt. (polishing)

Scriabin Etude in C-sharp minor Op.2 No.1 (polishing)

Liszt Sonetto del Petrarca No.104 in E major

Anybody who gives it a shot, thanks in advance.

Phil

[bernhard]

Grade 8 and just above (grade 8 is as far as it goes - but it does not really address the virtuoso repertory, which is all above grade 8 ).

Best wishes,
Benrhard.

[pianowelsh]

I would more accurately place you at the dipABRSM (performance) level. It is the stage above grade 8. The petraca 104 is LRSM, as are any 2 Chopin studies, Cmin sonata is LRSM complete. Most of your other pieces have been set for Grade 8 or there abouts (grade 8 ABRSM list - pieces jump back and forth year to year) but of you are playing these with relative ease and poise, i would suggest you are probably a bit further on than this and could probably handle the first diploma.

[phil13]

I would more accurately place you at the dipABRSM (performance) level. It is the stage above grade 8. The petraca 104 is LRSM, as are any 2 Chopin studies, Cmin sonata is LRSM complete. Most of your other pieces have been set for Grade 8 or there abouts (grade 8 ABRSM list - pieces jump back and forth year to year) but of you are playing these with relative ease and poise, i would suggest you are probably a bit further on than this and could probably handle the first diploma.

How does this system work? Where do you go to try to obtain these diplomas?

I ask because I don't know what anyone is talking about when they say they're working on DipABRSM or LRSM or RCM. I've worked with only two teachers- one was the owner of a music store in town and knew nothing of these when I asked him about them. The other (my current one) is a professor at Willamette University. I haven't asked him about it, but he hasn't approached me with it either...

Phil

[Etude]

In the ABRSM grades, you do 8 grade exams, then there are three diploma exams:

DipABRSM (higher than gd.
LRSM (higher than DipABRSM)
FRSM (higher than LRSM)

I'm not sure where you go for these, but for the grades, all the ABRSM exams I've taken were at local venues.

[phil13]

So how is my progress based on where I've been classified in the rank?

Phil

[mlsmithz]

The main issue here is that I see from your profile that you are based in Oregon, and I'm not altogether sure if the ABRSM exams are available in the United States - though I'm fairly sure they're available in some countries outside the UK, I doubt the USA is one of them, and Canada has its own system, so to obtain the syllabus for an ABRSM exam, much less perform for one, would probably require leaving North America.  However, there may be international test centres a bit like the ones outside the USA which administer such standardised tests as the SAT or the GRE to American students studying abroad but intending to continue their education at American universities or graduate programmes.  Very probably there are only a small handful of such venues, if any, but if there are there is surely at least one on the Pacific coast.

[Etude]

(higher than gd.

I hate these smiley codes!

[phil13]

You meant higher than grade 8, I know. 

So, how have I done for 4 years of playing?

Phil

[abell88]

You've done well.

Maybe you'd like to check out RACE (Royal American Conservatory Examinations). It's new in US, based on Canadian system (Royal Conservatory of Music), with some differences.

/www.royalamericanconservatory.org

[pianowelsh]

ABRSM is by no means just a British thing. I know they do them in Singapore and Malaysia and Japan etc US seems to be a bit on a limb this way though they dont seem to be so big out there - Dont know why because really they are probably the most comprehensive public examinations available and are examined to a very high standard. To peak gd8-dip ABRSM after 4 years is very good going but i take it that you are a more mature learner (ie not in teens) - progress is usually faster for people who come to piano with life experience - but you've still done well.  keep up the good work!

[steve jones]

Thats something that has aways surprised me - I would think a young child would progress much faster than adult, with their heightened ability to develop muscles, physical coordination etc.

But you are indeed correct. It seems to take children about 8 years to reach Gr8 level, while adults can do it much quicker. Take myself as a prime example - been playing piano 10 months, reached Gr5 / 6 standard. Yet it took me much longer to reach a similar level on guitar, learning as a child.

With this in mind, what are the real advantages of starting at a young age? Iv heard it said that adults simply cant reach the same level of virtuosity as those who began as children.

[phil13]

To peak gd8-dip ABRSM after 4 years is very good going but i take it that you are a more mature learner (ie not in teens) - progress is usually faster for people who come to piano with life experience - but you've still done well.  keep up the good work!

Nope- check my profile. I'm 16. But I'm very flattered. 

With this in mind, what are the real advantages of starting at a young age? Iv heard it said that adults simply cant reach the same level of virtuosity as those who began as children.

I don't know, but I started at 12 which is not exactly young compared to some people on this forum.

Phil

[stevie]

all these exams cost money, thats the main reason i think theyre pretty pointless.

[steve jones]

Id have to agree Stevie. If you can play a piece, why pay money to get it in writing? I guess they are good for people who need really tangible goals.

Phil13,

It certainly seems like you are progressing well mate, congrats. How are you handling these pieces btw, do you foresee a point where you'll be up to performing them?

[pianowelsh]

Congratulations! Yes 12 is quite late...but think about it how muchmore learning experience did you have when you started as opposed to someone beginning at 3 or 4 when they havent even learned to read properly. That's the toughie isnt it they say and to an extent i believe them that you have to start very young if you are seriously going to amass the necessary repertoire and quality to become a pianist, BUT there is the fact that if you hang back a few years the intellectual processes are much more easily grasped.  You want to do as much technical work as you can in next couple of years if your serious because when you get into your late teens your bones and musclature begin to 'set' and aquiring physical control will gradually become harder (this is why they say start young).  Doesent seem noticeable at first but it over time you notice it. All the best with your playing. Are you planning on studying at a college??? or will you keep piano purely for pleasure?

[phil13]

Id have to agree Stevie. If you can play a piece, why pay money to get it in writing? I guess they are good for people who need really tangible goals.

Phil13,

It certainly seems like you are progressing well mate, congrats. How are you handling these pieces btw, do you foresee a point where you'll be up to performing them?

Well...

Scriabin's etude in C# minor I have already performed. Twice.

I've also performed the Italian Concerto and the Nocturne in C# minor, once each.

As for the rest, the F minor nocturne I've been playing for only a week, and I'm starting to progress quickly (except for the coda-stretta ending. I'm still having trouble with that.) But it's a fairly easy piece. Give me about 3-4 months.

I'm only learning the first movement of the Mozart sonata so far, so that might take a little time. I've heard the other two movements and played through parts of them, but have no idea if they're harder or easier than the first. So I don't know.

I've been learning the Liszt for two months, and it's coming along nicely. I can play it at almost up to tempo with few errors, but the errors come in when I try to go at tempo.

Congratulations! Yes 12 is quite late...but think about it how muchmore learning experience did you have when you started as opposed to someone beginning at 3 or 4 when they havent even learned to read properly. That's the toughie isnt it they say and to an extent i believe them that you have to start very young if you are seriously going to amass the necessary repertoire and quality to become a pianist, BUT there is the fact that if you hang back a few years the intellectual processes are much more easily grasped. You want to do as much technical work as you can in next couple of years if your serious because when you get into your late teens your bones and musclature begin to 'set' and aquiring physical control will gradually become harder (this is why they say start young). Doesent seem noticeable at first but it over time you notice it. All the best with your playing. Are you planning on studying at a college??? or will you keep piano purely for pleasure?

I will study it in college, and hopefully make a career out of it.

Phil