VERY FED UP WITH SOME PEOPLE

[mycrabface]

I'm 14 and Grade 3. I've been Grade 3 for a VERY LONG TIME (I think since when I was . I couldn't take higher grade exams because my family didn't have enough money to spare and my mum was really against music and me playing the piano, BUT I still practised. Today, when my friends ask me what grade and I say 3, they scoff and look down on me. Like as if I'm that bad. FYI, I can play La Campenella and have learnt my grade 7 and 8 exam pieces already (although I'm nnot taking). To those people with similar situations, what do your friends think of you?

[abell88]

If you can play Grade 7/8 pieces, don't say you're in grade 3. You don't have to take an exam to say you're in a certain grade. You could say you're working on your grade 8.  Then play them something impressive.

[gorbee natcase]

If I had to take all them exams again I wouldn't even bother as now they are of little interest to me, as my primary goal is music making, and having the freedom to work on what ever I want to not what my teacher wants me too achieve. I think the only use of exams is for further education in music, If you intend to take music as a career then thats a different story, but you are only 14 I am sure your teacher would understand your concerns if you brought them up

[meli]

Well, I'm not exactly in the same situation as you, but I agree with abell88, don't tell your friends that you are grade 3, just tell them what you've told us, but have been working on grade 8 pieces for a few years, I can play so and so, and give them a small performance? Lastly, I don't think there's anything wrong with being at 'grade 3' at your age? Its nothing to be ashamed of, in my viewpoint. Just enjoy your musical journey, grades are good in that it gives you a goal to strive for, but don't make it a means to an end. Music is MUCH more than that!

[danyal]

The last exam I played was grade 3. Years ago, now i'm on a diploma/licentiate level. I dont bother with those stupid things. They hold me back. Tell them your on the level that your playing is. Not your last exam.

[ahmedito]

*** grades. seriously, what kind of stupid ass question is this?

[danyal]

To actually answer the original question... I dont give a continental sh1t what my friends think of me. My true friends are my music friends so they understand the world. Refering to the normal friendish aquaintances you'll find at places like school... They cant stand the fact that I dont do things all the time with them (ie: party every night.) They dont understand what I do. They respect it, yes, because they see my work and dedication, but it doesnt mean they like it. They can say what they want, I'm long beyond the point that I need social acceptance. Whats important is that I know what I want in life and I know how to get it. And it doesnt involve them.

And anyway, as I said, I have more than my fair share of good friends to compensate.

[princessdecadence]

If I had to take all them exams again I wouldn't even bother as now they are of little interest to me, as my primary goal is music making, and having the freedom to work on what ever I want to not what my teacher wants me too achieve. I think the only use of exams is for further education in music, If you intend to take music as a career then thats a different story

Grades are only good as guides but I am in all agreement to what gorbee natcase is saying. 

[rimv2]

I'm 14 and Grade 3. I've been Grade 3 for a VERY LONG TIME (I think since when I was . I couldn't take higher grade exams because my family didn't have enough money to spare and my mum was really against music and me playing the piano, BUT I still practised. Today, when my friends ask me what grade and I say 3, they scoff and look down on me. Like as if I'm that bad. FYI, I can play La Campenella and have learnt my grade 7 and 8 exam pieces already (although I'm nnot taking). To those people with similar situations, what do your friends think of you?

GRADE 3 !?

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ironically, ah is grade zero

Peep mah rep

[alzado]

I think it may be your age and the way a person of your age looks at the world.  This is NOT intended as a slam.

But you are hurt and feel slighted over this because you care a lot about what people think.

When you are my age of 64, you are much less likely to care even a straw as to what people may think. 

Those who might snicker or laugh at you over something this silly are probably fools.

And who cares what a fool thinks?   

Only another fool.

Good luck to you --

[rimv2]

I think it may be your age and the way a person of your age looks at the world.  This is NOT intended as a slam.

But you are hurt and feel slighted over this because you care a lot about what people think.

When you are my age of 64, you are much less likely to care even a straw as to what people may think. 

Those who might snicker or laugh at you over something this silly are probably fools.

And who cares what a fool thinks?   

Only another fool.

Good luck to you --

Yes and sadly, we is all fools at one point or another.

[mycrabface]

Hey thanks for being so understanding.. You see where I come from, we are a competitive country and only few people understand what music really is. But if I were to give them a concert, they'd laugh at the idea and call me a show-off. Anyway after what you guys have said, I don't really care what people think now..

[danyal]

It really doesnt matter what the hell people think or say. Have a concert, have a few, so what?? The worst that can happen is that they'll laugh, make jokes, and ultimately make utter fools of themselves in the process. Do you really need their acceptance over doing what you love? One of the most important factors of a performing artist is to PERFORM! Really, otherwise what is the point? Play concerts, play recitals. If for no other reason, for yourself, and your life. Because ultimately, they will exit your life, and then where will you stand? Somewhere in the middle, feeling regret for not doing more earlier.

As a pianist, you are the star, you are the showoff. You are doing something that many people could only conjure up in their wildest most far-fetched dreams. Stick it out, regardless, and the results will be phenomenal.

I have the utmost respect for those who are determined to do what they love and believe in, even if it leads them through hell and back.

How far are you prepared to go?

Good luck,

Danyal

[donjuan]

Technically, I am grade zero.  But I dont say that when people ask me.  Instead, I say "I never took an exam", which is true 

But I still play Liszt and Rachmaninoff, ignoring the "recommended grade level" crap.  I play what I like because piano is about music, not exams.

[mycrabface]

It really doesnt matter what the hell people think or say. Have a concert, have a few, so what?? The worst that can happen is that they'll laugh, make jokes, and ultimately make utter fools of themselves in the process. Do you really need their acceptance over doing what you love? One of the most important factors of a performing artist is to PERFORM! Really, otherwise what is the point? Play concerts, play recitals. If for no other reason, for yourself, and your life. Because ultimately, they will exit your life, and then where will you stand? Somewhere in the middle, feeling regret for not doing more earlier.

As a pianist, you are the star, you are the showoff. You are doing something that many people could only conjure up in their wildest most far-fetched dreams. Stick it out, regardless, and the results will be phenomenal.

Ok.. I am a very talented person(excuse me if I'm too bold). Seriously. I'm afraid that people won't want to be my friends because I'm not the average kind. Most of my friends are like that. You have to have almost everything common with them. And I can't back out because my mum's ALWAYS tellin me I'm too anti-social and stupid and other things. How? I don't want to be labelled ''anti-social''.

[donjuan]

Ok.. I am a very talented person(excuse me if I'm too bold). Seriously. I'm afraid that people won't want to be my friends because I'm not the average kind. Most of my friends are like that. You have to have almost everything common with them. And I can't back out because my mum's ALWAYS tellin me I'm too anti-social and stupid and other things. How? I don't want to be labelled ''anti-social''.

true, music is anti-social.  Writers, painters, we're all in the same boat. 

Chances are, you will make friends with other people just like you.  They are out there, trust me.

[gorbee natcase]

If you were that anti-social you wouldn't even be interacting online. I susspect a lot of people here are slightly reclusive

[happyface94]

Yeah, I'm in a high grade but I positively suck at piano so grades dont mean everything, but they do mean something.

I really wonder how satisfactory your pieces sound when you play them. Without a teacher, I can really hear that it isn't really good.

[mattm]

i wouldnt worry about it.  I am 22 right now and around grade 1.  I only wish I could have started playing at 14.  Keep in mind that there are people who don't play the piano at all.  Or older players who start at 50 who wish they could've started at 20 etc. 

[princessdecadence]

It's much harder to start when you're old 

[stealsoul]

You musn't care about what your friends say or think.
If they say bad things about you they aren't friends.
Music is not about difficulty of the piece. If music was only about difficulty and speed, music would be a sport not an art. If they can't see the beauty in simple piece, they are blind.

[princessdecadence]

If music was only about difficulty and speed, music would be a sport not an art. If they can't see the beauty in simple piece, they are blind.

I like that quote.

[rc]

It's much harder to start when you're old 

hahah! no kidding, you think you've got things bad, try being older and outdone by a 6 year old, or a room full of 6 years olds. My ego can't take it

Awesome post BTW Stealsoul, summed it all right up.

[princessdecadence]

^That would be a laugh actually, at least pianists are nicer, try figure skaters, when they're amazing on ice and about 6 years old and you're older and clumsier, it's not fun to watch them showing off all the time (especially the girls!)

Little stuck up kids are kinda cute anyways. *grin*

[I Love Xenakis]

I never took the grade thingies.  Just say you're past that silly kid stuff.

[mycrabface]

wad are xenakis?
When you don't play piano for a long time, do you lose your skills and forget your songs?

[rc]

wad are xenakis?
When you don't play piano for a long time, do you lose your skills and forget your songs?

Ya get rusty, but doesn't take long to polish back into shape.