Exams vs Recitals

[db05]

I already mentioned this elsewhere, so please read:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,24596.msg358672.html#msg358672
but now I believe it deserves its own thread.

To explain in more detail, I've always had a problem following the piano curriculum because though I can memorize pieces fairly easily, I can't get up to speed without flubs quickly enough to keep myself interested (see my thread on Clementi Sonatina  ). It would seem that I have a problem with learning, but why only piano? I've done guitar exams and recitals, and they were good. It seems practicing for a performance does me wonders.

I got this new piano teacher (my previous ones left) and she's okay, I guess. She's very fond of recitals and encouraged me to join the grand recital, which is a competiton in our school. Not to win it, though, because it's way beyond my level. A couple of weeks ago, after thinking it over, I said yes, thinking it may be the learning experience I've been waiting for... If I start now, and focus my efforts, I might scrape up a piece beyond my level, right? And it would sure keep me interested.

But but but... Auditions for the grand recital are in November. Final exams are in October. I have to study a bunch of grade 2-3 pieces for finals, and considering how I've been progressing, I don't have enough time. It's not that they're HARD, but halfway through, I'm really bored with them. But it's too late to start on new pieces now.

I'll talk to my teacher this week to settle the matter. But worse comes to worst, I'd have to give up one or the other. Exam or recital? Passing a course or performing something I like?