ABRSM advice, please.

[phdezra]

Hi all. I've been on the boards (again) for a while, but have not posted in a long time and now I've got a question.

Quick background: I am an adult beginner in my 30s; I also have young children who take piano lessons, so I'm exposed to it on my own (self-learning and occasional monthly lessons for me) and also by listening in on my childrens lessons. I practice a few times per week. I played a minute amount when I was young, and I've found picking up the basics and sight reading to be fairly straightforward. It is some work for me, but it doesn't feel overwhelming (yet).

I am just starting to get 'back' into piano and I feel as though I need some structure in *addition* to that provided by my Alfred book and teacher. While both those things help me focus on technique, move forward to the next challenge, etc. I feel that for me personally, I need a 'goal'. Call it the result of education and graduate schooling, but I very much want to begin down the path of ABRSM Grade exams.

So, what's the process?  I live in NY and downloaded the application ("entry form"); I'm also going to get the 2009-2010 ABRSM Grade 1 exam pieces booklets and pick a few peices to focus on. From other things I've seen, the Grade 1 exam does NOT seem insurmountable at all. With dedicated time and practice (I have a family and job, mind you) I feel I could pass it with merit (optimistic outlook!) in 6-12 months of prep time given where I am today.

I'm just confused about the process.... and is it practice/theory to tick off for Grade 1? Huh? Can someone who has advised others on ABRSM Piano Grade 1 please chime in here? Or someone who has taken it recently? Unfortunately, I am not in the midst of elementary school where fellow students might chat about it with each other, so I feel a bit lacking in knowledge. Thanks in advance.

[csharp_minor]

Hi

I’m an adult learner of 24 and I recently took ABRSM grade 2, it’s the first grade exam I have ever done. I say go for it, if it helps to add structure to your learning. That’s why I am doing this to set myself goals and to learn the necessary things like scales, sight reading, and technique that may be missed out if you didn’t have as much structure to your practice. I my opinion exams help make you learn the things you should learn.

As far as I know, only a piano teacher that is registered with the ABRSM can enter you for the exams, I’m not sure if a student can enter themselves. If you feel up to taking grade one and are at a level where you feel confident learning the grade 1 pieces then you could ask your teacher about it, as they would be able to see if you are up to the level. Teachers can enter you for any level if they think you are capable for the grade even if you haven’t taken a test before, that’s why I went straight to grade 2.

So I say do it if you want to put in the work, I know it sometimes hard with work and stuff, but many adults opt to do the tests. I found the experiences very nerve racking, my hands shook a lot but managed to do it, it’s a good way of playing under pressure and a good way to overcome nerves. 

Good luck 

[phdezra]

I say go for it, if it helps to add structure to your learning. That’s why I am doing this to set myself goals and to learn the necessary things like scales, sight reading, and technique that may be missed out if you didn’t have as much structure to your practice. I my opinion exams help make you learn the things you should learn.

Thanks for your comments, c-sharp. My thoughts exactly, which is why I want to take it.

[fenz]

I'm just confused about the process.... and is it practice/theory to tick off for Grade 1? Huh? Can someone who has advised others on ABRSM Piano Grade 1 please chime in here? Or someone who has taken it recently?

There are practice exam and theory exam in ABRSM. You musn't take theory exam grade 1 before take practice exam. But it is your choice. Good luck for your exam