Whats the Difference?

[gradedpiano]

Hi,i have been doing some research on grades for piano today and havent really noticed much of a difference between the difficulty of grade 3 and 4 pieces. I am wantin to start doung grades and was wondering if anyone should have any thoughts on which one I should do? I have not yet done a grade on the piano but i can play a few pieces. One being Gymnopedie No.1. Im sure what grade it is and need help on where to start. Thanks and hope that made sense.

[pianist1976]

Grades classification of pieces are only an orientation, not an absolute value  The perception of difficulty is very personal.

[gradedpiano]

i know its just that i have really been wanting to start playing grades but my ability, skill and knowledge is all over the place and i can sometimes find playing a piece at a lower grade harder than something at a higher grade. Im just looking for a good starting point in doing grades as i have been studying and playing music for a few years now.

[omar_roy]

Grades are stupid.  A good teacher will point you in the right direction of what pieces are suitable for your ability.  Not just pieces that you will be able to completely master, but also pieces that will push you and expand your musical ability and technique.

Grades, in piano, were put together so that teachers wouldn't have to pay attention to their students.

[gradedpiano]

surley teachers help students with Grades and Grades surely help improving a players skill, technique and knowledge

[stevebob]

What are grades?

[gradedpiano]

Grades are exams you can take in piano and go up to Grade 8 i believe. Grade 1 is th easiest and Grade 8 is the toughest but i find some grade 3 pieces harder than grade 5 pieces so im not really sure how they work

[jimbo320]

Forget the grade controversy and just learn, play and have fun...

[bachbyte]

If you are sure that you want to do grades, it would be worth deciding first which board you want to do (I have done Trinity Guildhall for grades 1-7 but am doing ABRSM grade . Then get yourself the graded book - if you start with Grade 3 and work through the pieces, you don't necessarily have to do the exam, but it would give you an idea of your standard (not just in pieces, but also with scales, sight reading e.t.c). I have always done grades, but I don't think that you should feel that you have to do them, I know lots of people that don't, just do whatever feels best for you 

[gradedpiano]

Again, thanks for the advice. I want to get an idea of whta grades are like so i will have a look at a grade 3 book. Thanks