ABRSM Grades

[hugh_jass456]

Hello, I am a beginner pianist, I would like to take a Grade exam, for fun and for the qualification. I have visited the ABRSM website, and the exams are (IMO) expensive, so I was wondering, what Grade should I take? What is the point in doing Grade 1-6 and spending that extra money when I could just practice and achieve a Grade 7-8 and this would pretty much imply I've got 1-6 under my belt without paying the extra money. However I do understand that sitting lower grade exams would prepare me better for higher gardes. But, what are your thoughts?

Also, is it worth sitting the theory tests or would that also be a waste of money and time?

Thank you.

[keyboardclass]

With ABRSM you have to have grade 5 theory to do grade 6 practical - not with Trinity.

[sucom]

Hi
It's true, the exams are expensive! And do you really need them all?  The honest answer is no, you don't need them, although taking an exam for the first time can be really scary, especially for an adult.  Adults often suffer with more nerves than children. For this reason, I think it would be a good idea to take a couple of exams before Grade 7, even if only to give you practice at taking an exam and to give you an idea of what might be expected of you during the exam.

You certainly don't need to take them all.  I would pick out an early one, either Grade 1 or 2, then Grade 4 or 5 and then move on to Grade 7.  This will give you the experience of taking an exam and will help to dispel the nerves on exam day.

One reason why my students ask to take exams is because they wish to have a goal to work towards.  Knowing an exam is approaching, so they tell me, keeps them working hard and consistently.  If you know you are not going to be taking an exam for several years, the chances of letting days slip by without practice are possibly going to be higher.  And Grade 7 is quite advanced, so that's a lot of practice with no particular goal in mind.

The truth is, you don't need to take any exams but having one certificate behind you can often inspire you to acquire another.