Grade 3 Exam Pieces~

[justsheila7]

Update: OK, so I finally think I found how to actually change the file format. So it should most likely work now! 

Anyways,

My grade 3 exam is coming soon (3 more weeks  ) and I've been realizing that I need to improve these pieces and such. I'm not satisfied with them, but I can't pinpoint the places where I should really improve and such. Therefore, I'm posting attaching those files (that hopefully work) on here. All replies are appreciated. Thanks in advance! 

The pieces are:

Tarantella by Spindler (op. 157 no. 1)
Innocence by Burgmuller
No Long Goodbyes by Tom Gerou

[justsheila7]

Hold on. I can't seem to get the link on here.

[justsheila7]

 I do hope this works. 

[j_menz]

Hold on. I can't seem to get the link on here.

What's the problem?

[justsheila7]

What's the problem?

At the moment, I can't get the file into a format that would work on here.

[perfect_pitch]

Greetings...

These are just basic comments about technique, since I don't know the pieces but these are points I can hear based on your recording.

Tarantella - Just try and really keep the tempo steady overall. When you play the first theme an octave higher it sounds a little more hesitant the first time as if you've slowed down. Considering a Tarantella is a rhythmic dance usually in a fast compound metre (or sometimes fast triple time). Keep the tempo driving along, except for the occasional spot that you feel deserves a slow down, to enhance the ending of major phrases (like just before the theme returns again for the second time).

Innocence - Be careful the tempo doesn't get faster in the second half of the piece. It started getting a little carried away, and to me it destroyed the gentle sound of this piece. Keep the tempo constant. This doesn't mean play it absolutely like a metronome, but ensure that it's consistent during each of the different themes and sections of the music (unless it's stated that there is a change in tempo).

No long Goodbyes - Since I don't have the music - I can't give any real criticism, however based upon hearing this for the first time - I don't think there's anything really to fix. It sounded as if you played this one very confidently.

Your dynamics seem to be very good, in terms of controlling them. There doesn't seem to be any lumps in your playing (which is a good thing - be proud of that). I think you'll be fine. May I ask what examination your doing? AMEB? ABRSM? Trinity? Guild?

[justsheila7]

Thanks for the reply! 

This year I'm doing the CM (Certificate of Merit) exam.