Celebration Series

[sarcher]

Hello! I am new to the forums. I was wondering how accurate the levels are for the celebration series. I am currently moving into the level 10 book, but when I put in the name of the piece on here or on Henle's website, the levels are very off. Is the level determined differently?

[ajspiano]

leveling pieces is a somewhat flawed concept at the higher levels anyway.

That said, having looked at the repertoire in the level 10 book (found here - https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Celebration-Series-Perspectives-Piano-Repertoire-10/18355263) it looks to match up to around grade 7-8 as per this site and/or abrsm, ameb or other such organisations grading criteria. Its not wrong, its a different system.

[j_menz]

Levels vary from system to system.  Looking at what they have in level 10, that will corresponds largely to Grade 7 or 8 here (though there won't be an exact correspondence). Different systems use 1-8 (PS), 1-9 (Henle), 1-10 (your series).  Therefore the grading will give a different number. They also use slightly different criteria.

EDIT: I'd already written it when you posted, damnit!

[ajspiano]

EDIT: I'd already written it when you posted, damnit!

Its not as if you haven't done it to me before..

[quantum]

Levels are approximations at best.  Much depends on the individual playing the music, and the skills they have acquired and the ones they have yet to refine.  One person may find Piece xyz placed at level 10 a piece of cake, another person may feel that exact same piece is way too hard and would probably be better placed at the diploma level.  

IMO, the previous incarnation of the RCM's syllabus was a bit lopsided in regard to the placement of pieces within levels.  They have improved somewhat with the current offering.  

You also have the option of obtaining the music from other publishers.  At level 10, many of the pieces can be found elsewhere.  A lot of the music may also be public domain, such that you may find free editions online.  

If you wish to play level 10 music without purchasing the celebration series in particular, you can obtain the current piano syllabus.  It will list all music in the level, including the material in the celebration series, from which you can go and choose any edition you fancy.