Exams scheduled much later than expected

[anakha13]

Hi there,

I'm from Australia; I'm not sure where everyone else is from here, presumably from all around the world!

I put my students through the AMEB exams. When my students sit exams, they usually give a 'bracket period' of a few months as to when the exams are to be scheduled. They give me confirmation of the exams at least 3 weeks before the date. Because of this I try to get my students ready by the start of the bracket period just in case. However there have been many times when the exams are scheduled much later in the bracket period (such as this year). It's really tiresome to keep going over the same exam pieces and scales during this time for the kids; they get bored and just want to get the exam over and done with. However introduction of too much new material may distract them when they finally do take the exam.

Any ideas for what to teach within this period of time?

[j_menz]

Any ideas for what to teach within this period of time?

That there's more to piano than studying for exams?  That it's possible to do it for enjoyment, too?

[mylc]

I am from Australia. I have been teaching for more than 30 years, the ones that only do exams are the ones cannot play anything once all exams are done.   Get your students to learn enjoyable music that will boost up their sight reading, but also coach your students to perform at concerts, enter music competition etc. Build their confidence and enjoyment of piano playing, that last for life.

Just as learning swimming for safety and health sake, so as piano learning is for leisure and entertaining people with good music, that's a musician should be.   My students do a lot of performing and competitions, not all are keen to put up with the same pieces for  so long just
for the exam sake which is so boring and lacking motivation.  Once they have confidence in performing, taking exams would be less stressful.

[perfect_pitch]

the ones that only do exams are the ones cannot play anything once all exams are done. 

Personally I think that's bollocks. In fact, those who do exams usually strive that little bit more in their efforts to perfect their technique and to work hard at playing, and can give them FAR more confidence and belief in their skills than not doing exams.

I do get them to perform at assemblies, performances and concerts as well, but exams are the best thing to do to encourage a young person to refine their pianism.