Having to coach myself for an exam...

[chordalmaniac]

I'm doing my grade 7 in July but due to an unexpected financial crisis I'm having to quit piano lessons. If I'm lucky I might manage 1 or 2 before the exam. I'm already behind the standard I'd like to be for the exam. How can I practice to give myself the best chance of passing under the circumstances.

[compline]

Well it would seem you may have to wait until later in the year for the next exam which is probably in the Autumn, by then you will probably have saved enough for lessons.   I know how you must be feeling right now, but best give yourself more time to work on your music so that you are up to standard and feel ready and confident.    
Grade 7 exam fees in England are £74.00

[chordalmaniac]

Yes but I already entered for the exam before this happened so now I have to do it.

[michael_sayers]

Yes but I already entered for the exam before this happened so now I have to do it.

Hi chordalmaniac,

If you have already paid the fee, and it is not refundable, then go ahead and work with what you know to do your best.

I am sorry to read about your plight.


Mvh,
Michael

[outin]

Yes but I already entered for the exam before this happened so now I have to do it.

So if you pull out now you will be...beheaded? 

[chordalmaniac]

No but if I pull out now my 74 pounds will not be refunded so I may as well give the exam my best shot.

[Bob]

So do it.  Don't rely on the teacher that much.

Post recordings here (audio, video) and get more comments that way.

[chordalmaniac]

Yeah I'm just going to practice the max that I can and in a structured way. I guess I'm worried about bad habits creeping in. The one good thing to come of it is I'm practicing more efficiently.

[diomedes]

Typically at that level lessons would provide the most valuable feedback for exam results, those being stylistic communication. Regardless of how well you play the notes it's very much about how they're played. Your best bet is to make videos with clear sound put them up and forum members can contribute. Doesn't seem like a bad plan B, so go for it.

[michael_sayers]

No but if I pull out now my 74 pounds will not be refunded so I may as well give the exam my best shot.

Hi chordalmaniac,

I think my earlier suggestion might have been bad advice.  The reason to proceed needs to work for you, as it seems to do, yet this time could be spent securing finances for more lessons, right?  Your finances and security need to be very high up on the priority list.

Maybe it would be worthwhile to look at this article on escalation of commitment:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escalation_of_commitment

I am not trying to discourage you.  Just make sure you have thought through your decision to proceed with the time and effort it entails.


Mvh,
Michael

[chordalmaniac]

Thanks, but I've decided I'm going to go for it as thankfully my financial issues are not likely to be an ongoing issue but will at least start to sort out in august. Its just this next month before the exam that's the problem. Also my playing is not so bad that I'm not in with a chance of passing and I am motivated to do it. Also if I don't try I will regret it.

[outin]

No but if I pull out now my 74 pounds will not be refunded so I may as well give the exam my best shot.

I assume you have already worked on the pieces to play with your teacher before, so you are not starting from the scratch on your own?
Is it possible to have just one or two individual lessons to review your progress a few weeks before the exam? Then you could still make the necessary corrections.

[Bob]

Use it as a challenge to teach yourself.  That won't hurt.


Unless you can gift or sell it to someone else.  That might be another idea.

[chordalmaniac]

Yes I've worked for thecexam with my teacher and I am hoping to be able to get 1 or 2 lessons before the exam if I can.

[chordalmaniac]

Just wanted to say thanks for the help I've received on here. I got a distinction in the exam which I'm really pleased about especially as I played far from my best on the day as I think the stress got to me a bit.