grades

[hodi]

excuse me for this 'stupid' question but what's all that "grades" thing grade 5,6,7,8?

does it mean if you play 5 years piano u can play that piece?
i really don't understand..

[piano_learner]

Hi HOdi,

This site may help explain

https://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/gradedMusicExams/index.html

[pianowelsh]

Hiya   Wow - there are SO many systems of grading around the world to be perfectly honest half the time it means nothing . This is not to disrespect the qualifications people have earnt but as you can appreciate they are often only really known in the country they come from. For example I read on another topic about the grade sytem in Italy which seems to work on a system where by you study a certain repertoire of pieces for the year then take an exam and you progress up basically as far as you go till you drop out or make it as the next Michelangeli. In Uk we also have a numbered grade system which on the face of it looks like the same thing but is really quite different as the exam dosent form the years work. It may in fact only be a very small portion of it and the tests include aural work and oral work, technique work etc. They are sat externally though you don't need to attend a school for them and are taught largely by private individuals - you can even enter yourself. There is a parallel system of theory exams which you have to keep up with because you cannot go on to the higher grades without grade 5 theory and you can't take the first diploma ABRSMdip without grade 6 theory or satisfactory academic parts of a university course.       The ABRSM is the worlds largest external examining body for music but there are others notably trinity and Guildhall (set to merge) who offer similar systems. Essentially they are stepping stones which provide a structured piano curriculum which if followed conscientiously will develop your overall musicianship and piano ability. As qualifications however it's difficult to really assess their value. I can only say that in UK grade 5 is the minimum level expected by a 6th form (post 16 education) if you want to study music and the majority of Universities and Conservatoires in UK require minimum of grade 8 distinction and grade 5 or 6 theory for entry at 18. For postgrad study at a Conservatory the minimum expected level is about the LRSM qualification of the ABRSM.        Hope this is helpful! I did selected grades before coll and they didn't leave me scared for life!