Piano Forum



Remembering the great Maurizio Pollini
Legendary pianist Maurizio Pollini defined modern piano playing through a combination of virtuosity of the highest degree, a complete sense of musical purpose and commitment that works in complete control of the virtuosity. His passing was announced by Milan’s La Scala opera house on March 23. Read more >>

Topic: Do you really need to take exams ?  (Read 1486 times)

Offline eliza1976

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 15
Do you really need to take exams ?
on: July 18, 2016, 08:02:25 AM
Do you really need to take exams to ascertain your competency ? If you do not intend to take exams, are you missing out a lot of stuff ? I realise when I sign up for exams under a teacher, I get all motivated to go the extra miles to get prepared. But when I am not preparing for any exam, I tend to slack and just learn for leisure.

Offline kuska

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 95
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #1 on: July 18, 2016, 12:52:54 PM
imo the only thing exams do is getting you trained in the stress. It's like any other public performance. You want to do well. Unless you need any kind of an official certificate.

Offline pianocat3

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 79
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #2 on: July 18, 2016, 04:21:38 PM
My teacher seems to think exams may help performance so I may choose to do them.
Currently working on:

Beethoven Pastoral Sonata (Andante)
Debussy Prelude from Suite Bergamasque
Accompaniment music for cello and piano
Summer project is improvisation

Offline chopinlover01

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 2118
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #3 on: July 18, 2016, 07:32:54 PM
Depends on what your goals are.
To ascertain your competency? You can do that just as easily by performing for another teacher or posting a recording here on PS ;)
I realise when I sign up for exams under a teacher, I get all motivated to go the extra miles to get prepared. But when I am not preparing for any exam, I tend to slack and just learn for leisure.
This, IMO, is the biggest reason for exams. They give you motivation to do well, and if you don't have anything coming up, there's less of an incentive to practice. Not all of us can be AJ and practice 12 hours a day because we love it so much ;D

Offline ajlongspiano

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 691
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #4 on: July 18, 2016, 07:43:03 PM
Not all of us can be AJ and practice 12 hours a day because we love it so much ;D

   I'm dying to play right now... I. WILL. NOT. GIVE IN!

Best,

AJ

Offline rachmaninoff_forever

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 4955
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #5 on: July 18, 2016, 07:56:58 PM
Exams are dumb

Live large, die large.  Leave a giant coffin.

Offline 109natsu

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 109
Re: Do you really need to take exams ?
Reply #6 on: July 19, 2016, 06:10:54 AM
Even though I don't take exams on piano... You should still do some performance/competitions. I go to summer piano academies in universities. I go to festivals hosted by the local Music Teacher Association. Play for friends, family, school, and other community opportunities. Have benefit recitals to raise money for whatever you need in your career.

Do you really need to take exams to ascertain your competency ? If you do not intend to take exams, are you missing out a lot of stuff ? I realise when I sign up for exams under a teacher, I get all motivated to go the extra miles to get prepared. But when I am not preparing for any exam, I tend to slack and just learn for leisure.
I find that to be true too, sometimes. Set a goal for yourself. (Ex. I will get this part 100% accurate in however many hours) Discipline is needed everywhere in life; not just piano.

Exams are dumb
^
No one should be grading your piano playing.

   I'm dying to play right now... I. WILL. NOT. GIVE IN!
I am freaking traveling right now and I can't piano for five whole days!!!! I AM DYING. But I don't practice 12 hrs that's actually bad for you.
For more information about this topic, click search below!
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert