Thanks Bernhard, but.............

[gflat]

I'm note sure what Grade 5/6 ABRSM means.

[bernhard]

No one knows (not even the ABRSM).

General guidelines:

Grade1 – Early beginner
Grade 2 – Intermediate beginner
Grade 3 – Advanced beginner
Grade 4 – Early Intermediate
Grade 4- Intermediate intermediate
Grade 5 – Advanced intermediate
Grade 6- Early advanced
Grade 7 – Intermediate advanced
Grade8 – Advanced advanced (last grade)

Beyond grade 8 – The fun begins!

Ultimately it has no importance whatsoever.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[betricia]

Bernhard you make me laugh out loud.  "Ultimately it has no importance whatsoever."  I have been thinking of taking grade exams although as a  mature learner, I am not really interested in the qualifications.  I just want to learn to play properly.  Are the graded exams  worth doing for someone like me?
Thanks
Patricia
 

[bernhard]

Bernhard you make me laugh out loud.  "Ultimately it has no importance whatsoever."  I have been thinking of taking grade exams although as a  mature learner, I am not really interested in the qualifications.  I just want to learn to play properly.  Are the graded exams  worth doing for someone like me?
Thanks
Patricia
 

Have a look here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,4205.msg38841.html#msg38841
(grades and exams)

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2863.msg25138.html#msg25138
(A good discussion on the value of doing ABRSM exams)

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[ted]

I think examinations fulfil a need in some people to have something definite to aim for and , in some cases, that could be a good thing. I seem to have always had so many musical objectives over the years (some were attained, some not !) and therefore I have never felt the need for examinations. By analogy, some people need the discipline of paying a lot of money and attending a gym with experts in order to become fit or lose weight. Many need compulsory untouchable savings schemes to stop them spending. I guess examinations fulfil the role of a musical disciplinary influence for those who feel they need it and, to that extent, they are a good thing. 

[betricia]

Thanks for the pointer to the threads Bernhard.  I can see the exams are a well discussed issue.
I will think it over and discuss with my teacher when she surfaces again.
Patricia
 

[betricia]

Thanks Ted
I agree about the discipline viewpoint.  Maybe I don't need that.  I just want some sort of measure of where I am but maybe playing pieces I like is the only measure necessary for me.  I will think it all ove.
Patricia