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Topic: Help for a relatively new pianist  (Read 1735 times)

Offline Fugue

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Help for a relatively new pianist
on: June 02, 2005, 09:50:51 PM
Good day to you all. Before I begin, let me say that I have just joined this forum, and that I think its great. Now with the required formalities out of the way, I shall present to you my question.

To be brief, I have studied piano for three years, but only effectively for a few months; I have, in that span of a few months, gone from "the five fingers" by Stravinsky (which are really easy peices) to the "Sonata in C (K545)" by Mozart. I was merely curious as to what pieces at my level I should also be learning, or what level I presently am.
Or just any suggestions at all, anything would be appreciated. Thanks.

Offline rhapsody in orange

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #1 on: June 02, 2005, 11:26:38 PM
Hmm the Mozart Sonata K545 is about Grade 5 (ABRSM) standard. You might wanna do a quick search on this forum (they have pretty good threads on pieces/repertoire). And also, there's an excel file with the pieces being graded as well. Do pm me if you want me to send it to you =)
https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,7008.0.html (beautiful music that is not hard to play)
https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,3943.0.html (on chopin waltzes)
https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,1116.0.html (repertoire progression)

Just a few to start you off..
when words fail, music speaks

Offline Fugue

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #2 on: June 03, 2005, 12:24:27 AM
Thank you very much! I, being still relatively new to the internet, do not know what "PM" is, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would send that excel list to me. Thanks!

Offline Fugue

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #3 on: June 03, 2005, 12:29:26 AM
Also, what is this "ABRSM" grade ranking I keep seeing? How is it related to, for example, beginner, intermediate, and advanced?

Offline Awakening

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #4 on: June 03, 2005, 12:41:31 AM
Also, what is this "ABRSM" grade ranking I keep seeing? How is it related to, for example, beginner, intermediate, and advanced?

I'm not all that familiar with the ABRSM system myself, but I believe there are 10 grades.  A piece which is 8, 9, or 10 would be considered advanced by any standards.  5, 6 and 7 are commonly considered the intermediate stages, and anything under 5 would be a beginner piece.  As I said, I'm not expert on this way of grading, and not everyone uses it.  It certainly isn't a big deal, just a way of quantifying progress.  Grades are all subjective anyway. 

Offline lagin

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #5 on: June 03, 2005, 02:53:59 AM
You're describing RCM there, not ABRSM.
Christians aren't perfect; just forgiven.

Offline rhapsody in orange

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #6 on: June 03, 2005, 06:25:25 AM
Hmm actually the ABRSM has only 8 grades, after which there are the various diplomas (DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM). Grades 1-4 are the beginner stages, 5-8 intermediate and above 8 would be advanced.
You can have a look at the website www.abrsm.org for more information.
And yes I do agree that the grades are subjective. What someone finds challenging might not be so for another person.
when words fail, music speaks

Offline rhapsody in orange

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Re: Help for a relatively new pianist
Reply #7 on: June 03, 2005, 06:28:34 AM
Hi Fugue,
PM = private message. And oh your email isn't reflected in your profile.. Can you give me your email so I can send the file over to you?
when words fail, music speaks
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