Examination? not for everyone...

It is that time again in the year. If you are planning to go to piano examination, you have to register before the deadline. However, is examination suitable for you?

Examination has a set of criteria that you have to meet in order to pass or get high results. A lot of parents and students use this tool to determine the level of the students.

Let's look at what a piano or music examination is like.

There are usually set of criteria to be met.

1. Technical - includes scale and studies.

2. Repertoire - Early level would have 3 pieces, highly recommended to be memorized. Advanced level would have 5 pieces, memorization is mandatory.

3. Sight reading

4. Ear test

5. Theory - Usually is tested in a separate exam.

To be prepared for the exams, some students would need couple months or even years to complete all the requirements. For advanced levels, it is easily to spend up to 2 years for one level as the requirements are huge. However, examination is still a good tool to determine your level. I do highly recommend to do the exams.

What if you are not a big fan of examination?

There are different options.

Festivals and Recitals still give you exposure of public performing, and you would receive comments from the adjudicators.

Your teachers can also help you with the technical requirements and make sure you have the skill sets to be able to advance in pieces playing.

You can also choose to go onto an examination once in a while as long as you can meet the requirement.

Please keep in mind that no matter you are planning your year to go on examinations or to play in festivals/recitals, practice and time for preparation is still needed. There is no easy way, unfortunately.

#walnutgrovepianolesson #fleetwoodpianolesson #rebeccapianostudio