Grade 2 tomorrow!

[Blodwen]

OMG can't believe how quickly the date has come, it seemed like I had ages when I got the date, its come around sooo quick! Just had my last lesson before exam, teacher seems to think Ill be ok and I feel surprisingly calm, although it may be a different story 11 o clock tomorrow!! I'm praying I dont get shaky hands! My mother is coming along for moral support- quite sad taking your mother with you at 29 but hey ho lol!

I shall let you know how it went after the event!!

[pia noidea]

Hope all goes well for you, i m sure it will.

[Qcam2010]

Good Luck!!!!!


Make sure you let us know how you got on.

[Blodwen]

Thanks guys! I'm ok so far this morning, a few butterflies but at least my hands are steady- well so far anyway ha ha!! Just had a banana and will probably overdose on the rescue remedy lol!!

[Blodwen]

well all done and dusted!!

Arrived at about 10:35 only to be told the examiner was going to be late. Went in for exam 10 mins later than it should have been which wasnt so bad.

Started with the pieces, didnt go too bad and dont think I made any major mistakes, although I did find it hard getting the quieter parts of the pieces because of the soft touch of the piano, but did my best!

Then came the scales, D major and F major and E minor- they were ok. E major Contrary- fine, left hand D major chromatic- ok

Arpeggios- A Major right hand no problem, D minor left hand, hit 2 duff notes on the way up but fine coming back down I think, I just carried on without stopping.

Broken Chords - F Major right hand, fine, E minor left hand, ok think I may have had a little slip, but I did it in the wrong octave d'oh lol! I did apologise ha ha!

Then came the sight reading, played all the right notes I think, I slowed down at one point and didnt really do the dynamics.

Aural- think this was ok, but I suppose I wont know until I get my results!

So all in all I think I've passed but dont know by how much!! My hands started shaking when I started my pieces but I think my mother was more nervous than me in the waiting room lol! Fingers crossed now and I hope they dont take too long with the results, Im going to be dying if I have to wait too long ha ha!!

[Qcam2010]

Sounds like you did well!! Fingers crossed for you.

I know what you mean about the soft touch of the piano. Hopefully they'll be able to tell you tried.

Hope we both get a decent result

[Gill the Piano]

Of COURSE you will! Let us know as soon as you get your results won't you?!

[Blodwen]

thanks QCam and Gill, Ill certainly let you know once I get my results! Im gutted I had shaky hands but hopefully now I know what to expect it wont be as bad next time! The examiner was a nice guy, not what I was expecting! I was expecting this stern looking old man with a grey beard and looking at me over his specs! He said results should take about 2 wks.

[Qcam2010]

thanks QCam and Gill, Ill certainly let you know once I get my results! Im gutted I had shaky hands but hopefully now I know what to expect it wont be as bad next time! The examiner was a nice guy, not what I was expecting! I was expecting this stern looking old man with a grey beard and looking at me over his specs! He said results should take about 2 wks.

Hope so, that'll mean I only got a week to wait.

I think when I do grade 2, or any other grade, I shall be a bit better as I know what to expect. Well that's what I hope!

[Qcam2010]

The aural for grade 1 is as follows.

1) Examiner plays a piece on the piano you have to identify (and clap the beats) how many beats in a bar. (grade 1 it's either 2 beats or 3 beats)

2) Examiner plays a short tune on the piano, you have to sing the same tune back. I had 3 of these, think it's cos he couldn't believe what he was hearing!

3) Examiner plays 2 short tunes, the second being slightly different from the first. You have to say what the difference is.

4) Examiner plays a tune on the piano and afterwards you have to answer questions on the piece. Was it loud or soft, staccato or legato that kind of thing.

In theory, it sounds easy. At the time of the exam it can be quite tricky.

[Blodwen]

Its the same for Grade 2!

I had to clap the rhythm of the tune he was playing and say whether it was a 2 or a 3. Not sure if I got this right though, it was really hard to tell! So I guessed and went with a 2! Then there was the singing, I had 3 too QCam! Then there was the playing the piece and saying what the difference was and where in the piece the difference was i.e start, middle, end. Then the last one he played a piece and just asked 2 questions about it, but cant remember what he asked now!!

Do you plan on doing grades pianolove? x

[Blodwen]

sorry pianolove, I just read your post where it says youre planning on doing your grade 1 in the summer!!

Have you started working on your pieces and stuff now? I cant wait to start my grade 3, it'll be nice to start playing different pieces!

[Qcam2010]

Its the same for Grade 2!

I had to clap the rhythm of the tune he was playing and say whether it was a 2 or a 3. Not sure if I got this right though, it was really hard to tell! So I guessed and went with a 2! Then there was the singing, I had 3 too QCam! Then there was the playing the piece and saying what the difference was and where in the piece the difference was i.e start, middle, end. Then the last one he played a piece and just asked 2 questions about it, but cant remember what he asked now!!

Do you plan on doing grades pianolove? x

Ah that's ok then. When I first started the look on his face said it all.

[Gill the Piano]

1) You just need to say if it's 2,3,or 4 beats in the bar. Usually they're kind and emphasise the first beat slightly! So no, you just identify the beat.
2) Yep, he plays a short phrase, you sing ('La')/hum/whistle it as an echo, then he plays another little bit, you echo it again.
3) No, he'll play the same piece twice, but the second time he';ll either change a bit of the rhythm or a bit of the tune and you have to say which it was.
Beats WON'T 'get' you - practise every time you hear a bit of music on the radio - try to work out if it's in 2, 3 or 4. You can do it!

[Blodwen]

Hey Brummers!!

I'm glad it's over although it was a good experience! looking forward to moving on to the next grade now! Just been looking at grade 3 scales and they seem ok, also been looking at the pieces on youtube, they seem quite a bit harder, but Im sure once I start they'll be ok! Don't worry, I'm not setting my hopes too high, Ill be happy with a pass! I was so nervous when I was in the room!

Hows your grade 3 coming along? xx

[Blodwen]

Brummers, what pieces are you going to be doing for grade 3? Ive just been having a look through now, only really looked at the first 3, I really like Englischer Tanz (A2) Its got a nice chirpy sound to it, but Ive been trying to play it and it seems fiddly! Prelude in C looks like an option too, seems straightforward! hmm dunno what to do! Best wait until my next lesson I suppose!!

[Gill the Piano]

I don't know ANYBODY in London...
I'd offer to be your music therapist but all I'd do is get red and shouty and then drink...

[Blodwen]

Do you plan on going all the way to grade 8 with your piano Brummerchops? I'd love to pass grade 8, not sure if I ever will, Im finding the grade 3 pieces fiddly, although I havent had any lessons on grade 3 yet, just been playing about by myself!

You'll be fine when it comes to doing your grade 1 pianolove, once the pieces are embedded in, you'll go in your hands may shake but you'll be fine! I never thought 8 months ago Id get through an exam, but I have!! Waiting for results is killing me though he he!!

[Gill the Piano]

Most teachers will only take payment by the term; it's nice when a teacher lets you pay as you go - and far easier on the pocket!

[Blodwen]

Has the website been down?? Ive been trying to get on here since last Thursday!!!

I wanted to tell you all....

I passed with DISTINCTION!!!!!!!!!!

Im so so happy!, I found out last Thursday evening during my lesson, and have been trying to let you know ever since!!

I scored 135/150 overall

A 29/30
B 27/30
C 27/30
Scales 19/21
Sight reading 18/21
Aural 15/18

Absolutely over the moon, Cant wait to have my certificate and the comments sheet now!!

[Gill the Piano]

O well DONE, Sarah! I can't believe how well you adult beginners are doing - I'm so PROUD of you all! Bottle of champers in this corner, please, waiter...

[Qcam2010]

Well done

I can honestly say, I know how you feel. Feels GRRRRRRRRRREEEEEAT doesn't it!!!

[Blodwen]

It does, it feels really great Qcam! Im so proud of myself! Lots to live up to now for the next exam he he!!

How long does the results sheet and certificate take? I want to see what I need to improve on, didnt do all that well in the Aural so will need to work on that. Im so so chuffed!!

Have you started Grade 2 yet QCam? Dave Brum, good luck for your grade 3 xx

[Blodwen]

Hello Brummers! he was a nice man actually, I was yapping away to him lol! He was about mid forties, had a bit of a goatie thing going on and spikey hair I think! Not the old man with the beard that I was expecting he he!!

[Qcam2010]

It does, it feels really great Qcam! Im so proud of myself! Lots to live up to now for the next exam he he!!

How long does the results sheet and certificate take? I want to see what I need to improve on, didnt do all that well in the Aural so will need to work on that. Im so so chuffed!!

Have you started Grade 2 yet QCam? Dave Brum, good luck for your grade 3 xx

It took 2 weeks for my results and certificate. Proudly hung on the wall for all to see and say "oooh look at you" lol. Grinning with pride as they do so

I'm doing Grade 2 in session A 2011 - so the pressure is on to keep up the distinction lol. I tend to perform very well under pressure. Something I hadn't thought of while I'm under that pressure. The end result usually proves I do tho, so am keen to give it a try. At the end of the day, so long as I get a "pass" I'll be happy. I love playing the so that helps.

I have read a few people on other sites, say they seem to have lost their mojo and can't be bothered to play. I can't imagine feeling like that and I hope I never do.

[Blodwen]

I got my certificate and comment sheet today!! Im going to frame it and put it up in my living room!! yay!!
(the certificate that is, not the comment sheet lol! his writing is barely legible!)

Wow grade 2 in session A? not long then, wont that be around Feb or March? Bet you cant wait now! My teacher is on about skipping grade 3 and giving myself a year to do grade 4, so will probably end up doing grade 4 next November time, if all goes well lol! I dont know how I feel about skipping grade 3, part of thinks why not then the other part of me is a bit weary mainly because of the harder Aural and sight reading! Ah well will just have to do lots of practice!

Brummers, I had to laugh at your post lol! I hope you get the same man I had, he was nice and let me yap away lol!

[Qcam2010]

I got my certificate and comment sheet today!! Im going to frame it and put it up in my living room!! yay!!
(the certificate that is, not the comment sheet lol! his writing is barely legible!)

Wow grade 2 in session A? not long then, wont that be around Feb or March? Bet you cant wait now! My teacher is on about skipping grade 3 and giving myself a year to do grade 4, so will probably end up doing grade 4 next November time, if all goes well lol! I dont know how I feel about skipping grade 3, part of thinks why not then the other part of me is a bit weary mainly because of the harder Aural and sight reading! Ah well will just have to do lots of practice!

Brummers, I had to laugh at your post lol! I hope you get the same man I had, he was nice and let me yap away lol!

I know what you mean about the writing, I swear they used to be Drs!

Yea Feb/Mar is what I'm aiming for. I was told I could skip Grade 1 and go straight to Grade 2 as I was ready. But I decided I want a certificate for each grade so I used the Grade 1 as a bit of a practice, to see what it was like. If the nerves got the better of me I would/should have been ok and still got a pass. Luckily I did much better.

I won't be skipping any grades and I expect the jump from Grade 2 to Grade 3 to be alot bigger, so will probably take longer to reach that standard.
I have to keep telling myself. There's no rush. But I'm an impatient person generally anyway so it rarely helps lol.

I've just finished an hours pratice and I actually feel like I've made progress tonight with sight reading AND the fiddly bits. Looking forward to tomorrow's lesson.

[Blodwen]

Did I not tell you brummers? I have a digital, its a Casio Celviano, Its a good starter piano and does the job well, didnt want to go for anything too expensive as didnt know how far I'd go with the piano. I want a proper piano, a nice grand but unfortunately lack of space and a modern house practically made of cardboard means I had to have a digital! At least with a digital I can play for hours without disturbing the neighbours! Just got off now as it happens!!

Im going to keep this one for a few years, and maybe if I ever get as far as passing grade 5 or 6 Ill upgrade and spend a bit of money on a better one! My dad traded his upright piano for a digital a few weeks ago, he has a Kawai, Its very very nice!

[Qcam2010]

Random fact- I discovered tonight I can play (looking at the music sheet) and listen to someone talk and answer them back at the same time . Must be the Gemini skill of doing many things at once LOL.

Here is another random fact: I can only do one thing at once, literally! When I play, I stop breathing. Was ok in Grade 1, but now in Grade 2 the pieces are getting longer, I'm getting out of breath. I don't know why I do it.

[Gill the Piano]

Ooo bloody....stand back, everybody.... Happy Birthday Dave! Hope it's a good 'un!