Entering children for Grade 1

[cal]

Hello, can anyone help me? My daughter is being taught by her Grandad and we would like her to be taught Grade 1 piano and be entered into an exam. Her Grandad is not a registered music Teacher, but is completely capable of teaching her piano. We have got the Grade 1 books. Can we just enter her for an exam when her Grandad feels she is ready - or do we need an "authorised" music teacher to do this? Many thanks.

[Gill the Piano]

Anybody can enter anyone else - or themselves come to that! You can do it online, or the best plan is to go to your local friendly music shop, where they can talk you through the process and tell you about the local exam centres - some are more user friendly than others.

[cal]

Thank you Gill, that is very helpful. It certainly does make sense.

[Colin Nicholson]

I use the Associated Board (ABRSM) - very good examining board.

Just give them a ring and ask them to send a 2013 application form to you (it applies to all practical & written exams).... then fill in the form to register. Your grandfather will then become the "applicant" and get an applicant number, so if you do a 2nd exam, you just quote the number.

You can enter either in the Spring, Summer or Autumn - and the closing date is about 3 months before the exam.

You also a get a small booklet with the exam centre codes, and another one with the closing dates & info. Your child will become the "candidate". If you have any problems filling in the form, just give us a shout here on the forum. As Gill says, most music shops will have the application forms.

[cal]

Thanks Colin.