bass_dinger

@BassTool My daughter reached Grade 8 on violin, and grade 5 in Theory. I asked her if she recognised the book, but she didn't. It may simply be that she followed a different syllabus (ABRSM, rather than the AB of your book).

I entered a Rubbish Car giveaway on Facebook, for a Morris Marina. Luckily, I didn't win it...

I am impressed that you know what note I am playing! I should have written "One reads a middle C on the clef but one actually plays a note one octave below that. Is this the case?" Even with better grammar, the answer is still yep, of course.

You wouldn't fit much gear in one of those!

And also, music notation can be played on multiple instruments, without having to be re-encoded. If I have notation for a bass guitar, it can instead be played by the left hand of a pianist (and, indeed, often is!); a double bassist; an organist... I am told that the bass guitar is a transposing instrument. I read a middle C on the clef but I actually play a note one octave below that. Is this the case?

Band in a Box was popular (and perhaps still is), if anyone needs something more adaptable. https://www.pgmusic.com/ Hardware solutions might include the Yamaha QY series - I had a Yamaha QY700.

It's a hard line - every not counts, and terrific fun. Here, a version with the "weww-weww-weww" slides. I think that I am ready to try that extra bit, having learned the line a few years back.

I have just now spoken with a pianist friend who is serial winner of Distinctions, and a naturally talented musician. Even she reckons that three months to the next grade is pushing it. Likewise, the consensus here is that I needn't be pressurised into a speedy transition of the grades. So, I practice, and focus on the syllabus. And if I am ready for the exam in June, then all well and good. And if not, then November is an option too.

You are right - I retired from work as I no longer enjoyed the stress of deadlines, nor did I enjoy working on my keyboard all day. To go back to that stress ( and to pay for it too!!) is not what I wish for. If I am ready in June, then I will do it. Otherwise, I will wait for the November exam.

I like the idea of whizzing through the grades, but only for my own personal pride. That's not a good reason for doing the grades quickly. I like even more the idea of establishing my technique and building a repertoire - which means playing more, and longer, at the grade that I am at. I really don't like the idea of @Hellzero's serious injury - so, moderation in all things for me. I will, however, make better use of my practice time - more focused on working on scales and pieces, and with a sense of urgency and pace.

I am currently working through the ABRSM piano grades, having previously played a two-manual Kawai electric organ in my teens (40, 45 years ago). I can read the treble clef on a keyboard, bass clef on a bass. Started formal piano lessons back in August 2024, learnt proper fingering techniques. I found it hard work, as everything was new to me. But in March 2025, I passed Grade 1 with a Distinction (136/150). So far, so good! Next, Grade 2. I was aiming for the November 2025 exam season, aware that I would be fully familiar with the pieces and scales by then, and probably will have learnt four or five Grade 2 pieces by then (so, more than the 3 required). However, my teacher is pushing / encouraging me to go for the exam in June 2025. That 10 weeks feels very soon - but, in reality it is how long I had to learn the Grade 1 pieces. So..... do I push myself to do the June exam, or take the November exam? My aim is to be able to play the piano (rather than collect certificates).

I had my eye on the Umc404hd (same basic specification, but four rather than two input channels, £2 more expensive - and out of stock everywhere). I would be interested to know how you are finding the 204, especially as a midi interface.

I am okay with a 3+2 headstock, but I love the quirkiness of a 2+3 headstock. Offer it as an option, for no other reason than making me happy.

Done

Two votes, @NickA - in the world of Early Music, that's practically enough interest to commission a book on the subject! I look forward to seeing your thread.