Paultrader Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I'm just starting to learn the pieces with the aim of doing Grade 5 next spring - is anyone else out there jumping on this band wagon? It would be good to discuss pieces, swap experiences and share frustrations, etc. I remember when working for Grade 3, there were times when I seemed to make no progress at all, and thought that I'd never get there, then I'd make a sudden leap. The two things I know about learning a musical instrument; it's never easy and it never ends. And all this alongside playing electric bass in a rock 'n' roll band... Cheers, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philparker Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I played most of the Grade 5 exam pieces (without taking the exam) prior to learning and taking the Grade 6 exam earlier this year - so I do know most of the pieces! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatgoogle Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I skipped to my grade 8 and preparing for my diploma now. I think the best way to approach the pieces is to take them in small chunks, that you can manage and get them right. There's no point in skipping over little bits. You may as well play to the best of your ability. Which pieces have you chosen. I also find it good to mix in other pieces you want to learn so you don't get de-motivated by repetition. Also get constant feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paultrader Posted October 3, 2014 Author Share Posted October 3, 2014 So far I've chosen Handel - Bourree from the Suzuki book, Spohr - Allegro from Time Pieces 2 Shitte - Etude from the Yorke Mini Bass book, and Ray Henderson - Black Bottom from Time Pieces 2. For some reason, I'll probably do the first three and leave the last one. I've recently changed teachers; the last one was excellent, but my new teacher has pointed out some very bad habits with my left hand technique, and I'm trying to re-learn, it's a real struggle! She's right though, and I've just got to keep at it. I think you're absolutely right to keep playing other stuff as well, I remember getting completely bogged down with the Grade 3 pieces. I do have a dream of getting to Grade 8, but sometimes it seems like a very very long way away! Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBass Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 I'm currently working toward my Gr4 so Gr8 feels even further away to me! Good luck with it anyway. I find my biggest trouble is getting time to practice between non-bass stuff (work, baby) and frankly more enjoyable bass stuff (bands, fun slap stuff). Bow technique, reading and intonation have all improved since I started the ABRSM route though so I'm convinced it's worth persevering! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jaywalker Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Definitely persevere with the "classical" lessons. It's a real slog at times but it's worth it! Good technique, posture, balance and use of arm weight etc is transferable to everything else you do on the bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.