Working through the ABRSM piano grades

[bass_dinger]

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).

[Rosie C]

My previous piano teacher was very keen on going to grades as soon as possible - using them as targets to aim for. I found that caused me stress, and a subsequent music teacher (who liked to think of grades passing by like road signs, leisurely and without stress) said that teachers who teach a lot of children are used to pushing students through exams quickly as that's what many parents expect. 

 

Edit: I'm working on grade 4 at the moment. I took grade 3 last year, and one per year feels about right for me. 

 

Edited March 22 by Rosie C

[Hellzero]

Don't rush for these grades, they are just pride and joy for ... the teacher.

 

Been there, done that, and it ended up with a loud "snap" which was the start of a fantastic tendonitis on the right arm forcing me to stop playing the piano and bass for 2 years: that's the only prize I eventually won.

 

Strangely I could still play a bit of bass, but not that much.

 

It's getting better now, but I don't play the piano very often, which is a shame.

 

The bass is back on tracks since December 2024 with a bass duet we started just before the tendonitis accident...

 

So take your time @bass_dinger. 😉

[bass_dinger]

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.

 

 

 

[Rosie C]

11 hours ago, Hellzero said:

Don't rush for these grades, they are just pride and joy for ... the teacher.

 

 

Oh, and for me too. I have a wall like the wall in Hogwart's Castle with all the "Educational Decrees" nailed up. Grade 1 acoustic guitar, Grade 2 viola, Grade 2 recorder, Grade 3 piano, Grade 4 bass, Grade 6 theory.   

 

[Norris]

You're paying for the lessons, it's up to you how fast you want to take it. He who pays the piper and all that...

 

One exam per year might be a comfortable rate perhaps (it's been a while since I got grade 6 in my youth)

[bass_dinger]

9 hours ago, Norris said:

You're paying for the lessons, it's up to you how fast you want to take it. He who pays the piper and all that...

 

One exam per year might be a comfortable rate perhaps (it's been a while since I got grade 6 in my youth)

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. 

[Rosie C]

16 minutes ago, bass_dinger said:

 

If I am ready in June, then I will do it.  Otherwise,  I will wait for the November exam. 

 

An alternative is to do the ABRSM digital exam. No particular date - when you're ready video it and send in the video.

 

[Norris]

47 minutes ago, Rosie C said:

 

An alternative is to do the ABRSM digital exam. No particular date - when you're ready video it and send in the video.

 

I didn't know that was a thing. How do you do the aural part of the exam?

[PaulThePlug]

Are these not 'Performance' grades?

 

 

Edited March 23 by PaulThePlug

[Rosie C]

5 hours ago, Norris said:

I didn't know that was a thing. How do you do the aural part of the exam?

 

You just play 4 pieces, instead of 3 pieces, scales & aural. 

 

NB: I've been doing ABRSM, Trinity and Rock School, but they all have more or less the same option.

Edited March 23 by Rosie C

[Norris]

3 hours ago, PaulThePlug said:

Are these not 'Performance' grades?

 

 

Grade 5 or higher earn additional UKAS points (iirc ?) I also seem to recall grade 8 counted towards my music A level mark. Are 5 and above considered performance grades?

[PaulThePlug]

Practical Grades are the Face 2 Face Skills and Performance - Old School Classic

Performance Grades are Submitted on Line and all about the Performance Only.

My Son was keen on these as he has never really had music lessons in instruments, and didn't take GCSE Music.

Piano, Drums, Guitar and Bass at Grade 6, or it might be 5 is the highest you can start from for some instruments.

I'd like him to do the Theory Grades as his mind sees Music 'Theory' like Maths Puzzles.

Edited March 23 by PaulThePlug

[bass_dinger]

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.