Tag Archives: Piano exams
30 seconds of terror
Time to Sight-Read on the exam. And get an easy 10 marks. Or not. You get about 30 seconds to look over the piece before starting. And once you start, you Just Don’t Stop. Forget about showing the examiner (or … Continue reading
Posted in Piano pedagogy, Sight Reading, Uncategorized
Tagged Ledger line, Piano exams, piano teachers, Piano teaching, Sight Reading
6 Comments
When it’s OK to give up marks. And when it’s not.
A friend and colleague in town also blogs. She’s been blogging longer than I have. We meet for coffee sometimes to talk about teaching and blogging and all kinds of things. A couple of weeks ago we met with Kay, … Continue reading
Okay. I’ll share my secret.
None of my students ever get the interval of a minor sixth wrong on the ear test portion of the exams. Ever. Forget the sappy Love Story tune. So not appealing to anyone under the age of 40. Maybe even … Continue reading
You win some. You lose some.
Reflections after the student Christmas Recitals. Win some: Best comment from a parent: “I can’t keep her off the piano. In the middle of dinner she has to get up to play a piece before she finishes eating.” Lose some: This … Continue reading
Posted in Business of Teaching, Examinations, General, Performance, Practice Tips, Studio News
Tagged Piano, Piano exams, Piano Lessons, Piano Performance, Recital
6 Comments
Nerves? What nerves?
I have officially mellowed. I’m sitting and waiting while my youngest daughter (15) is taking her grade 10 piano exam, writing with pen on paper, still resisting the devices and services which would enable internet access anytime, anyplace. As mother … Continue reading
12 Most Written Comments on Exams
A number of years ago I went to a Conservatory Canada teacher workshop given by Ontario teacher and examiner Emily Dow. She presented the listening protocol used by examiners and left us with this useful list. I’m sure we’ll all … Continue reading
Posted in Examinations, Piano pedagogy, Practice Tips
Tagged Piano exams, Piano pedagogy, Piano Performance
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A helpful parent
You know the situation. Good, musical student (about 10 years old) – parental involvement (both musicians) – everything should be progressing well, but you still end up saying the same things over and over and over again. Problem: a lack … Continue reading
Please be kind
In at least one piano exam room this spring there will be a candidate who, in her fifties and after a hiatus of 30 years, is taking a piano exam for the first time. She has overcome cultural, linguistic, and … Continue reading
Fall Organization and Goals
As I attempt to get fully organized for the start of the new teaching year, I’m spending way too much time on the computer, reading other blogs, chat groups, surfing, and generally practicing avoidance of what I should be doing. … Continue reading
Posted in Examinations, Piano pedagogy, Technic
Tagged Piano exams, Piano pedagogy, Piano Technique
4 Comments
Keeping the Method Books in their Place
There are an almost overwhelming number of different method books available for teaching the beginning student. Discussion rages in some circles about the pros and cons of each method and its approach to reading; publishers market their own methods with … Continue reading
Posted in Artistry at the Piano, Examinations, Piano pedagogy
Tagged Artistry at the Piano, Piano exams, Piano pedagogy
8 Comments
My Thoughts on Examinations – Part 2
The Royal Conservatory of Music, which has been a Canadian institution for over 100 years, has made its way into the U.S. and other countries. The most recent “brand name” – the Achievement Program – of the American version of … Continue reading
