Klarinet Archive - Posting 000557.txt from 1996/12

From: Gary Van Cott <Gary_VanCott@-----.COM>
Subj: Music Grading (was Re: Composer Database Update)
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 17:18:31 -0500

I thought one of our educators would have some comments on this subject. I
hope they will.

I believe that in the US there is a grading system in place that grades
music in 6 levels, 1 through 6. It is my impression that roughly speaking
(at least in terms of clarinet solo music) 1 and 2 are beginner levels, 3
corresponds to junior high, 4 to high school, 5 to advanced high school and
college, 6 to advanced college and professional. (Your mileage may vary.)

Examples of this grading can be found in Norman Heim's books on clarinet
literature and in the music database at http://www.jwpepper.com.

Gary
Las Vegas, NV

Gary_VanCott@-----.com

**********************************************************

Congratulations to Mark Charrette for all your hard work. However, you
have now lost me with your recent posting

>Anyway, to come to the next piece of data I'd like to add to the
>database: a "grade" level to the compositions. Possibly something
like
>H2 for the general ability of a sophomore in High School, U2 for
>undergrad sophomore, and G for graduate level?

Am I the only one on this side of the Atlantic to whom these terms are a
complete mystery - sophomore in High School, undergrad sophomore, etc. I
was holding out, sure someone else would ask first.

>Before I ask for grading, I'd like to get ideas from teachers and
>performers on a usable grading system.

I find grading music using the (British) Associated Board Royal Schools of
Music I - VIII system difficult enough. So please try and keep it simple.

Michael