 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Flickerstaffe
Date: 2006-07-27 10:05
Hi All!
I've just started learning the clarinet (at age 21) and it's been suggested that I think about doing the grade exams. Could you please explain what actually happens step by step in a grade exam (say, grade 1)?
I've heard that theres something to do with singing, and I really REALLY can't sing.
I'm so glad I found this board - the other topics have already answered loads of questions for me!
Thanks in advance for the help!
Flickerstaffe
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-07-27 10:56
You can get the details from http://www.abrsm.org. There are one or two other boards as well, but ABRSM are the best known.
Each ABRSM exam, from grade 1 to grade 8, has the same structure: two pieces with piano, one unaccompanied piece or study, scales, sight reading, and the dreaded aural test. At the higher grades there may be alternatives to the aural, but just as scary. To do the exams after grade 5, the ABRSM insist that you pass grade 5 theory - not all other boards have this rather silly rule.
The ABRSM syllabuses are an excellent guide to the sort of pieces you should be studying as you progress. I'm not convinced that taking the exams is of much use in itself. They may be a good motivator for some kids. They provide a means by which a teacher can measure his success, which is of limited benefit to the pupil. They concentrate too much on playing solos, whereas for most of us our only performance opportunities are in a band.
It is also possible to do a performance assessment, which is like an exam but without the scales, sight-reading and aural. You might find this more useful, and less frightening.
I can't sing either. Hey, if we could sing, we could save money on instruments and just join a choir.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Flickerstaffe
Date: 2006-07-27 11:13
Thanks very much for the reply!
I agree completely!
I like the sound of the performance assessment though... if I have to do something, that sounds more like it. Out of interest, what is the purpose of the aural?
I suppose they want you to prove that you're a rounded performer... but because I can't sing, I'm not really that rounded!
Flickerstaffe :o)
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-07-27 11:36
It is possible to avoid aural tests by doing the new Trinity Guildhall exams, which start next year as a merger between the old Trinity exams (very similar to ABRSM) and the old Guildhall exams (which were quite a lot different).
Trinity also offer something called the First Concert Certificate, which is actually what I was thinking of when I referred to the performance assessment. The ABRSM performance assessment allows a free choice of repertoire, and isn't at any particular grade, whereas the First Concert Certificate is at grade 5/6 and is on set pieces. Unfortunately the First Concert Certificate is being dropped.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: D
Date: 2006-07-27 17:38
Don't worry overly much about the singing. It is possible to pass even if you basically fail that section......I know. I've done it several times! You just have to get enough marks on everything else and you'll be fine. ABRSM have their own forums on their web site. Last time I tried to join they weren't accepting any new members, but they might be now. Also it is still allowed to read everyone elses posts and some of them are very interesting. There is an adult learners section which you may find to be of particular use.
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Author: Flickerstaffe
Date: 2006-07-27 20:38
Thanks very much for your help - it really is appreciated! I was looking at this from entirely the wrong angle... nice to know that it's not as awful as it all sounds! I will definitely look at the different options, and research a bit before my tutor makes any decisions for me.
Thanks!
Flickerstaffe :o)
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-07-27 21:45
As David said, the ABRSM website really is the best place for you. They're a very friendly bunch and there are sections for teachers, students, adults, brass, woodwind etc, but everyone is welcome to ask questions wherever they want. It's tightly moderated - some children post - so a very safe place.
Steve
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