Preparing for an exam

[princessmoose]

How soon/late do you start the material for an exam? Does it depend on the grade?

Ideas wanted .

[anacrusis]

I think it probably does depend on the grade, and the persistence of the pupil too. I know that my kids' pieces "went off the boil" after a term and a half. (grades 1 and 3 piano) I started learning my fourth piece (for the exam in June) in March when I realised that the material I'd already got under way was not going to be enough - but had started learning the two sonatas in October. I will admit to being a bit distractable! - I'm always doodling around with whatever music comes to hand, even when preparing for exams.

[Steve Hopwood]

A term and a half for grades 1 & 3? Ouch.

My timescale:
Grades 1-5: 3 months max.
Grades 6-7: 6 months max.
Grade 8: 6 - 12 months.

All of these times include roughly a third of the time not practising for the exam. They also assume the candidate practises regularly. If this is so, then a longer time-span indicates they are not actually ready to prepare for the exam.

Steve

[princessmoose]

Don't some people think that the candidate should be able to pass at the time of entry? That's usually at least 2 months before the exam, so add the 3 months or so preparation, it has to be at least 5 months?

Or am I just confusing myself?

[Steve Hopwood]

Some do. I don't - just drags the whole thing out too long.

Mind, if they are ready at entry time then it makes sure there are no scares. ;D

Thing is, if they are ready to do an exam then the prep is easy. It is only a problem if they are being prepared prematurely.

[princessmoose]

Ok, think I'm getting the idea!

The proposed exams I have for Spring and Summer next year are:

Spring:

3 x grade 2 clarinet
2 x grade 4 clarinet
3 x grade 5 clarinet
1 x grade 3 flute
1 x grade 5 flute
2 x grade 5 alto sax
3 x grade 5 theory

Summer:

1 x grade 6 flute
1 x grade 5 clarinet
1 x grade 4 tenor sax
1 x grade 5 tenor sax
3 x grade 5 alto sax
6 x grade 5 theory


Heeeelp me! Never seen so many exam entries of my own!

Thank goodness I have none in November, other than over the hill clarinettist's grade 5 theory .

I think most of them have pieces in mind already, and some have them, but I can change the pieces and they'll be working on other stuff so as not too get bored.

The grade 6 flute is hmm though, going to give her pieces in September, but not necessarily the exam ones, just to get her playing more repertoire at that level. Will probably decide on pieces in February....

[Steve Hopwood]

Another thought is that my time-scale might not be appropriate for you.

I teach kids during school holidays - 30 minute lessons once a week with the flexibility to arrange more if need be. This might make a big difference to the time it takes to prepare for exams.

When she sees this, kflute might be able to give you a better idea given your situation.

You are definitely right about one thing. That is a shed-load of exams ;D ;D ;D

[princessmoose]

Yeah, they rarely practice in the holidays let alone have lessons, and their lessons in school are 20mins.

Lots of exams for me yeah, and I have to accompany them all...yikes! I am going to make a list of all the accomps I have to learn and get cracking!

[annc]

I'm one of those who thinks that the candidate should be pass STANDARD at the time of entry.That doesn't mean we are already doing the piece(s) we are going to do in the exam - no point in those going stale. My candidates learn AT LEAST two songs from each list, as well as other repertoire of a similar standard. We often don't actually choose which songs we will be doing until MUCH nearer the date - but ideally all contenders will be from memory around a month before the exam. ( We usually know what date we are getting because I tie in with the local reps request, then ask the accompanist when he is free. As I usually have 15+ practical candidates the board is usually obliging .) Aural and sight reading are, of course, continually taught anyway.