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An Overview For The Mature Student
Grade 4 will see you attempt an examination, if you so desire.
This can sometimes be seen as a very awkward event for an adult
student because it is easy to view it as something for children.
But to the contrary, completing a piano exam can greatly elevate
your playing ability and it can give you formal accreditation
for all your efforts. If you do attempt an exam, preparation will
be key since I do not allow a student to go for an exam unless
they are completely comfortable with all the requirements.
What Does It Mean To Be In A Grade Of Piano?
Earning a certain grade of piano means that a student has attained
a certain level of technical prowess, expressiveness and musical
knowledge in their playing. One organization that sets such standards
is The Royal Conservatory
of Music. The RCM is a respected institution
of music here in Canada in existence for over a century. Over
the years, they have created a grading system for a variety of
instruments including the piano. Having Grades from 1 to 10, they
have a Syllabus which lists the requirements needed to complete
each grade. Of course, as a student completes each grade, they
will notice the material gradually getting more difficult.
How Does A Student Complete A Grade Of Piano?
Many teachers have different systems of determining when a student
is ready to go on to another grade. I have successfully used a
set of requirements that when achieved, has seen my students master
the various elements needed to move on to another grade. This
includes being able to play a certain number of pieces from the
graded repertoire, master a list of scales and related technique,
and complete some finger exercises. If a student chooses to take
an examination conducted by The Royal Conservatory
of Music, they
can do so at one of three times a year: January, June or August.
Why Should A Student Take A Piano Exam?
Getting ready for a piano exam challenges you to prepare in great detail for a specific objective, which in turn elevates your playing. As well, completing an exam means that you will receive constructive and unbiased criticism from another credible individual, which again will assist your development as a pianist.
Lesson Time: 45 minutes per week
Books: To be supplied by the teacher. Student will reimburse
teacher at a later date.
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| Brown Scale Book |
a technique reference for the student,
detailing finger patterns and notes for all the keys;
can be used for Grade 1 to 10 |
Hanon Finger Exercise Book
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exercises that develop finger strength
and speed; usually used for Grade 1 to 4 |
| RCM Repertoire Album, Grade 4 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 4 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| Alfred's Jazz/Rock Course, Level 4 (optional) |
book which focuses on the fundamentals
of playing popular music including technique and improvisation |
| Fundamentals of Piano Theory, Level 3 |
written exercises to reinforce
principles encountered in performance |
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Practise Time: minimum 40 to 45 minutes a day. Practising
a bit of everything rather than focussing on one piece or exercise
is very important.
Extras!
- Listen & Watch: Students will be given the opportunity
to borrow recordings that will enrich their understanding and
love for music.
- Ear Training & Sight Reading: Exercises to develop a student's
ear, these activities will be conducted occasionally within
a lesson.
- Composition: Using a step by step approach to help nurture
musical ideas and learn how to map them out on paper. Additional
book(s) may be required.
- Extra Pieces: Students will have an opportunity to pick extra
pieces to play which they enjoy and are of their level of difficulty.
- Adult Student "Get Together": These informal gatherings
held four times a year offers adult students the opportunity
to perform among peers and/or enjoy discussions on issues related
to their studies.
- Adult Student Recital: Held twice a year for family & friends, the adult-only recital gives students opportunities to share their music in a more formal setting.
- Duets & Ensembles: One of the many joys of playing the piano is to play with other musicians. Frank welcomes the opportunity to coach students in their duet, accompanying, or band projects.
- Mock Examination: A student is given an opportunity to see how well they have completed the requirements for a specific grade. Conducted by Frank one month before the actual exam, this will be useful for a student in their exam preparation.
In The Future...
You will move on to Grade 5 Piano as standardized by the Royal
Conservatory of Music. Once again in that Grade, it will be recommended
that you increase your lesson time to 1 hour/week so you can further
explore Theory, especially if you plan on taking exams. Playing
wise, you will be challenged with more requirements of scales
to advance your technique.
» Adult Chart
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