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An Overview For The Mature Student
As you now enter the higher grades of piano, you will notice
your commitment and practise time increasing due to the complexity
of the material that you are playing. Due to this increased commitment
coupled with your other responsibilities in life, practise time
is going to be hard to come by. Therefore organizing a practise
schedule so you can complete all your activities is important.
A continuing study of theory and completion of an exam will assist
you in understanding the music you play.
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.
Why Should A Student Take A Theory Exam?
Apart from the obvious reason that you need the co-requisite in
order to gain your piano diploma, a separate study of theory helps
you better understand how the music you play is structured and
why it looks the way it does. The result is that your playing
ability increases because your comprehension level of music has
been expanded.
Lesson Time: 1 1/4 hour/week total - 45 minutes per week
for piano, 1/2 hour per week for theory
Books: To be supplied by the teacher. Student will reimburse
teacher at a later date.
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| Student Notebook |
used to organize the student since
there are so many components that they will have to
remember to practise and study |
| 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 |
| 60 Progressive Etudes by Joseph Pischna |
exercises that develop finger strength,
co-ordination and speed; usually used for Grade 5
to 9 |
| RCM Repertoire Album, Grade 7 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 7 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| ABRSM Jazz Piano Pieces, Grade 3 (optional) |
book which focuses on the fundamentals
of playing jazz music including technique and improvisation |
| Chord Book (optional) |
a useful reference to assist in
playing jazz and/or pop music |
| Elementary Rudiments of Music |
textbook and workbook combined
in one covering the following RCM Grades of Theory:
Preliminary Rudiments (with Grade 5 Piano), Grade
1 Theory (with Grade 6 Piano), Grade 2 Theory (with
Grade 7 Piano) |
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Practise Time: minimum 1 hour a day for piano. 1 to 2
hours per week for theory study and homework.
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
the 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 8 Piano as standardized by the Royal
Conservatory of Music. Grade 8 is generally considered the first
grade where a student is given the label of being an "advanced"
player; a label that comes with much more playing time and commitment.
For this reason, it will be suggested that you receive a little
more lesson time on a weekly basis.
» Adult Chart
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