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An Overview For The Mature Student
By this stage, you are beginning to develop your own independent
music philosophies based on years of study. If you wish to continue
broadening your musical horizons, you will be faced with many
challenges. But at the same time as continuing your studies, you
are more than ready to begin reaping the rewards of your many
hard years of study and practise. This includes starting to perform
professionally in public and even begin a teaching career. Theory
will continue to be very important if you have plans to advance
in any future music studies.
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.
“I'm interested in teaching piano”…
The RCM offers three levels of Pedagogy Certificates: Elementary (grade 9), Intermediate (grade 10), and Advanced (ARCT). At the Grade 10 level, completion of the Intermediate Certificate would accredit you to teach students up to the Grade 6 level. This course of study would consist of the following:
- Part 1: a practical component featuring repertoire, technique and ear & sight, a standard practical exam. (January, June, or August)
- Part 2: Viva Voce, a practical/oral exam putting fundamental teaching principles into action. (January, June, or August)
- Part 3: Written Examination, involving more teaching principles. (May, August, December)
These three parts do not have to be completed all in one session.
Pre-requisites for the Intermediate Certificate include the full
completion of the Elementary Certificate and Grade 9 Piano.
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 1/2 hour/week total - 1 hour 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 |
| Essential Finger Exercises by Ernesto Dohnanyi |
exercises that develop finger strength,
co-ordination and speed; usually used for Grade 10
& ARCT |
| RCM Repertoire Album, Grade 10 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 10 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| Elements of 18th Century Counterpoint |
textbook and workbook combined
in one covering the following RCM Grade of Theory:
Grade 4 Counterpoint (needed for ARCT Piano) |
| Materials of Western of Music, Part 3 |
textbook and workbook combined
in one covering the following RCM Grade of Theory:
Grade 5 Harmony (needed for ARCT Piano) |
The Well Tempered Keyboard Teacher
by Uszler, Gordon, and
McBride Smith |
a textbook delving into fundamental
concepts and principles important for a teacher of
piano. |
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By this advanced stage, you might be requested to purchase additional
books of piano repertoire when deemed important. It is crucial
that at this stage, you begin a collection of your own books to
create a library.
Practise Time: minimum 2 hours a day for piano. 3 to 4
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...
If you are not planning a career in music and are very busy with
other life commitments, you might want to consider this as your
last Grade of piano. But if you feel that music is a viable career
option for you or proceeding to another level would be very self-fulfilling,
you can move on to the ARCT level of study; either focussing on
Performer's elements or Teacher's elements.
» Adult Chart
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