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An Overview For The Parent
Grade 8 is generally considered the first of the advanced levels
of piano playing. With it comes extra responsibility in learning
many more scales and related technique, adding an extra piece
into their regular set of pieces practised on a daily basis and
playing pieces that demand tremendous technique and expressive
qualities. Theory can also become much more in-depth if the student
chooses to move on to Grade 9 Piano in the future.
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?
Completing a piano exam and receiving a diploma is a great reward and symbol for all the accomplishments that the student has achieved over the years. It challenges the student to prepare very well for a specific objective; this elevates their playing. Completing Grade 7 and Grade 8 Piano Examinations can earn a student high school credits. And finally, participating in these exams can be a benefit when applying for a job, college, or university, either music related or not, in demonstrating one's character and work ethic.
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
the student better understand how their music is structured and
why it looks the way it does. The result is that their playing
ability increases because their 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. Parent 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 8 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 8 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| ABRSM Jazz Piano Pieces, Grade 4 (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 |
| Materials of Western Music, Part 1 |
textbook and workbook combined in
one covering the following RCM Grade of Theory: Grade
3 Harmony (needed for Grade 9 Piano) |
| The Enjoyment of Music by Joseph Machlis |
textbook covering the following
RCM Grade of Theory: Grade 3 History (needed for Grade
9 Piano) |
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By this advanced stage, you might be requested to purchase additional
books of piano repertoire for your child when deemed important.
It is crucial that at this stage, your child begin a collection
of their own books to create a library.
Practise Time: minimum 1 1/2 hours a day for piano. 2
to 3 hours per week for theory study and homework.
How Do I Know What They Are Supposed To Practise?
Pieces or exercises that are to be practised will be listed in
the student's notebook. Additionally, problem areas that need
to be worked on by the student will also be noted.
How Do I Know What They Are Supposed To Study For Theory?
Theory that is to be completed or studied can be identified in
2 ways: by a theory timetable that the student will have which
details the homework that should be completed on a weekly basis
or by the page number circled and dated in their theory book.
Extras!
- Practise Chart: This keeps track of practise habits since
the student has to check off a spot on the chart after they
practise. Students are rewarded with stars for their weekly
effort. When they complete this grade, they are given a special
prize for their hard work!
- 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.
- Recitals: Held twice a year (early December & early June)
for family & friends, these performances encourage students
to prepare a piece (or pieces) in great detail and by memory.
- Masterclass: At this informal gathering, held twice a year,
a week before the Recital, students play their pieces for each
other, make comments, and ask questions. Often, students feel
uncomfortable and nervous playing in front of others. The Masterclass
is an excellent way for the student to try out their piece(s)
in front of their peers in a less stressed atmosphere.
- Festival: A festival is a music competition where young musicians
gather and perform for a small audience and an adjudicator.
Like the recital, a festival can encourage students to prepare
a piece (or pieces) in great detail and by memory which greatly
improves their playing ability. Two festivals that I often suggest
that my students perform in are Contemporary
Showcase in late November and the Davenport
Festival of Music
in April. Both
these events offer a very relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
- 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.
- ORMTA Auditions: ORMTA stands for the Ontario Registered Music
Teachers' Association. This group organizes auditions where
students develop their performance skills and receive helpful
adjudication. If a student delivers a particularly fine audition,
they will be invited to perform at a Recital and qualify to
win a Scholarship.
- 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...
Your child will move on to Grade 9 Piano as standardized by the
Royal Conservatory of Music. This will be an important grade because
your child will be challenged to elevate their knowledge of music
to match their technical expertise.
» Child Chart
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