I am preparing for my Grade 1 exam. I haven't had to do exams since graduating in 1998 so I am a little nervous! Can you tell me how strict they are when marking?
I have been practicing 3 pieces to play and I can play them so I hit the right notes but forget to go loud and soft in the right places. Will they mind about that as long as I get the right notes and rhythm? I can play going loud and soft but then some of the higher notes don't sound right
My exam isn't till November so I have a lot of time to practice but I would like to know how the exam is marked so I can be fully prepared and not get caught out on the day.
firstly with grade exams it depends a lot on which board is the examining body. I have done trinity college exams i've done 1 through to 5. If you are doing Trinity exams you will need to do the pieces as written if it says forte play forte if it says mp play mezzo piano. The examiners are sticklers for technique and following what is written of course you also need to show your character for the pieces but do not over do it as it is only grade 1.
I would also suggest knowing the scales and arpeggios inside out, also practice your sight reading and ear exercises as they like to put a lot of emphasis on these areas.
I hope this helps
neonG
My Instruments :)
Sankyo - ETUDE inline with NEL
Sankyo - ARTIST PA inline with NEL B foot
Yamaha - YPC32
Yamaha - YPC62
For a grade 1 exam they shouldn't be too strict, but there will be things they will look out for, and you'll be marked accordingly.
All you can do is your best ... prepare as much as possible and give it everything you can and I'm sure you'll be fine. We are usually more critically of ourselves, than others are.
For grade 1, obviously elements such as a decent tone, technique, and use of dynamics are ideal, but as long as you do well in the other components of the exam and show you know the music you should definately pass. Obviously, if you play all the details, you could get a merit or even a distinction
You've done the hard part: now it's the fun part, which is making the music sound as beautiful as possible.
Examiners seem strict, but they normally want you to do well to! Don't stress and good luck
