what level am I??

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 8:21 pm

I kno people have been asking this, but i would like
to kno. I can play E flat,b flat, d, g, f, and a major scales, and the chromatic
scale up to b flat 4.I can play the chromatic scale in 9 seconds in one breath
(going up) and 9 seconds going down (one breath). i have played for two years
and i have private lessons.. thanks

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 9:10 pm

Same topic in a different thread and one that
definetly needs some difinitive clearification in the US. Maybe this will come
from the NFA, possibly starting at the current convention. Personal opinion, one
should play all major scales from memory at least one octive to become an
intermediate (middle three levels). And probably 2 octives by the time they hit
level 5 (on a scale to 10). But you could be a level 3 in one respect lacking
one area and a 5 in another area of strength. Again lifting from something I
read and saved for my own reference. Level 6. Intermediate - Low C to B3 - Key
sigs: 6#s & 6bs - sightreading good in enemble settings - septuplet groupings,
groups of 8, 9, and 12. - simple and compound meter changes - multiple tonguing
refined and "in style" for piece - ornamentation symbols understood - basic
extended techniques freely used (flutter/overblown harmonics/whistle tones etc.)
- Tone development incorperates more and more tone colours - comfortable
sight-reading many musical details in solo pieces - comfortable playing with
piano as equal partner Do these sound like skills you have learned? Two years
playing is likely 3-5 level is my guess. Again I am no expert, just throwing out
information I have read and would gladly have people with more knowledge correct
or enhance what I have said.

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 9:23 pm

b flat 4 not familiar with the fingering for that. At
least not unless we are talking piccolo. Must draw dogs from everywhere.

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Fri Aug 08, 2003 2:50 pm

sorry, i meant b3.. i kno all the scales i know from
memory..., plus i know the fingerings for the whole chromatic scale, but i cant
play the last note... the chromatic scale i know from memory too..i can play all
my scales in one breath... i had lessons for 3 weeks so far [;)]

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Fri Aug 08, 2003 9:24 pm

You know about half of the major scales. Is that two
octaves? Do you play both octaves and the arpeggios in 9 sec? That is moving
.....[:0] What kind of pieces are you playing. What book does your teacher have
you working in? Two years of playing but only 3 weeks of lessons? Not enough
information the computer in my brain says. Where do you think you are? How old
are you? What chair in what band and grade are you in? Wait I am channeling
someone that has heard you play. You are level 4. Yea that's the ticket.[;)]
[:devil:] [;)] Too bad the knowledgable people here aren't foolish enough to
voice an opinion on so little second hand information. Just one big Fool, I may
be totally wrong but......[:p]

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 4:11 pm

I don't get it, (channeling someone that has heard u
play??)... my teacher did not assign me a book yet, she is stilll trying to find
my ability level... ( if i kno the scales, fingerings, sightreading..

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 4:12 pm

o, yeah, i am going to 7th grade, i did not have
chair seatings in 6th grade... i am going to in 7th grade tho... i am currently
working on valse gracieuse

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Sat Aug 09, 2003 6:10 pm

I don't get it, (channeling someone that has heard u
play??)... Its called humor, bad humor in my case but an attempt just the same.
Having not heard you play one must rely on psychic ability to give an accurate
answer. If your teacher who has heard you play doesn't know what level you are
(a questionable situation) how can anyone here based on a few things you posted
give you the right answer. My recommendation is if you haven't worked through
any instruction books and are in the 6th or 7th grade you should definetly start
with the beginners book. Rubank is as good as any better than most. At worst you
will work through it quickly and solidify your base. The book is only about
$6.95 so it won't break you to get. Good chance your teacher will start with
the Intermediate since you have played for awhile and know many of the basics.
Most likely you are in the transition phase from beginner to intermediate.
Whatever you want to label it. No one is really a 4 or 2 or a 6. All players
have mastered some portion and are lacking in others. Plus there is no
definitive written in stone definition of what is a 4 or what is an Advanced
intermediate. They are all relative and very very subjective. It sounds like you
are still a beginner but starting to learn things that will help you become an
intermediate. As long as you are progressing and have a good teacher to guide
you, what level anyone including me thinks you are is irrelevant. Most music
played in Grade 6 or 7 band is level 1 or 2, beginner stuff. Even very good
Middle school bands rarely play above a level 3 (advance beginner) music. So
don't worry about what level you are and find some fun music to play with your
teacher or band directors help and keep practicing what your teacher gives you
to work on. And memorize your 12 major scales. Enjoy don't label[:bigsmile:]

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Sun Aug 10, 2003 10:14 pm

lol.. i meant that i don't get your
humor[:bigsmile:]