This thread is meant not just for adults, but also for children. To what extent do you find taking piano exams a stressful experience? Or do you feel motivated to go for it as the outcome is rewarding?
My son is in P2 this year. He takes piano lessons at home, now Grade 1. Is it advisable to take piano exam every year?
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Susan, exams shouldn't be the primary goal his lessons should revolve around. Building passion/interest should take priority. Exams kinda by-the-way. And I'm not advocating totally no exams either... See More Susan, exams shouldn't be the primary goal his lessons should revolve around. Building passion/interest should take priority. Exams kinda by-the-way. And I'm not advocating totally no exams either - definitely got plus points to take exams. ? |
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Thanks Mabel. I'm the typical parent who sees other kids seemingly learning so fast, and I'm worried my son is "losing out". Hard to shake this kiasu-ism. So, I'm struggling within. |
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I agree fully that what counts most is to develop passion. With a capital P. In fact, most of the best pianists are self-taught! So this website says:... See More I agree fully that what counts most is to develop passion. With a capital P. In fact, most of the best pianists are self-taught! So this website says: https://pianologist.com/our-thoughts/self-taught/ And there are examples of pianists with little to no formal training who play professionally. Take for example: https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/07/the-self-taught-french-pianist-who... |
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Gavin, I visited the 1st link you wrote. Thought it was a bold statement by just one person. While there are examples of good pianists who are self taught, I would be interested to know the % of... See More Gavin, I visited the 1st link you wrote. Thought it was a bold statement by just one person. While there are examples of good pianists who are self taught, I would be interested to know the % of good pianists from the group who are self taught. That said, I don't expect my son to be the best pianist (although it's a bonus if he can), but I would want him to enjoy and progress positively. ? |
How important are graded piano exams?
Feel free to discuss and debate
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Indeed a very interesting topic! |
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Theng Beng, are your kids learning the piano currently? |
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Yong Meng's article has rightly pointed out the downsides of exam-oriented learning (weak sight-reading, limited repertoire and loss of interest which was also mentioned by Theng Beng). But as... See More Yong Meng's article has rightly pointed out the downsides of exam-oriented learning (weak sight-reading, limited repertoire and loss of interest which was also mentioned by Theng Beng). But as Zensen said in the first comment, it ultimately boils down to the learner's objectives or purposes. In defence of exams, these graded assessments are a tangible measure of one's progress, for the learner and for the parent. They are also a source of external motivation, which I believe, has its place alongside intrinsic motivation. Some kids may want to learn certain songs they like very much (e.g. from movies), but because they are unaware of the hard work and commitment needed to master the song, they may also give up eventually. Hence, being "forced" to learn something may not be as bad as it sounds. The practical purposes would be, as Yong Meng mentioned, entry into MEP in schools or DSA, although an audition may also be held. Moreover, if a learner aspires to become a piano teacher, they would need to attain certification. A qualification from an established institution would enable employers to hire in a fair and objective way. If not, piano teachers would likely need to rely on personal connections or word-of-mouth recommendations. |
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I am currently try to 'influence' my eldest daughter who is 10years old to pickup piano. I think she got good height, fingers are Long enough and still flexible. She currently still prefer guitar... See More I am currently try to 'influence' my eldest daughter who is 10years old to pickup piano. I think she got good height, fingers are Long enough and still flexible. She currently still prefer guitar over piano. I always believe piano is the fundamental basic of all musical instruments. Once you knew piano then you could pick up and learn other musical instruments. |
Maybe I progress at the right pace, so I didn't find it that stressful. Exams are definitely useful, and still has its place in the education system. Some of us don't progress if there isn't any... See More
Maybe I progress at the right pace, so I didn't find it that stressful. Exams are definitely useful, and still has its place in the education system. Some of us don't progress if there isn't any exam at all.