Good Grade 5 pieces for audition?

[Hardboiled]

Hello, looking for possible PIANO grade 5 standard pieces for scholarship audition... Any thoughts? Thanks!

[PooshTun]

Hi Hardboiled - I suggest that you look for a Grade 6 piece instead of a Grade 5 one. This is of course assuming that it is within your DC's ability.

The reason why I say this is that the piano is perceived as an easier instrument compared to the violin for example. It will vary from school to school but generally scholarship students are expected to be minimum Grade 5 standard violin or Grade 7 standard piano.

Your DC may be a natural and have lots of potential but at Grade 5 he will be playing a piece that will be easier, and therefore less impressive, than what the other kids will be presenting to the scholarship panel.

As for what piece, its a question best thrown at DC's teacher. Different style of playing suits different pieces.

Can I ask if your DC has a 2nd instrument? Scholarship panels like to see a 2nd instrument.

I am of course assuming that you are talking about a 11+ scholarship.

[Hardboiled]

Thanks, yes he has a second instrument also grade 5. He could play a Grade 6 next feb, but his teacher (DH!) wants him to play something at a distinction level rather than something showy at a pass level, IYKWIM. Also, if they don't see his musical potential in the way he plays, then they won't necessarily see it just because he is playing a piece just a grade above, he says. I agree with him. It is true that the standardization of pieces is somewhat vague, so some pieces people say they are 5 others say they are 6... Surely the panel will be listening rather than ruling him out for a grade difference?

[Colleger]

Why oh why is piano perceived to be easier. It is the hardest instrument of them all! I know you're not saying that Poosh but it is so ridiculous. I'm wondering if they require a higher level on piano because more people play it as often strings require a higher grade than wind.

One of the schools we are looking has categorically said that they'd rather have a 140 grade 5 mark than a 103 grade 7 as it would show musicality at the lower level.

What grade is the second instrument and what is it and is this 11+?

[titchy]

Why not look at the G5 syllabus (Trinity and AB, or maybe even Rockschool for something different) for their suggestions. Perhaps not the ones printed together as the teachers will probably be sick to the back teeth.of those, but the other suitable pieces they suggest.

[flussymummy]

I'd personally be going for a piece at a similar level which isn't actually on the Associated Board syllabus just now - it wouldn't be easily identifiable and may show more depth as so many pupils only play grade pieces. I'd be perhaps playing your DS a handful of suitable choices and allowing him to select the one he likes best- enjoying the piece that he's about to spend hours practising might just help!

[CURIOUSMIND]

Try this book :the best of grade 5 Piano by FABER ff MUSIC.

[cubscout]

Also think about what your ds really lieks to play - is it Baroque or Classical or something more modern? My ds plays modern music beautifully - never in a million years would I pick some of the pieces he likes, but I remember once listening to a modern piece he had prepared for an exam and thinking 'wow', I really enjoyed it. Agree is it musicality that is important.

[Hardboiled]

Curious thanks that book sounds good I will def check it out.
Cubscou and flussy, DS loves playing lots, from Chopin to a good jazz piece.we always give him the choice. Someone said recently he has real swing for jazz so maybe that would a good contrast piece!
Colleger I think schools want to fill their orchestras. It is possible to hide an intermediate violin amongst a dozen but the piano is solo in the ring. Unless you can play at that level you're not very useful to them?
Thank you for your opinions.

[pianomama]

I would really ask the teacher. There normally should be 2 contrasting pieces and the ones he can really show off his musicianship skills.

I do agree about not going for harder pieces - DS played a piece for super competitive audition from exam he took over a year ago suggested by his teacher (to my surprise) - and it worked . Teacher knew what they are looking for and knew the best piece DS could show off. He got in with lovely comments .

A lot of kids (young boys especially) find romantic period very challanging musically and emotionally so I would avoid playing Chopin unless he is the exception ..

If he already took the G5 exam - how about playing the pieces he got the best feedback for?

[Hardboiled]

Thank you pianomama, interesting about your son's experience. Re asking his teacher, as I said the teacher is his dad and he doesn't make his living from teaching piano, so we're both new at this and teaming up! No he hasn't yet taken G5, otherwise I think he would be attempting a G6 piece. He has taken G4. We know he will be comfortable with G5 next February as he's been getting distinctions. I have been browsing the web and have found some possibilities.

[morethanpotatoprints]

I agree with flussymummy about staying away from the syllabus and would add that a graded piece isn't necessary as they look for a standard which is comparable to distinction at gr5. Choose a pop tune if you like. I'd be inclined to recommend something familiar, not needing too much preparation, and mostly enjoyable to the child. Oh and pleasant on the ears.