I have started doing classical guitar lessons with DD but you can answer even if you play or teach other instruments! I am teaching her myself. I have never been graded but what I used to play corresponds to at least Grade 8. I am relearning theory which before was at least patchy. I have found the "Discovering Music Theory" books very good and she likes them too. We are still at the beginning so we are not focussing on exams but I have some questions:
- Do you have to follow a curriculum from ABRSM or Trinity or learn instead what suits your current needs and only choose the exam pieces at a point when you want to sit an exam? I have seen parents on here say that their teacher follows the ABRSM or Trinity curriculum so I am confused. What is that curriculum? The exam pieces syllabus?
- If you have learnt Scales & Arpeggios for e.g. Trinity are they accepted by ABRSM if you decide to switch for your next exam and vice versa?
- If much later you practise the Scales & Arpeggios grades 6-8, do they still ask you to play from the grades 1-5 as well?
- Apart from each board's syllabus and regardless of exams, is there any guide or any books as to what makes a piece a specific grade or a list of pieces for each grade?
- Do you need to sit your theoretical exams before your practical?
- If you study Trinity Aural books and CDs is it enough to understand? And would this be enough to sit for ABRSM. Does any of them fully cover the other?
- Are there any CG books used widely nowadays which you would recommend?
- When you go for your exam do you have a chance to sit somewhere and warm up, especially if it's a cold day?
Thanks!