Grade 5 Theory question

1 exam. My ds is starting to get ready for it as his grade 4 piano is coming up and teacher wants him to do grade 5 practical and theory.

done

Hi Charlotte, this is not the place for surveys.

In theory, the exam boards are equal. That includes ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and Rockschool.

However, Trinity and the others allow for more flexibility than ABRSM, which is rather traditional in outlook. E.g. LCM and Rockschool offer a 'recital exam' which is just playing five pieces, with no scale or aural requirements, although they both offer the traditional exam format as well. ABRSM jazz exams stop at grade 5, LCM jazz continues to grade 8 and I think Trinity jazz does too. And, of course, there are other factors, like having or not having theory requirements to pass the higher grades, or allowing a study instead of scales. In general, the actual pieces are of more or less the same standard (I'm currently teaching myself flute and two of my pieces are set for grade 8 on both ABRSM and LCM syllabi, although for different years) and I have always assumed the expectations were the same although the mark scheme may be different (e.g. ABRSM marks out of 150, others out of 100).

Trinity did guitar grades earlier than abrsm.

It depends on the instrument. For some instruments eg recorder Trinity offered the full range if grades way before abrsm did. And the repertoire in the singing syllabus is nicer

Trinity offer more choices in regards to the aural & theory too. There is some incorporated into each grade via a viva voce section which suits some more than written.

I feel bad that this has taken over OldBeanbagz's thread.

I just assumed Grade 5 might be a place to start - in order for her to get enough she would need mega dance exams, Gold Arts Award & mega Music Theory/singing exams and it's probably not practical

But thanks for all the lovely info

Arts award counts. She could look into one of the Rockschool diplomas or something? It would be practical (singing) plus things like gig promotion etc. which are useful skills to develop? But only if it fits her style.

I think the confusion is that they carry credits on the QCF framework (but only level 3 credits translate to Ucas points)

I

GCSE Music and anything less than Grade 6 do NOT carry UCAS points!!!!!

I would suspect that you would either use points from GCSE music or from the theory test. I would check before you look at getting her to sit it that isn't the case.

DD isn't doing A levels - so if she fails to get funding for the next 2 years, she will apply for a degree course which does take UCAS points. So if she adds her dance points, Music Theory points, maybe singing points & Arts Award points she might just have enough maybe

But it's worth thinking about

Does anyone really look at UCAS points? Because... I mean... I'm nearly 30 but technically young enough that they used the points system... only they still only looked at your best 3 A-level scores.

If you don't want to do theory, the other options are jazz syllabus (piano, winds, brass), general musicianship exams, or using an exam board that doesn't require theory as a prerequisite for higher exams.

If she plays a relevant instrument, she can do jazz grade 5 instead of theory or practical musicianship. Without checking the list, I know piano, flute, clarinet and saxophone are available, probably others.

It's really worth doing Grade 5 theory, though, and not very hard for someone who has is at that practical level and who has been taught properly - with theory integrated into the instrumental lessons.

She doesn't do grades but if she doesn't get in this year she might have to.....but she might need all the points she can get

Ah well fingers crossed she will get funding this year

Music theory grades carry far less UCAS points than practical KatyMac.
If your DD has done GCSE Music but doesn't play an instrument presumably she sings? Does she take grades?
IF you need the points, a G6 practical pass carries 25, whereas a G6 theory pass only 5 UCAS points.

You don't get UCAS points for Grade 5 anything, only Grade 6 and higher.

In the "old days" grade 5 theory & practical used to he able to be used instead of GCSE music.

It's still a level 2 qualification so Uncas points are only really relevant at level 3

She has her music already - but she might need UCAS points

Absolutely worth doing grade 5 theory to support GCSE music if you are taking it. I believe UCAS points are allocated too but not many places actuallycount them up like this now.

Sorry small hijack

How does Grade 5 Theory compare to GCSE music - is it worth doing both if you don't play an instrument?