Autumn Term Music and Musicians Thread

Hello everyone! Thanks to this thread and new teachers for violin and piano since last May, miniprada 9 has been inspired and working hard She got distinctions in Grade 1 piano, violin and theory in the Summer sessions so I had to buy her a Gerbil (long story)

She has just received a merit in Grade 3 theory from the November session (missed distinction by 2 marks) and has both Piano and Violin on the 17th of this month. Not ideal, but she broke a finger playing netball three weeks ago so we had to move the piano exam.

Her marvellous violin teacher encouraged her to try for the NCO with some Grade 3/4 pieces so we are waiting for the results in that but we were both delighted by the experience at the Guildhall really even if nothing comes of it. She has also participated in her first music festival and won two honours certs and a silver medal so I really am amazed by the difference in less than 9 months with supportive and encouraging teachers. Thanks to everyone on this thread for sharing such supportive information, you have revolutionised our music not to mention her confidence.

Onwards to Grade 5 say both teachers so this should help her secondary applications in year6 next year

I've got my G3 piano exam same day as Mini and Baby waffle. I am too old for this! DSs have had one Christmas concert, which was great fun, and two school Christmas concerts to go. No exams for them!

It's lovely to hear everyone's news. Congrats on getting accepted into the colleges, Uhtred. Well - your child...you know what I mean.

Miss 9 is practising hard for the high achievers concert. Also both children working very hard at grade 8 scales. They are both hoping to have them mastered over the holidays - which start in a couple of weeks but end for us at the beginning of January. The Pom in me shall never get used to the long summer holidays being over the Christmas break. Or summer fruits for Christmas lunch! Singing Christmas carols in the park in the sunshine also feels wrong but to my kids it's all normal, of course.

Well done to Uhtred and Raspberry's offspring :)

My daughter has decided to do G1 after all and has picked her pieces.
She's going Arrietta (Clementi), El cant des Ocelles (trad arr. Marshall) and Na krmítku (Eben).

I have no idea when the exam will be.

Well done to him Uhtred

DS passed grade 5 theory. I'm pleased amd relieved - it wasn't easy for him (Dyslexic).

So do I, Helen. I was chaperoning ours on Sunday. Lovely. Lots of gorgeous events to look forward to in Advent!

I'm lucky, I've got a couple of recordings, he had a shot at Radio 2 Young Chorister, and though he didn't get anywhere, I got a copy of his entry CD . (Rutter Pie Jesu). And last Friday I recorded him on my phone rehearsing Ave Maria, as there were no restrictions like the Cathedral.

Rasp do record him. I'm sad I don't have a recording of DS.

We went to hear the big kids sing on Sunday and it was fab. I love advent proscession services.

Thanks everyone. He also did some beautiful solos at a concert on Friday night. I feel quite sad his treble days are limited! Will enjoy this Christmas

raspberry what a great mark. Well done to your DS.

Well done all the DC esp Rasp !
Uhtred does yuour DC know which they favour yet? THe new build at Bham conservatoire is going to be amazing.

DD2 has grade 7 singing on Wed. She appears to have developed the concentration span of a gnat on acid. Hope it gets better before then!

Raspberry what a fantastic result, well done that DS.

G8 this week, diploma next week, band jobs left, right and centre.

Raspberry - amazing result! Well done to him.

Well done to raspberry's DS. DD2 has her exam on December 12. DD1 has her final auditions next Friday.

DS2 has passed his Gold RSCM award with Honours, 142 out of 150. Very proud of him!

Good luck to all in the middle of exams/waiting for results.

Uhtred - well done to your DD! What a lovely position to be in and to go into the final auditions with. Must be super talented and hard working. Good luck for the remainder.

She has RCM and RAM next week (same day, which isn't ideal).

She won't make a decision till after she knows the outcome of those auditions.

Uhtred Now your DS is in the difficult position of having a real choice. It's what we aim for as parents isn't it, to try to keep them in that sweet spot where they have a choice rather than having doors slam shut in their faces. Does she have more auditions to do?

That's lovely news 'Uhtred'. Does she have a preferred option?

DD1 now has an offer from birmingham conservatoire to go with her guildhall offer. Which confirms that the guildhall offer wasn't a fluke, so she is currently very happy. :)

Thanks for the advice Waffle and Shakey

drummersmum DH has G8 piano in the next week or so. He was fine with G7 but has struggled with the repertoire this time. Having said that, he's far from being a natural pianist, his lack of natural talent is offset by sheer hard work. You could start now and aim for the beginning of Y12, no gap as such but no pressure through the spring and summer.

DS is also doing Macbeth. It was a set work for me thirtymumble years ago and as such is lost in the mists of time.

crashing into the thread I have dd1 who is learning violin - gr1 last year think we are skipping 2 and aiming for 3 in the summer
she also had clarinet lessons in school with gr1 booked for 3 weeks time, I say had as she moved schools 2 weeks ago and currently has no teacher so we are prepping 'blind' and hoping for the best.......please tell me it will be ok in the end!
I played cello to gr8 and DH trumpet to gr5, neither of us play any longer.