Autumn 2020 music thread

Not sure about performance exams, we would hope to do a grade 6 in the spring so following with interest any experiences.

Hi words and music. No advice but welcome. We're toying with applying to a JD this year but would want to know it was hopefully face to face as otherwise it's a lot of money. Hope you get some other advice.

Hi all. What are you thoughts on the ABRSM performance exams please? (Remotely assessed). DS's piano teacher thinks it won't be taken as seriously so she didn't let DS do it. DS has now got his g4 results back and it was let down by the lower marks on aural test. So for his G5 I think it would be better suited to take the performance exams. What do you think please? Thank you.

Hi there, I'm new to this thread (and to Mumsnet) & I wondered if there were still parents on here with DCs at one of the London JDs? My DD is thinking of auditioning in the spring and although we've done all the research online it would be great to get some first-hand advice.
@PaddingtonPaddington @raspberryrippleicecream @pippa289 @Mickey33 - am I right in thinking you all have DCs at JDs? Thanks!

Oh wow 4 weeks! Ok will forget about it for now 😂

Hi, my DD did the theory exam. It said four weeks to wait. We'll just need to forget about it now.

Has anyone’s teen just done the piano theory exam? G5? There was a lot of admin to read but we think it went ok. Wondering how long it will take to get the result as they need to check the videos?

Hi @thirdfiddle and @horseymum and thanks for the suggestions. Since last posting DC’s teacher has recommended the dip abrsm diploma equivalent on trinity. As all previous exams have been abrsm, I know very little about trinity other than they possibly have a bigger repertoire list.

Dc is 14 if that helps and does feel a little lost since completing g8. Would really like to get dc re-focused on spending the next 2 yrs working on and perfecting this new level. Picking the right next step and board though I imagine will be important....

Hi fiddle, that's brilliant, and even more so with the challenges of the past few months. I have no advice as mine are nowhere near that stage. Depends what they want to do I guess. Whether chamber music, orchestra, explore some solo repertoire, different genres. Must be a huge relief but also maybe feel a bit directionless as exams give a clear focus. So much repertoire is opened up by that stage maybe listen to some music and and choose something to work on. Do some self duets using acapella app, it's quite challenging.

Hi DC recently received g8 results and did really well. Question is, what next? Dc had missed feelings. Felt like a major milestone had been achieved. Do most go on to do a diploma and if so which ? Or should dc take time away to explore other musical styles? Would like to hear your thoughts!!!

Hello. Has anyone requested the remarking of an online music exam recently (Trinity)? Had an email to say it could take 9 weeks! Any positive outcomes? Thanks

Do we assume ABRSM Theory exams at public venues will go ahead next week? Nothing so far from ABRSM, but going ahead seems a little out of step, when so many other activities where ‘unfamiliar’ groups are in public venues together for a period of time are being cancelled...

Mine has been at a specialist school since September, he’s in 6th form. It’s been 100% positive. Music lessons have been a mix of face to face and online. Ensembles are smaller (orchestral brass, octets etc) and no public performances. The school are being brilliant and doing all they can to facilitate playing and performing.

@QueenMabby congratulations to your dd on the distinction!

Thanks thirdfiddle. It was similar to the zoom lessons she had been having. They gave her things to work on between each session and sprung different techniques on her to see how quick she would pick it up. Also tested sightreading, pitch etc... was all quite relaxed really

For those uploading to ABRSM - dd got her results today a mere 11 days after uploading her G5 performance exam so hopefully your wait won’t be too long 3littlerabbits.
DD v chuffed with her distinction (just! Her teacher said the examiner had been very strict) and will start now bringing theory up to speed for the exam in March 2021!

To update, I managed to upload using my phone mobile network eventually. What a nightmare!

Hi all, another newbie! DD grade 5 violin was cancelled in the summer but she did get a place at chethams after a 6 week long online audition. We were expecting her to start September 2021 but have just accepted a place to start January 2021 😀 Does anyone here have any DC attending Chets atm? I am struggling to find any online forums for parents with DC at music school.
She also has her first face to lesson since March tomorrow and is very much looking forward to it.

Sorry to gatecrash but anyone else having difficulties submit abrsm performances? I’ve tried many times and it keeps timing out

Hi everyone! Have popped in and catching up - long time member with name change.

@Ashard20 re: specialist schools, we switched from JD to one this year by happy coincidence. So relieved as DD getting a much more consistent experience than if we'd stayed at JD. Lessons currently 50% online, 50% in person but returning to all face to face and restarting ensembles after half term. Also getting all her specialist academic music in person and additional performance classes etc.

Minisnowball, that must be a challenge doing the exam without a face to face. I know my dds have progressed in many ways with zoom but not I think in tone as that seems harder to pick up on over zoom. It must be so stressful for teachers and musicians, not knowing what the right thing to do is, for them and their pupils. I think it is even harder in schools as they have do little control over the size of room , ventilation etc, whereas when private can have a say in it. I think the lack of ensembles is going to kill the joy of music for many kids unfortunately.