Spring 21 virtual music thread

Well done Paddington, we've done the first video of five for JD audition ( 2 pieces on first study, one on second, scales and interview, all separate. Thankfully they are separate as it means we can redo bits. First go did not go well, it's going to be a long week!!

DDs piano performance exam submitted. Managed to do it all from my iPad so actually was easier than expected.

Any idea from the Boris announcement what this means for music lessons? I’m assuming if they are in school they will be face to face but not sure about outside school.

We are just going to be entering an usually busy ( for covid!) week where between 3 DC's we have 3 festival recordings, one grade 6 piano performance and one JD audition to video! Thankfully there is overlap and we can use some of the same pieces. We got our dates for submission in an email when we applied, maybe you can find that ( even if deleted?). Just got the copy of dds reference from her teacher and its lovely, we've never had a written report as he is a private teacher and in normal times I see him every week. We'll be sad to lose him for her teacher if she gets in. If she doesn't, we'll probably need a new teacher anyway as he isn't a specialist in her instrument and had recommended a change now anyway.

We’re in piano performance exam recording week. From a previous posters advice I’ve got DD recording at least one a day then she can pick which one to submit tomorrow. I thought the performance exam would be easier but DD is being such a perfectionist nothing appears good enough. It’s her second instrument so there is no pressure just what she puts on herself. Will be glad when it’s submitted.

Hello all! @teachocolate @horseymum we are also applying to JD this year. Currently in audition video hell, but maybe getting there! Anyone know when the cut off date for RWCMD is? I've lost my notes and can't remember... going to have to ring them back and fess up, aren't I... (notes online say September which can't be right!)

@horseymum I am glad to hear from other parent whose DC is applying for JD this year. Some of DD’s friends left JD after COVID. I am glad that Primary Academy manages online lessons well and they are very supportive but of course online lessons cannot be compared with in person ones. I was thinking to wait for another year to audition but DD strongly wishes to continue JD, so we are applying. I really hope we can return in person lessons every week from September.

We are also applying for JD just now, mainly for the ensemble opportunities so will be gutted if it's online next year. However, at the open day, it seems they have managed it quite well, not sure if there was a fee reduction.

@Trumpetdad Thank you very much for the detailed information. That’s interesting. Orchestra was cancelled at Primary Academy but it seems choir works well.

Anyway I am glad to hear that Junior Guildhall works well during the lockdown.

@teachocolate Yes - all lessons online including for orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups.

I understand choirs have been the hardest hit in terms of online provision. The orchestras/ensembles have sort of worked out, though obviously not the same as playing together. They’ve also kept the performance assessments going, with piano accompaniment pre-recorded.

Fees discounted by 10% if they were unable to provide any onsite activity. In theory, those who were able to go in had a slightly higher fee. They are still having to pay for buildings and staff, so I understand their challenges.

@Trumpetdad Thank you very much for your comment. It’s right but sad... Do you have online lessons and do you get any fee discount because of the cancellation? At Primary Academy, main orchestra was cancelled too but they still teach ensembles. I appreciate they are trying hard to work hard to provide online lessons as much as possible but what we can do via online is limited. I hope we can have better summer term.

No in-person lessons at all at Junior Guildhall

They had some half day sessions arranged for the main bands / orchestras, but most had to be cancelled because of the various lockdowns.

Sad but it was the right thing to do.

Hello, my DD1 is Year 7 at RAM Primary and she is auditioning RCM, RAM and Guidhall Junior this year.
At the last term, she could go to RAM only once a month. I am wondering how other London JDs worked during the last term. Were there in person lesson every week or just a month like RAM?

Thanks- that’s the issue with hers. I feel like it is difficult for her to play and doesn’t have a good sound. She will have been playing for 2 years so I’m happy to replace it really. It seems like wood may not be the best option though. My budget would be up to £400 for it to take her through to G6 level or thereabouts..

@Alakazam8 my daughter started on my old Buffet B12 clarinet when she was 8. She's 10 now and grade 4. It has a lovely sound so after the initial squawky few weeks or months it was very rewarding and pleasurable to play. If you can afford to upgrade I think you'll be glad you did! She has just started a second instrument in lockdown which is on hire from the music centre. It's a pretty cheap starter model and the sound/ tone is not great. If she wants to keep going I'll look into an upgrade very soon.

@Alakazam8 here is (USA) parent friendly article on the questions to think about - but do talk to your teacher (sure you are) as grades alone don’t mean so much - being 6 or 16 def does. . Being able to look after a wooden clarinet is def a must. Also dd and co have generally made another big upgrade as they hit g8 but they are all playing a lot. jennyclarinet.com/2018/01/upgrading-plastic-wood-clarinets-guide-band-parents/

Hi rattling i would second what horseymum said.
Practice is really key. That and reliability, im sure my kids have been chosen for various opportunities not because they were "the best" but because they could be relied upon to turn up well prepared and on time.

@Alakazam8 If the current one is not good it may be better to upgrade to a Buffet B12 or a plastic Yahama (sorry not au fait with good student Yamaha model names) rather than go straight to wood then. They would certainly get your daughter to G6-7 and maybe higher.

Hi rattling, don't underestimate the value of solidly practising over what you perceive to be naturally musical. My DD2 is probably the least naturally musical of my three but has made the most progress through practice and determination. I hope they find some groups to join as that definitely helps motivation. Although my ds just enjoys piano as relaxation and a break from studying.

Thanks for advice. Will look at reeds and other changes first then- perhaps dd could manage although I was told when I took it in for servicing that ‘it’s not a good one is it-have you thought about a new one?’ . I didn’t buy/choose it originally...

@Purpletomato thank you that's exactly what I did. I was in a complete panic by the time I'd posted on here!

Occasionally post in here. My DD is now at a US Conservatory, and I'm happy to supply info on the US process to anyone who's interested.

I have been lurking on these threads for years, since my twin boys were selecting instruments at the end of P2. They went for drums and flute, now both working to grade 5 age 11. I started taking them to music classes as toddlers to kill time at the weekend (didn't cope well with young twins!) as DH usually worked, and just never stopped. They've never shown much musical talent, but have solidly stuck to practicing and have managed merits in all exams so far. The High School they will start this year has a few musical options, hopefully they will be available to join as I think that might help with enthusiasm. Or they will hit their teens and quit. I do enjoy reading about your properly musical children. Though relieved we're not heading that way when some costs are mentioned!