wrong heading but not sure where to put this - music tuition

[rey]

DS has been having flute lessos now for a year and no mention of even starting to work towards grade 1 even though teacher says one of best pupils ever had. DS enjoys flute and so practices regularly without being told - ever. Anyone out there with similar length of teaching and slow progress towards exams? How long before usually sit first exam?

think anything fits under AIBU but there are quite a few threads on music under education - extra-curricular activities if you don't get a response here, try there maybe

Not quite the same, but DSs first violin teacher didn't believe in the grade exams, and only ever put children forward for them if the parents specifically asked. Have you tried asking the teacher if he "does" exams?

Definitely ask the teacher. I used to do private tuition and only did exams if the child wanted to, never mind the parents, because it's pointless and pressurising otherwise.

Why do you want him to do the exams?

FWIW, I have only done a couple of exams, and didn't take any before Grade 5 as my teacher (and I) preferred a breadth of experience that a conveyer belt exam system doesn't allow for. I now have a degree in music and am a qualified music teacher - grades aren't everything!

Somestimes they skip the first few exams if it seems the pupil is too good for them. Have you asked? It may be the case that your DS will be put in for grade 3 rather than starting at grade one.

My DD learned both trumpet and piano, with trumpet she started on grade 3, with piano, she only took grade two, grade five theory and grade 8. She's doing a music degree now, her teacher felt the exams would slow her progress.

I only ask because other kids are doing or have done exams and so thought why not mine. Couple of kids have also been offered scholarships which I understand helps with the cost of it all. (lessons done through school which practically begs kids to learn an instrument!) I don't mind not doing them or even skipping in due course - especially due to the cost of it all!

Thanks everyone.

When I learned the flute I started at Grade 3 IIRC, so it is likely that her teacher is doing the same.

I started at grade 3 also (flute, too), so maybe that is the plan, but I would definitely talk to her teacher and find out where they are headed and roughly when.

Among other reasons, this means you can make sure she is practicing the right things if she is headed for an exam (like scales - ugh - instead of just playing her favourite pieces over and over again, like I used to )

@victoriabresnick you should probably start a new thread on this and also possibly contact mnhq if you are looking to use mumsnet to help with market research?