Is it possible? 2 grades in 18 months on violin

[Dietsmakemeangry]

Do you think it is realistic to try and prepare a grade 3 reasonably musical child to pass grade 5 exam in violin (while skipping grade 4 in the process)? DS is good at sight reading (his strongest skill), but need to get to grade 5 distinction in order to try for a scholarship at his preferred secondary school.

It doesn't look like asking a proof of any exam pass...? They seem to select scholars purely based on the performance at the audition.

Is this the school you are looking at ? I think it's sad that they want proof of having taken the exam as they will miss talented children ( or children with potential) who haven't taken the exam yet. I'm not surprised though tbh Ds goes to state school but plays in the NCO with lots of children on music scholarships . Certainly amongst some instruments at least it's common to have taken lots of exams (and I'm guessing that that's partly why ) . Gilly is right though music schools, jds and also NCO and NYO don't care about exams just playing standard. I'm guessing wanting the certificates is also an admin thing to make the decisions about who they ask for audition easier . It sounds like this particular school is aiming very high ( because they can) especially the comments about choir singing - Ds loves singing but only discovered this once at high school ( though maybe that's just because I live in my rural bubble !!)

Crossed post Kutik I think you might be right - maybe it's worth a phone call to ask if a letter from the teacher will suffice ?

I think that it’s interesting that a grade they are looking for is relatively low for a 13+ Entry, but sounds like they actually want to see a proof that a candidate is capable of distinction? (It’s a school I am considering from 13+, but at this stage we will be applying for day schools).

Oh ok so for 13 plus that would seem reasonable and in line with what schools ask for around here , though I would imagine that the playing standard of many applying will be higher !?! With all schools offering music scholarships o would also go and investigate thoroughly watch a concert etc.

Some schools just list relatively lower exam grade as a guideline in order to keep the door open to real potential/talented ones, as musically very well aware schools know not all talented DCs take exams or rush to take higher grade. So very often they end up choosing those who may appear to have no or lower grade on paper but actually a strong musician much closer to higher grades.

Yes, I am sure most scholars are expected to be distinction material but I would be quite surprised if they actually want a proof of grade X certificate. Having said that I do know a few excellent schools who won't audition anyone lower than certain grade (I think G6 ) but it is rare from what I found while I was researching for DS.

If I were you I would just ring the school. You get much more authentic and helpful information this way.

From my experience, it is state schools with music scholarship places who seem to expect 'certificate' more rather than (good, reputable and academic) independent schools. And I do think it's because of the finance provision for the selection as it makes easier for them to draw a line with less admin (so less cost).

Another vote for new teacher! I'd be looking at the teachers lists in the conservatoire junior depts and set your DC up with a couple of consultation lessons. At £60ph - even in K&C - sounds like your current teacher is swinging the lead a bit. Good luck

They are going to be excluding some of the most talented musicians if they insist on this. Internationally grades tend not to be taken & children who are taught by teachers who have come from abroad often don’t do grades. These are often highly talented young people who have sought out top teachers due to their gift.

It’s the same in ballet. My daughter’s school asks for no grades at age 10/11. They go on the audition alone. For 6th form Intermediate standard is expected as a minimum but many have not actually taken the exam especially those from Russian/Vaganova methods etc.

I would contact schools you are interested & explain that your child’s teacher doesn’t really focus on exams & does she have to have the certificate or just be playing at that level.

And £60 per hour is ridiculous. For that I’d expect an internationally renowned teacher such as teaches at the Conservatoires & aglittering cateer begins them.

Dh charges that to coach professional, working singers or graduates.

Alexander, I agree, but we started with her at an early age with 20 min lessons, which was sort of reasonable at 20 pounds each at our house. But as he progressed, he needed longer lessons so the fees had increased too at a rate of 1 pound per minute.

My son went straight in at ABRSM grade 4 at age 12 on violin after 2 years of playing and got a distinction.

It's definitely possible.

Oh yes it's definitely possible Ds got grade 5 distinction after 18 months of 1-1 lessons at school ( so very short- but cheap lessons ) but that's not the norm and I wouldn't have thought you needed to be like Ds to get a music scholarship . And in some ways he's not what they would be looking for - for him as I said earlier it really is all about the trumpet and he only discovered piano and singing later ( and really because he currently has his eye on studying music later on)