Abrsm theory grade 6 or 8

[Greenleave]

Has any of your child took grade 8 theory exam, anyone less than 15 years old? My daughter sat grade 5 three years ago and now would like to sit for another theory exam. She thought of skipping grade 6,7 and jump to grade 8. She will be self studying as both her teachers dont teach theory. Any advice/experience is much appreciated.

Greenleave Many congratulations! In DS's JD, there is musicianship class, one hour each week, mainly teaches music of the different periods, different regions etc. Not only the theory, but music played and explained by experts. Unless a very exam obsessed student, all are suggested to take two years to take G6 after G5. G8 might be another three or more years. As a non-musical parent, no valuable suggestion I can make. I just feel that there is no need to pursue the high grade, especially theory one.

Yes, agreed, she likes it though, she said its very interesting. However without any teacher and no-one to help (plus too many holidays away sine March) then the result was expected. She might not THAT into theory the next few years though

Ds wants to study music at university but because he will be doing a btec rather than A level some places require various theory grades. Our plan is for him to take Grade 5 in the autumn then he will have three years to get to whichever grade he can manage.

He won't take all the exams (they are expensive) , but will work through the stuff. He does a lot of composing and loves finding out about modes and harmoninsing but for hinm the formal grades are a piece of paper he will need.

My DS needed G8 for uni, as didn't have A level, just plodded through past papers and work books and if I recall, did 6,7,8 in consecutive terms, scraping through each one.

Surrey want Grade 5, somewhere else wants Grade 6, and yet another wants either Grade 7 distinction or Grade 8 merit!

Well done to your daughter, that sounds a great result for self-taught in a relatively short amount of time. If she is still enjoying it and wants to keep going I'd suggest she listens to a range of music with scores where she can - you tube and imslp could be useful for that - and keeps working on composition, and see where she gets to.