Music exam dates-how to solve this?

[April2003]

DS was encouraged to take music theory exam this term by his school music teacher based on his recent mock test result, but his private instrumental teacher who has been teaching him, was upset as she
wanted him to take the exam next term. DS was keen to do the exam this term himself, especially He could prepare with his friends. As a parent, what could I do to solve the conflict ? Many thanks for your advice in advance!

For what reasons is the private instrumental teacher 'upset'?

The theory exams are not quite the same as school testing so perhaps there are some areas in which he may not yet be excelling and the private teacher is aware of these.

All very well to scrape a pass, but better for the development of the whole musician to fully understand and appreciate the theoretical concepts studied.

If it is anything other than grade 5 theory, does he need to sit an exam at all? And if he delays taking grade 5 theory by a term, it shouldn't affect any practical performance exams unless he wants to take a grade 6 this term.

If he's ready he should do it this term, if he's not, then next term - simple as that really! Is he ready?

If not then maybe he should do G4 this term? Assuming you're talking G5 in order to do G6 practical, and he isn't planning 6 practical before Christmas.

The school has hopefully given him a past theory paper, for which clear model answers and marks schemes are available. If he did well in that (maybe > 75 - I think the pass is 66) then why not let him get on with it? If it does not work out he can have another go later. The exam is in mid June so there is plenty of time to get and practice past papers. You might reconsider if he has a pile of other public exams on this term though - that would be a good reason to delay.