There seems to be a hidden prestige behind the ABRSM piano graded exams. EVERY piano student wants to FINISH grade 8 in the shortest time possible. Could it be the influence of Singapore's education system?
Now what if a child is underperforming at the weekly piano lesson and in the teacher's professional opinion as well as for the best interest of the child, the teacher makes the decision that the student is not ready to take exam. Often, this decision is faced by parents as if it is the END OF THE WORLD!
Why is the child considered not ready?
1. The progress is much slower than that of his or her average peers.
2. Scales, sightreading, exam pieces are all not proficient.
3. The student is struggling.
4. The student is a slow learner.
5. The student is just not interested in the exam preparation, much to the exasperation of the piano teacher and the parent!
Sure, every parent wants their child to excel. So does every teacher. But what if the child cannot deliver? Is the mental health of the child less important than a paper qualification? So what if he is grade 8 but cannot play a single piece of music outside of his lesson? It is far more important that students gain the skill of MUSICIANSHIP.
I remember that when I was a student, I hated Maths! I struggled. I just don't have the aptitude for Maths. It remains to this day a mystery...and I am very happy to leave it at that. Sure I use maths to work out my bills, my income, but that is about it. Don't ever ask me to be an accountant or work in a bank. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. So when I see some of my students with no aptitude for Music struggle with making sense of those tow gays on the page.....I can empathise with that feeling. No amount of sceaming is going to produce an eureka experience for the student.
So just because the student cannot do exam, then what?
Well, some students take 2 years to prepare for a grade. Some students continue to learn the piano 'for fun'. Some students wait it out....and then when they are ready....they will take an exam that they are confident and ready.
There is no prize for FINISHING grade 8. Who are you competing with anyway? And, neither mommy nor the piano teacher can take the exam for you. You are unique and an individual. Only YOU can decide to learn music, to practise, to enjoy and to create. Music is as fun as you make it out to be.
