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Piano Teachers: Are Piano Exams Good Or Bad?

by Tim Topham

Piano exams can be a controversial topic. Some teachers see exams as the best way to teach, whereas others want to stay clear of the 'exam express'. Join us as we outline 5 pros and 5 cons of piano exams.

01/30/2023 Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Piano Exam Syllabuses: Which One Is Best for Your Students?

by Sean Wales

Piano Exam Syllabuses There is an abundance of piano exam syllabuses out there. It can be confusing and overwhelming when choosing which exam your students should sit. The language is hard to understand and it’s difficult to get your head around all of the various requirements, especially when you have multiple students sitting different exams. ... The Ultimate Guide to Piano Exam Syllabuses: Which One Is Best for Your Students?

04/26/2017 Read more

First experience: ANZCA Modern Piano v. AMEB Piano for Leisure

by Tim Topham

Many of you will have read last month’s post about my experience using Trinity College Exams; now I thought it appropriate to let you know about my first experience preparing students for the ANZCA Modern Piano syllabus. This year for the first time, I chose two students who I felt suited an ANZCA exam : ... First experience: ANZCA Modern Piano v. AMEB Piano for Leisure

12/24/2012 Read more

Trinity College Exams – First Impressions

by Tim Topham

In September last year, I wrote a blog post titled Australian piano exams compared: which syllabus is the best? and made a commitment to my readers that I would trial a couple of the alternate (i.e. non-AMEB) examination boards in the coming year and report back regarding my experience. The original post has remained in my ... Trinity College Exams – First Impressions

11/19/2012 Read more

Why Working To Exams Is Anti-Piano

by Tim Topham

OK, so this might be a bit controversial but hear me out. I was reading a fabulous article by Kathryn Page in a recent Pianist Magazine (No 67), entitled “Developing and maintaining repertoire”. The article was about how important it is for pianists and students to play lots of music at one level and style ... Why Working To Exams Is Anti-Piano

11/17/2012 Read more

Preparing for Piano General Knowledge: Questions parents can ask their children.

by Tim Topham

Students need all the help they can get! Parents are probably one of the best resources for assisting students to prepare for the general knowledge section of their practical examinations. This section of the exam, also called “Musical Knowledge” (Trinity) or Viva Voce for some exam boards, is an important component of the practical examination, ... Preparing for Piano General Knowledge: Questions parents can ask their children.

06/13/2012 Read more
 

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Boost Your Piano Scale Practice | Flashcardlet App

by Tim Topham

One of the trickiest things about getting to the upper levels of any graded exam system is the huge number of scales and arpeggios that students have to recall instantly from memory. Remembering the starting notes and correct fingerings for each hand of the 3rd inversions of dominant 7th arpeggios is rarely easy, especially when ... Boost Your Piano Scale Practice | Flashcardlet App

06/08/2012 Read more

The Firm Soundtrack – Dave Grusin

by Tim Topham

A colleague recently introduced me to the music from the movie “The Firm”. I haven’t seen the movie, but the music is great – energetic and fun, jazzy and bluesy. It is at the harder end of the spectrum – about Grade 7+ – and teenagers in particular will love it. At least one piece ... The Firm Soundtrack – Dave Grusin

02/04/2012 Read more

Australian piano exams compared: which syllabus is the best?

by Tim Topham

First published in 2011. Which exam board has the most relevant aural and tech work requirements? Which has the most music to choose from? Which system allows students to practise their sight-reading in the exam before being tested? Which has the shortest enrolment lead-times? Which exam board is the cheapest? In this Australian Piano Exams post, ... Australian piano exams compared: which syllabus is the best?

09/04/2011 Read more