September 2006

Switching on the "Mood". Technical Works for AMEB Grade 8 (are they crazy??)

September 28, 2006 16:22

I've been playing some easier pieces lately to compensate the with more time needed to learn the technical works for Grade 8. In particular, Meditation and Theme from Schindler's List. They are beautiful melodic pieces, but in order to play them beautifully, you need to be in the right mood.

I wonder how you can just switch on the correct "mood" everytime when you play a certain kind of music. I believe this is where I fail to play more expressively (among other problems).

By the way, I've just counted, there are 118 different "items" required for Grade 8 Technical (e.g. A major 4 Octaves 8-slurred would count as one, E major broken chords 3 Octaves in 4-slurred, C# major subdominant arpeggios 3 Octaves 12-slurred, double-stop 2 Octaves C minor harmonics in 3rd etc etc), and the list goes on. I had to use Microsoft Excel to list them all down in case I forget to practice anyone of them! Where am I going to find the time for my 4 exam pieces???

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Violin Exam Result

September 13, 2006 20:47

My teacher just sms me a moment ago about my exam result. *drum roll*...... it is.... an A! Hurray! I was expecting a C+ or a B. I feel like I'm on top of the world! Definitely going to celebrate this weekend!

I can't wait to read the examiner's report this weekend when I'm going for my 1st Grade 8 violin lesson.

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Violin Exam is Over!

September 7, 2006 23:20

Although I didn't perform at my best, I did what I could under nervousness and pressure. Because of my nervousness, I didn't do my teacher and myself justice. At one point during the exam, I had to put my hand on my chest to stop my heart from jumping out!

I wish I could play as well under pressure as I play at home. This is something I need to work on.

My best guess with the result is a C+, and if lucky, a B. In any case, I think I will pass.

Moving on, my final Graded exam next year, GRADE 8! Let's start practice for it now!

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More entries: October 2006 • August 2006