I have just started my Grade 6 Music Theory learning journey. My first lesson with Carol will on 2 May as she is tied up with her personal matters in April. I am currently going through the books and exercises which she recommended before my official first lesson. It is not her intention for me to start on my own first. I actually requested for it coz I just can’t wait to start. This is also so that I have more time to learn and enjoy the learning process while preparing for the Grade 8 Theory Paper this coming October.
The recommended books which I am currently working on are:-
1. Guidelines on Harmony for Grade 6 to 8 by Lee Fee Khoon (one book for all 3 grades)
2. Workbook on Harmony for Grade 6 to 8 by Lee Fee Khoon (one book for each grade)
3. In Preparation for the Theory Examination Grade 6 to 8 by Lee Ching Ching (purple book)
They are available from the Yamaha Bookstore at Plaza Sing, which is open after 12pm on weekdays and whole day on weekends.
So far, I enjoy reading the guidelines and working through the exercises. Some "me" time and a nice relaxation from my work and babies. =)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Grand Mercure Roxy
On Saturday, I took my theory exam at Grand Mercure Roxy.
It was not near to Sengkang and it took me about 1 hour to get there by bus. It was not feasible to take MRT either, coz there is no direct train there. Changing from NEL to Circle Line, then a bus, might take longer than taking 43 which will bring me to the doorstep. Moreover, I dare not take the chance as the train system does not seems very reliable these days. Maybe I should ask my piano teacher to choose Central area in future, instead of East. I think getting to Town area from Sengkang is faster than getting to Marine Parade area.
As expected, there were many young children and they were very cute. When I saw a lady, who look like in her 40s, I feel glad. I am not the oldest there =) I thought to myself, if I were to take higher theory grades exams in future, I would blend it better since it would be different session from the lower grades. =)
The exam was ok, I think I should be able to pass with at least a Merit. I finished the paper in less than 1 hour, checked through and there was nothing I could do, so I left the exam hall after 1 hour 15 mins. Sigh, there was one question that I really didn't know and made the wrong guess and it is the meaning of "Alla marcia". Ok, that was 2 marks. So, the damage is not that bad. =)
I don't know why, but after I sit for the paper, I felt happy. Well, I enjoyed the process. And it was stress free. I feel satisfied.
Yes, now I have a better understanding of chords, cadences. And I begin to read more on Grade 6 theory and play some Chinese pop songs, I begin to understand and appreciate the "derivation" of the chords. But Grade 6 theory is filled with rules, 'can' and 'cannot', which makes it not so interesting. =P But spending time to understand why cannot makes it interesting.
Anyway, I think I will continue to do higher theory grades, coz I think they are generally interesting and it helps me to understand and appreciate music better. But I don't plan to rush through it. I prefer to take it slowly and give myself time to internalize the theory and appreciate it.
Also, my piano teacher had registered me for the Grade 5 practical exams this August. Very excited! Time to practice and have fun! =)
It was not near to Sengkang and it took me about 1 hour to get there by bus. It was not feasible to take MRT either, coz there is no direct train there. Changing from NEL to Circle Line, then a bus, might take longer than taking 43 which will bring me to the doorstep. Moreover, I dare not take the chance as the train system does not seems very reliable these days. Maybe I should ask my piano teacher to choose Central area in future, instead of East. I think getting to Town area from Sengkang is faster than getting to Marine Parade area.
As expected, there were many young children and they were very cute. When I saw a lady, who look like in her 40s, I feel glad. I am not the oldest there =) I thought to myself, if I were to take higher theory grades exams in future, I would blend it better since it would be different session from the lower grades. =)
The exam was ok, I think I should be able to pass with at least a Merit. I finished the paper in less than 1 hour, checked through and there was nothing I could do, so I left the exam hall after 1 hour 15 mins. Sigh, there was one question that I really didn't know and made the wrong guess and it is the meaning of "Alla marcia". Ok, that was 2 marks. So, the damage is not that bad. =)
I don't know why, but after I sit for the paper, I felt happy. Well, I enjoyed the process. And it was stress free. I feel satisfied.
Yes, now I have a better understanding of chords, cadences. And I begin to read more on Grade 6 theory and play some Chinese pop songs, I begin to understand and appreciate the "derivation" of the chords. But Grade 6 theory is filled with rules, 'can' and 'cannot', which makes it not so interesting. =P But spending time to understand why cannot makes it interesting.
Anyway, I think I will continue to do higher theory grades, coz I think they are generally interesting and it helps me to understand and appreciate music better. But I don't plan to rush through it. I prefer to take it slowly and give myself time to internalize the theory and appreciate it.
Also, my piano teacher had registered me for the Grade 5 practical exams this August. Very excited! Time to practice and have fun! =)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Performance Directions
Notes for my reference...
- Larghissimo — very, very slow (20 bpm and below)
- Grave — slow and solemn (20–40 bpm)
- Lento — slowly (40–60 bpm)
- Largo — broadly (40–60 bpm)
- Larghetto — rather broadly (60–66 bpm)
- Adagio — slow and stately (literally, "at ease") (66–76 bpm)
- Adagietto — rather slow (70–80 bpm)
- Andante moderato — a bit slower than andante
- Andante — at a walking pace (76–108 bpm)
- Andantino – slightly faster than andante (although in some cases it can be taken to mean slightly slower than andante)
- Moderato — moderately (108–120 bpm)
- Allegretto — moderately fast (but less so than allegro)
- Allegro moderato — moderately quick (112–124 bpm)
- Allegro — fast, quickly and bright (120–168 bpm)
- Vivace — lively and fast (≈140 bpm) (quicker than allegro)
- Vivacissimo — very fast and lively
- Allegrissimo — very fast
- Presto — very fast (168–200 bpm)
- Prestissimo — extremely fast (more than 200bpm)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Grade 8 Music Theory?
This is something that I am considering. Should I proceed to continue to learn the Music Theory after my Mar exams? My piano teacher is not teaching Music Theory from Grade 6 and above. So, I will need to find another teacher to learn from if I wish to continue. And then the question is, I learn until Grade 8 for what?
The higher Music Theory Grades seems to be more on composition for different instruments in an orchestra to create harmony and identifying the composer and the period of a given piece, which seems interesting to me but very intimidating. And is not as if I will be really composing a piece for an orchestra. Would I be even able to hear my composed piece played by an orchestra? Is there a software where I can load the scores and they play it out for me to hear? Haha. It is then will I know if the piece I compose sounds horrible or not. Hahaha.
I went to check out the rates to learn the higher Music Theory. They don't come cheap. I mean, a rough estimation is about $3k+ just to learn from Grade 6 to 8. And that is provided I am "talented". If I stupid stupid, the amount might be more if I insist that I want to pass the Grade 8 exams.
Anyway, a teacher offered to teach me during my lunch time on weekdays, which means I don't need to think of ways to settle my 2 kids while I go for lessons, since they will be in the childcare from 7am to 7pm on weekdays. And she claims that she can cover Grade 6 to 8 syllabus and prepare me for the Grade 8 theory exams in 7 months, which works out to be about $1.2k in total. Should I just give it a try and see how?
The higher Music Theory Grades seems to be more on composition for different instruments in an orchestra to create harmony and identifying the composer and the period of a given piece, which seems interesting to me but very intimidating. And is not as if I will be really composing a piece for an orchestra. Would I be even able to hear my composed piece played by an orchestra? Is there a software where I can load the scores and they play it out for me to hear? Haha. It is then will I know if the piece I compose sounds horrible or not. Hahaha.
I went to check out the rates to learn the higher Music Theory. They don't come cheap. I mean, a rough estimation is about $3k+ just to learn from Grade 6 to 8. And that is provided I am "talented". If I stupid stupid, the amount might be more if I insist that I want to pass the Grade 8 exams.
Anyway, a teacher offered to teach me during my lunch time on weekdays, which means I don't need to think of ways to settle my 2 kids while I go for lessons, since they will be in the childcare from 7am to 7pm on weekdays. And she claims that she can cover Grade 6 to 8 syllabus and prepare me for the Grade 8 theory exams in 7 months, which works out to be about $1.2k in total. Should I just give it a try and see how?
Back to Piano at a Relaxed Mode...
Yes, I am returning to continue my piano lessons starting tomorrow. My mother in law was very nice. She offered to come over to my house to help take care of the 2 little ones together with my hubby so that I can go for my piano lessons at peace. And yes, I am continuing to learn on alternate weeks and continue to prepare for my exams in 2012.
My piano teacher had registered me for the Grade 5 Music Theory exams on 17 Mar 2012. And I am nowhere near being prepared for the exams. So, the next 5 lessons, the focus will be on the Grade 5 Music Theory. According to my teacher, she says there is sufficient time, so don't worry.
Also, my piano teacher plans to register me for the Grade 5 Piano Practical exams in July 2012. As of now, I have completed all the scales and arpeggios and have learnt the 3 exam pieces, which are:
A2: Joseph Hector Fiocco (1703-41) Andante: from Pieces de clavecin, Op. 1
B1: Aleksandr Fyodorovich Gedike (1877-1957) Miniature in D minor: No. 2 from Dix Miniatures en forme d'etudes, Op. 8
C3:Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) Joyous March: No. 5 from Enfantines
So moving forward, I just need to practice and try to perfect them to be ready for the exams and focus on learning new pieces to brush up my sight reading skills and aural skills!
So, I will just take it slowly and see what the results will turn out to be. Passing both the Theory and Practical exams are in my 2012 Resolution! But not at the expense of my other priorities =)
My piano teacher had registered me for the Grade 5 Music Theory exams on 17 Mar 2012. And I am nowhere near being prepared for the exams. So, the next 5 lessons, the focus will be on the Grade 5 Music Theory. According to my teacher, she says there is sufficient time, so don't worry.
Also, my piano teacher plans to register me for the Grade 5 Piano Practical exams in July 2012. As of now, I have completed all the scales and arpeggios and have learnt the 3 exam pieces, which are:
A2: Joseph Hector Fiocco (1703-41) Andante: from Pieces de clavecin, Op. 1
B1: Aleksandr Fyodorovich Gedike (1877-1957) Miniature in D minor: No. 2 from Dix Miniatures en forme d'etudes, Op. 8
C3:Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) Joyous March: No. 5 from Enfantines
So moving forward, I just need to practice and try to perfect them to be ready for the exams and focus on learning new pieces to brush up my sight reading skills and aural skills!
So, I will just take it slowly and see what the results will turn out to be. Passing both the Theory and Practical exams are in my 2012 Resolution! But not at the expense of my other priorities =)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
cbox Removed...
I have removed the cbox from my blog as someone is trying to impersonate me by using my username "Pooh Bear" in providing comments that does not originate from me. I don't like people to "put words into my mouth", although I am ok if that someone had just used your own username to provide your own comments.
To that someone:
Be daring to speak up your own views, and don't hide behind another person's identity. If you really think something is better, just share your views and reasons using your own identity.
To NW:
I don't know who that someone is, but please ignore the last message in the cbox. Someone is obviously trying to be funny.
To that someone:
Be daring to speak up your own views, and don't hide behind another person's identity. If you really think something is better, just share your views and reasons using your own identity.
To NW:
I don't know who that someone is, but please ignore the last message in the cbox. Someone is obviously trying to be funny.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
My little boy arrived...
My dear little boy arrived on 20 Oct 11. This is much earlier than what I expected and hence I was caught unprepared. Luckily he is my 2nd one, so I have some prior experience which came in useful.
I will be returning to work on 20 Feb 12. So I have a full 4 months break from work to spend time with my 2 little ones and my hubby and of coz to try to prepare for the Grade 5 exams.
My goals for these 4 months would be:-
1. Re-establish a routine with my hubby which is sustainable when I go back to work.
2. Fully toilet-train my girl.
3. Wean my girl off her pacifier.
4. Settles my girl well and manage sibling rivalry.
5. Train my boy to sleep through the night without any night feeds.
6. Settles my boy well in the infant care before I start work.
7. Breastfeeding my boy for at least 4 months.
With the encouragement and support from my hubby, I will be registering for the 17 Mar 2012 Grade 5 Music Theory exams and the July 2012 Grade 5 practical exams. He thinks since I am already preparing for it, might as well give it a try. If fail, then so be it. Haha, just waste money on the exams fees lor.
I will be returning to work on 20 Feb 12. So I have a full 4 months break from work to spend time with my 2 little ones and my hubby and of coz to try to prepare for the Grade 5 exams.
My goals for these 4 months would be:-
1. Re-establish a routine with my hubby which is sustainable when I go back to work.
2. Fully toilet-train my girl.
3. Wean my girl off her pacifier.
4. Settles my girl well and manage sibling rivalry.
5. Train my boy to sleep through the night without any night feeds.
6. Settles my boy well in the infant care before I start work.
7. Breastfeeding my boy for at least 4 months.
With the encouragement and support from my hubby, I will be registering for the 17 Mar 2012 Grade 5 Music Theory exams and the July 2012 Grade 5 practical exams. He thinks since I am already preparing for it, might as well give it a try. If fail, then so be it. Haha, just waste money on the exams fees lor.
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