Piano Grade 1

Original post by Jay.Sean

Hi all.

I would like to grade in the piano. I have a piano, first stage I guess.

I can't read/play scales anything like that.

Can any of you lovely people recommend me any books that are necessary for me to pass the exam. I will be self-teaching and I am free now which is why I want to make the most of the time now.

And also do the books, tell you which keys to press and which chords they make and how to read the music too.

Any tutorial links would also be extremely appreciated.

Kind Regards

Jay.

If you can't read or play scales, I would really encourage being able to do that to a decent level before taking your grade 1. It may seem like a "wtf" moment but being able to do that will really help you with progress especially when it comes to the sight reading and scales element of the exam.

I would recommend this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginners-Piano-Classics-Dover-Publications/dp/0486466159 And also getting a scale and sight reading book from ABRSM (the board I personally used although you can use Trinity)

http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Scales-Broken-Chords-Grade-1/2004948
http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Specimen-Sight-Reading-Tests-Grade-1/2004928

Youtube can be fairly helpful when it comes to teaching too :yep:

Reply 5

OP

Original post by qewrtyu

Check the syllabus for the exam board you are doing.
Either Trinity Guildhall or ABRSM

Going off what others have said here, I think ABRSM is the best one to do. So I will do that.

Original post by Slowbro93

If you can't read or play scales, I would really encourage being able to do that to a decent level before taking your grade 1. It may seem like a "wtf" moment but being able to do that will really help you with progress especially when it comes to the sight reading and scales element of the exam.

I would recommend this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginners-Piano-Classics-Dover-Publications/dp/0486466159 And also getting a scale and sight reading book from ABRSM (the board I personally used although you can use Trinity)

http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Scales-Broken-Chords-Grade-1/2004948
http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Specimen-Sight-Reading-Tests-Grade-1/2004928

Youtube can be fairly helpful when it comes to teaching too :yep:

Thank you I will get those books. And also, do you know the youtube users uploaders name so I can learn.

Thank you.

Reply 6

OP

Original post by Slowbro93

If you can't read or play scales, I would really encourage being able to do that to a decent level before taking your grade 1. It may seem like a "wtf" moment but being able to do that will really help you with progress especially when it comes to the sight reading and scales element of the exam.

I would recommend this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginners-Piano-Classics-Dover-Publications/dp/0486466159 And also getting a scale and sight reading book from ABRSM (the board I personally used although you can use Trinity)

http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Scales-Broken-Chords-Grade-1/2004948
http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Piano-Specimen-Sight-Reading-Tests-Grade-1/2004928

Youtube can be fairly helpful when it comes to teaching too :yep:

Forgive me but for your first link since I can't read that will have to comptent with the 2nd and 3rd book before being able to read.

And also do I just set up an account on the ABRSM site to register for lessons etc.

Reply 7

Original post by Jay.Sean

Going off what others have said here, I think ABRSM is the best one to do. So I will do that.

Thank you I will get those books. And also, do you know the youtube users uploaders name so I can learn.

Thank you.

Not any from the top of my head (went through the teacher route years ago :tongue:

) However, if you have a search around you should be able to find a set of tutorials that would be write for you :smile:

Reply 8

Original post by Jay.Sean

Hi all.

I would like to grade in the piano. I have a piano, first stage I guess.

I can't read/play scales anything like that.

Can any of you lovely people recommend me any books that are necessary for me to pass the exam. I will be self-teaching and I am free now which is why I want to make the most of the time now.

And also do the books, tell you which keys to press and which chords they make and how to read the music too.

Any tutorial links would also be extremely appreciated.

Kind Regards

Jay.

Your first step will be finding a teacher (such as myself). They'll be able to guide you much better than a student internet forum. If you neglect that option, you will suffer in the long run from RSI and related injuries, because you won't have anyone to correct your technique.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 9

OP

Original post by Slowbro93

Not any from the top of my head (went through the teacher route years ago :tongue:

) However, if you have a search around you should be able to find a set of tutorials that would be write for you :smile:

Ah okay I will have a good delve into in that case. Is the write a pun or... Thanks for your help :smile:

Original post by XMaramena

Your first step will be finding a teacher (such as myself). They'll be able to guide you much better than a student internet forum.

I can't afford one though :'(

Reply 10

Miss_JDior

When I started, I used a book called 'Piano Time 1' by Pauline Hall. I couldn't read music at all and it helped to start me off with the Piano.
I know it looks quite childish but it was really useful and will prepare you for Grade 1 :smile:

Hope this helps :biggrin:

Reply 11

Original post by Miss_JDior

x

Wrong tag around the code :tongue:

Reply 12

Original post by Jay.Sean

Ah okay I will have a good delve into in that case. Is the write a pun or... Thanks for your help :smile:

I can't afford one though :'(

You'll be able to start with just 30 minutes a week for grade 1. That'll be between £15-30 depending on who you go to - not much.

Reply 13

qewrtyu

11

Original post by Jay.Sean

I can't afford one though :'(

Perhaps you could find a friend who plays the piano to help teach you?

Reply 14

Miss_JDior

Original post by Slowbro93

Wrong tag around the code :tongue:

hehe, sorry I'm new to this and dunno what happened X_X

Reply 15

Original post by Miss_JDior

hehe, sorry I'm new to this and dunno what happened X_X

It's okay, just thought I'd let you know :h:

Reply 16

OP

Original post by Miss_JDior

When I started, I used a book called 'Piano Time 1' by Pauline Hall. I couldn't read music at all and it helped to start me off with the Piano.
I know it looks quite childish but it was really useful and will prepare you for Grade 1 :smile:

Ok thank you, I will take a look at it.

Hope this helps :biggrin:

Original post by XMaramena

You'll be able to start with just 30 minutes a week for grade 1. That'll be between £15-30 depending on who you go to - not much.

Still a lot imo, I have no money, since I have to spend it on driiving lessons, sat books, sat registration, private candidate fees etc :frown:

Original post by qewrtyu

Perhaps you could find a friend who plays the piano to help teach you?

Unfortunately I don't know anyone who does, this would prboably be the most helpful. I have tried playing songs by ear but that is kind of difficult.

Reply 17

Original post by Jay.Sean

Still a lot imo, I have no money, since I have to spend it on driiving lessons, sat books, sat registration, private candidate fees etc :frown:

.

Not much else I can suggest. At the end of the day, if you don't end to end up hurting yourself, you need a good teacher. Simple as that my friend.

Reply 18

OP

Original post by XMaramena

Not much else I can suggest. At the end of the day, if you don't end to end up hurting yourself, you need a good teacher. Simple as that my friend.

I don't understand that reference but ok thanks for your help anyway :smile:

Reply 19