How old were you when you did your grade 8?

this goes for any instrument.

I'm 16 and I've been playing the violin for two years, I've done grade 1 and 2 and got a distinction for both and I'm currently working on my grade 4. I've just started collage (Xaverian) and I wanted to join the orchestra but looking around I've come to realise that a lot of people have got their grades already. It blew my mind since I don't know anyone who plays the violin ( or anything for that matter) and has done their grades.

p.s. I don't know how to move this to the music topic forum.

I started piano when I was 9 and did my grade 8 when I was 15, and I'm doing my diploma before my 18th (this summer)
I also play violin in an orchestra and haven't done grades for a while, but as long as you can prove you can play music at the equivalent of the grade the orchestra wants, then it doesn't matter. I play at a grade 6 standard even though I only did grade 1 and 2. Grades are only really there for an idea of what standard you can play to, but some sixth form/local orchestras will look for equivalents if you don't play the grades.

Thanks. Good luck on your diploma. also, if you mind me asking, how hard did you find the grade 5 theory. (if you did the abrsm board.)

I started doing the double bass 2 years ago and now I can play at a grade 8 standard although I haven't done any exams for it.
(to be fair, I had the technique already sorted because I played the cello since year 4)

As long as you practice, you'll get better. Why not sign up to join the orchestra? You'll be placed near the back of the seconds but you'll move up through the ranks of you're determined enough.

Thanks, I would have rep'ed you, but I rep'ed you elsewhere and it won't let me rep again. (not used to this site.)

I sing, and I will be 17 when I sit the grade 8 exam but with singing it's quite normal to skip grade 7; I know several people who have done it.

Thanks. Good luck on your diploma. also, if you mind me asking, how hard did you find the grade 5 theory. (if you did the abrsm board.)

good luck.

From one to seven? isn't the jump pretty high?

Hey, I’m 16 and currently working towards my Grade 6 theory and Grade 6 piano (not planning on reaching grade 7/8 in either though–no time!)

Honestly if your music classes in senior school were good then Grade 5 theory is very similar (e.g. I already knew how to do inversions by the time I did my Grade 5 theory in Year 11 because I got taught them in Year 9–I never took GCSE music)

Compared to Grade 6, Grade 5 theory is honestly a breeze; just make sure you understand how to do all the exercises and DO TONS OF PRACTICE PAPERS!!!! All you need to do is get 67/100 at the end of the day!

this goes for any instrument.

I'm 16 and I've been playing the violin for two years, I've done grade 1 and 2 and got a distinction for both and I'm currently working on my grade 4. I've just started collage (Xaverian) and I wanted to join the orchestra but looking around I've come to realise that a lot of people have got their grades already. It blew my mind since I don't know anyone who plays the violin ( or anything for that matter) and has done their grades.

p.s. I don't know how to move this to the music topic forum.

I'm 16 and I'll be doing Grade 7 piano in a few months, so I'm planning to do Grade 8 at 17.

wow. good luck .

,... how hard did you find the grade 5 theory. (if you did the abrsm board.)

Has someone told you that you don't need grade 5 theory? There is an alternative route of taking grade 5 jazz in your instrument.

Hey I'm 17, did my grade 8 on piano this summer and hoping to do my grade 8 trumpet this christmas