Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum *closes eyes and jumps in*

Hi everyone,

I'm a little lost as to where to introduce myself.. so I hope this spot is okay

I am an older adult - a grandson, a granddaughter on the way & wrinkles to prove it lol.

I have had 2 years of lessons now, but I did have 2 years of lessons as a teenager which gave me a little kick start - I was surprised at what I remembered, so long ago now. I'm taking the plunge and studying for my 4th grade "piano for leisure" exam. This is my first exam, as originally I told my teacher I wasn't going to do any exams, but, well, here goes! just thinking about it gives me sweaty palms I'm scared to death!

The pieces I've chosen are:
Mozart - Andante Sonata K545
C.Bach - Solfeggio
Chopin - Minute Waltz Op64No1

My exam plan is to get all three technically correct (by May) then refine by end July (exam). I'm trying not to self doubt, but I can't help but wonder if/how!


I've been playing on a Casio keyboard and an old upright piano. I have just bought a Kawai GM-12 baby grand (it's 5 years old music shop demo) and I am nearly wetting my self waiting for it's arrival in about 2 weeks time.

I'm not sure what else to say? LOL

Looking forward to meeting new friends & hopefully learn/be inspired along the way.

Pammy

Hi Pammy, welcome to the board!

You are working on three fantastic pieces, am sure you will have them up to scratch by May. And don't forget to post some pics of the Kawai when it arrives

Euan.

Thanks for the welcome Euan - will do

Hi Pammy and welcome to the forum! Congratulations on your decision to jump in and study for your exam. If nothing else, it'll provide focus to your practice and will help you polish your skills - not to mention that part about performing under pressure! Now that you're here, I hope you'll join in and submit some recordings so we can hear your new piano when it arrives. You've no doubt seen our most recent recital and there are always the monthly piano bars. We've got players of all levels here so not matter how bad or good you think you are you'll get a "good job" just for taking part.

And I'll second Euan's request for pictures of your piano when it arrives - we love piano pictures!

Hi, welcome.

The Bach Solfeggio, is that the same as Bach Solfeggietto?
I'm learning this piece and it's graded at Grade 6 so suprised to see it listed as a grade 4 piece, though i am unfamiliar with "piano for leisure exams".
It's pretty tricky to play at a decent tempo. Great piece though.

Hi Greg, I'll have to work out how to do a recording?!

Hi PianoU1, In my AMEB Piano of Leisure 4th grade book it's written as Solfeggio W117/2; H 220 I've just googled and it's Solfeggietto everywhere else! So yes, one of the same.
My teacher has asked I that practice playing it all staccato this week. I've managed to memorise this piece, so I'm actually having fun playing it. I still have a long way to go to get it up to speed!

Pammy

Welcome to the forum. Those are some really nice pieces you're working on. Best of luck in your studies and I'll just say to enjoy the process more than the destination.

I think that Solfeggietto is a pretty terrific little piece. Good choice. Good choices all round.

Is piano for leisure essentially 'funner' pieces and little-to-no technical work? Maybe I should do that. In the regular one I have to clap and sing and do all sorts of things I'm not comfortable with. Not even a little!

Thanks Homeinmyshoes

Seabelle, yes I guess you would say "funner lol" as the Piano for Leisure syllabus allows students to pursue classical or light classical piano, more contemporary repertoire, pop repertoire, jazz or any tailor-made combination of these styles that suits the candidate’s taste. As I have other committments during the week, practice times are be hard for me, so Piano for Leisure is perfect as it is designed for students with busy activity schedules. I only have to play 3 peices, plus the scales/appeggios F & Bb. Plus, as it's my very first exam I feel it's all I can cope with!

Pammy

Welcome Pammy and Contrats! On doing an exam AND on the grandkids. I've done Solfeggietto but not the other two. I'm studying for my grade 6 exam (if I don't chicken out). I never studied as a child and have been taking lessons for the last 7.5 years (noodled around a couple of years on my own before that) I'm a little behind I think but having a blast. I have a granddaughter (2.5) and also a grandson and granddaughter on the way!!! yikes!! 3 weeks and 4 months respectively. Piano and grandchildren - who could ask for more!!