I want to hear more bottom!
Thus starts a series of blog post titled with random quotes heard in my household; that one courtesy of the cello teacher! Makes sense when you realise that Anna’s been playing chords on the cello, we don’t want to hear any other sorts of bottoms around here 
I do love having cello lessons in the house – means I get to hear the pieces and the accompaniments, and she really does make a nice sound these days, most of the time. Not to be outdone, she has started on her own 100 days practice, aiming to do 1.5hrs a day over the three instruments. 2 days in and she’s still got some enthusiasm, we’ll see how it goes!
We’ve been wondering for a while now how to get through the inevitable Grade 5 Theory hurdle, been trying to find other children who might need to do it at the same time to get together in a group class or something, but not managed to work anything out. Over the weekend a friend presented me with a great idea – a summer camp for kids, specifically focused on Grade 5 Theory! Ideal. Anna’s thrilled with the idea of going on a music camp, and it means we get to (a) get rid of her for a week during the summer holidays, and (b) hopefully get the majority of the way towards passing the theory in the Autumn. It will also help Anna really find out whether she actually likes intensive music study, which might be interesting along the way. Just have to work out how to get from there to Sussex in no time at all on 22nd August, a minor detail … anyone know how to be in two places at the same time?!
June 9th, 2009 at 17:35
thought for a moment you meant you were setting one up! Slight deviation from the normal group organised camps there
Sounds like a really good plan to me for all sorts of reasons.
Teleportation?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:39
Gosh no! (to setting one up I mean).
June 9th, 2009 at 18:53
Ok–my non-musicality is about to be glaringly obvious, but–what is the purpose in the ‘theory’ classes–and are they really needed?
June 9th, 2009 at 19:00
Well, I may let Helen or NattyEm answer better than me, as I’m out of my depth really as well, but it’s an added understanding of the technicalities of music, which will surely help with compositions and further proper music study?
None of mine have done any theory classes up until now, although Josiah had a basic workbook or two that we used while HEing, to supplement the ‘playing by ear’ that he was doing with Suzuki at the time. So I definitely don’t think they are needed in the early stages of learning an instrument as you can pick it up as you go along.
The main reason for taking G5 theory at this stage, though, is that it is a requirement before you can take any further grades with the ABRSM. Apparently Trinity board will let you go further with practical exams but I know people who’ve done G6 and 7 with Trinity who are now having to go back to get the G5 theory because they want to take G8 ABRSM.
I don’t know, it’s all above me really, too!
June 9th, 2009 at 19:39
Get Steve to keep an eye open for a low mileage, 07 reg Tardis?
June 9th, 2009 at 19:42
I wish! not sure a Tardis could tow our caravan though!!
June 9th, 2009 at 19:48
Tchoh. Just put the caravan INSIDE the Tardis. Easy.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:00
when you do find out how to be in two places at once, will you please share it with me, I have the same dilema tomorrow, horse riding and HE group same day, same time, different places…..ggggrrrrr
r
June 9th, 2009 at 21:48
I did grade 5 theory. It enabled me to skip 1/3rd of my music O level (you are too young to know what I’m talking about Sarah). Caitlin is doing music theory grade 1 at the mo (or is it too); I think it’s great as it explains the logic behind music. But then it suits Caitlin’s and my sense of order and logic; perhaps that’s not Anna’s style…?
June 9th, 2009 at 22:43
I like it for that reason too Ruth. Was always slightly put out that you could only do Grade 5 Theory at my school IF you were doing an actual instrumental exam too.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:34
My daughters (both violins) did several courses at Beauchamp House, lovely place, wonderful musical atmosphere, run by intensely musical people. The Grade V Theory course was excellent. Mine didn’t much enjoy the camping part but then they are wimps who like a nice soft bed at night