Hello!

I've been looking for information on the new syllabus on the ABRSM webbie and can't seem to find what I'm looking for!

Can anyone tell me if there is a syllabus overlap so the current string syllabus can be used in 2008? If the current pieces can be used next March, do candidates prepare the scales etc from the same syllabus or must they do the scales in the 2008 syllabus?

Thanks!

Unless I've missed something, you've got the same overlap for strings as for woodwind as regards pieces (ie you can use the lists on the old syllabus for period A 2008).

The new syllabus is on the ABRSM website - I just checked.

www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/gradedMusicExams/latestSyllabuses.html#Violin

or

Click here

xxx

http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/regs/ukIr...troduction.html

Explains the overlap.

The new syllabus can be used from Jan 1st 2008. The previous syllabus can be used until March 31st 2008. I am not aware of any differences in scales etc but I assume you would do either all (pieces scales etc )from the old or all from the new. But I think they are probably the same apart from the pieces.

Thanks earplugs. That's exactly what I was looking for. I know I should have looked at the scales by now, I was assuming that they were different as there are new scale books for violin - one per grade, instead of grades 1 - 5 in the same book. *goes to look at scales syllabus*

No changes to scales. The new syllabus just details new set pieces for violin and viola. Everything else is totally unchanged.

The new violin scale books are probably a good way of charging more for the same stuff!!!

I bought the new scales books as I had no way of checking whether they were the same or not. Son says the new book is much easier to read and use, anyway!

Being used to piano books where scales are sold in separate books for grades (unless you buy the thick manual with 'everything' in it), I do prefer the new violin separate books for each grade.

I've got the old G1-5 book and, as they're never likely to do anything new and fancy for viola, I'd best be happy with it! I did buy 'Viola Time Scales' last week though, which looks fun.

yes i do prefer the separate books for each grade..

1) similar to piano
2) clearer and you wouldnt miss anything out.

i started off buying the g6-8 scales in one book.. then when the new books came out, i went ahead and bought them all!!

in the g6-8 bk, it's kinda confusing as all the grades are mixed together and it's easy to leave something out.. whereas in the new books, u definitely will not miss anything out.. as u'll just have to learn EVERYTHING in the book!!

I find it easy enough to use a manual and a syllabus. Having to buy a new book for each grade doesn't appeal - gets expensive fast.

I suppose the cost does add up, but I find it easier to keep track of scales when they're in a grade per book. My sax scale book is a nightmare! I guess it's because I'm a pianist and piano scale books are one grade per book!

Top tip (or something):

I went through my flute scales book when I first bought it and marked on each scale which exams required that scale.

I tend to learn them systematically anyway, so it doesn't matter much, but when exam times come around I always know what I need to brush up.

I've done that too Sarah, but I'd prefer all the scales for each grade to be together. You should see my grade 6 cello scale book! Grade 6 scales etc marked with pink highlighter, grade 7 scales mared with yellow highlighter.

I think too many of them would pop up two or more times, so I can see why they do it. I guess I use mine to learn scales systematically, not just for exams, it doesn't bother me at all. (And I couldn't afford to shell out a new one for every grade, especially when so many are repeated. That would just get annoying and expensive)

ps: I also tend to highlight the scales of whatever grade I am working for