For the lower level exams, ie Grade 3, do you have to follow the stylistic marks on the exam book exactly?
I mean do you have to use their bowing and phrasing and would you lose marks for a tiny re-phrase?
Full Version: Abrsm Exams
From the general regulations - 15G:
From the strings regs:
So do what you like
QUOTE
g) Candidates may use their discretion regarding indications or markings (particularly editorial) in the music – e.g. metronome marks, fingering, bowing, phrasing, the interpretation of ornaments, etc. – which need not be strictly observed. Where no such indications are present in the music, candidates should use their discretion to achieve a musical performance.
From the strings regs:
QUOTE
Candidates are not compelled to adhere to the fingering and bowing marks indicated: any good practical fingering and bowing will be accepted
So do what you like
Yes I've wondered about this.
In the current Grade 3 syllabus the piece ' O Mio Babbino Caro' specifies third position throughout and it certainly sounds better in 3rd position if you have a nice violin and have been playing in third for years. But on a scratchy violin with a too-high action and little hands, 3rd position on the D string can be quite hard to achieve, so I've decided to let one of my young Grade 3 students play some of it in first position for a better sound. Aim to have them using vibrato by the time they take the exam to maximise expressive possibilities.
I hope I'm doing the right thing here - may actually contact Board to make sure so will report back.
In the current Grade 3 syllabus the piece ' O Mio Babbino Caro' specifies third position throughout and it certainly sounds better in 3rd position if you have a nice violin and have been playing in third for years. But on a scratchy violin with a too-high action and little hands, 3rd position on the D string can be quite hard to achieve, so I've decided to let one of my young Grade 3 students play some of it in first position for a better sound. Aim to have them using vibrato by the time they take the exam to maximise expressive possibilities.
I hope I'm doing the right thing here - may actually contact Board to make sure so will report back.
QUOTE(Maizie @ Feb 6 2008, 11:00 AM) 
QUOTE
Candidates are not compelled to adhere to the fingering and bowing marks indicated: any good practical fingering and bowing will be accepted
So do what you like
I like your thinking!!
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