is this possible? I am willing to work as hard as it takes.. how many hours practise a day will I need?
Thanks, Rach x

It all depends where you are starting from! Can you tell us a bit more?

Grade One, just about. But grade 8 voice and doing A level music so I am fine on the reading music side of things. Sorry, I didn't think to post more information lol..

What's the hurry? Why do you need grade 5 by October? To be honest, it would be very difficult for anyone to go from grade 1 to grade 5 in just a few months. Do you have a teacher?

I need it because I want to try to get into Oxford and they ask for grade 5... I haven't been able to afford lessons so I haven't learnt but I'm teaching myself (I'm 18) and one of my music teachers at school is seeing over my progress.

Do they want you to have taken grade 5 itself or just to be able to play some grade 5 standard pieces?

Preferably grade 5 itself but I want to be at the standard with general playing too not just learning for the exam if possible...

I think that's a tall order, because you would need to take the exam in June/July, which leaves you with 3 or 3 and 1/2 months to do all the scales and 3 pieces.

Could I not do it in September time? when is the next exam time after July?

It's probably possible to learn the scales and pieces with sufficient effort but I'm not convinced that you would actually be that level.
Given time and application it is possible to slog through things well above your level but there are likely to be a lot of gaps in technique and experience.

The Autumn session is 3rd November to 6th December.

there are likely to be a lot of gaps in technique and experience.

Yes - my feeling too.

But if I didn't do it then would I even get looked at as a possible candidate? I would definitely have it by the time I actually went to uni, would that be enough though? What if I tried grade 3 instead by application?

It would look better to have grade 3 than failed grade 5! I haven't heard you play, so can't really say, but you might have a fighting chance at grade 3 if you work hard. The grade books are not expensive (around £5) so it might be worth getting the grade 3 one just to have a look at what you would be facing.

What are you hoping to study at Oxford?

Music.

doesn't oxford require grade 7\8 merit? A university wouldn't particularly want anything lower unless you elect not to do performance. I looked at music courses last year and all I had was grade 5 practical but wasn't able to apply to any institutions

my apologies for the last comment i just checked oxfords website. Would grade V piano skills be in addition to your principal instrument?

yes i am working to my diploma in singing with grade 8 distinction already. they say grade 5 pianp preferred in addition

Hello Rach

I'm guessing that you want to be at Grade 5 for applications in October with poss interview in December?

In that case, what about cracking on through the grades at a reasonable and sensible pace and then when it comes to application time, you can say: I've worked up to Grade 3 (for instance) and have passed it, and am now working through to Grade 4 and then 5, which you may well have in time for going to univ in October 2009. That way you show you can apply yourself and stand a good chance of achieving the grade by start of term.

If they want you and you show potential there should be room for manouevre.

Good luck.