hi all, I'm new to the forum...

I've returned to piano playing seriously after a massive 14 year gap!...I was preparing for Grade 7 way back when i was 15 and I've already got Grade 6 theory.

I'm just wondering how many hours do you need to practice a day in order for Grade 8? I'm currently preparing for the Russian state music academy syllabus (which requires me to play the pieces off by heart) and according to the syllabus, I appear to be post Grade 8 (some of the pieces are listed in LRSM!

Now at the grand old age of 29, I've decided that I'd like to have a go at Grade 8 (probably follow the 2009-2010 programme but am practicing scales etc in the meantime) . At the moment i'm averaging around 8-10 hours'efficient'practice a week (working on the Russian music exams). Is this too little? Average? could do better?? (I guess everyone can always do better!).

Apologies for the ramblings, it's 2.30am here

It seems a bit odd that you want to do grade 8 when you sound like you're way above that standard, but if it's what you want to do...

I try to do at least 2 hours a day. Although sometimes i don't have quite that much time, so just do as much as will fit.

Maybe it is because the AB requires Grade 8 before you are allowed to attempt its diplomas, and does not list equivalent Russian qualifications?

Don't practice for a time - practice for a target. Sounds easy, actually quite hard to do (I fail frequently to set myself appropriate, if any, targets for a practice session). If achieving your target takes you ten hours, it's too hard: break it up into smaller targets. If achieving your target takes you ten minutes, great: set yourself another target, and achieve that too. And another, and another etc. It sounds as if you may already be doing this when you say you do ". . . 8-10 hours 'efficient' practice" a week. That will get you through grade 8, no problem, especially if you are already LRSM standard. Good luck.

I decided to prepare for Grade 8 as the Russian syllabus does not include scales etc, just pieces (which need to be played from memory ). Think it'll make me a more rounded pianist Plus I would like to sit for thr Dip(ABRSM) at some point in the future...

Thanks for all the advice!