If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that this topic is something I have spoken and written about often, but as the new academic year gets underway, it is an important one to revisit I feel.
Why are so many piano students and their parents so focused on exams? This is very regular discussion on piano teacher forums and despite many teachers sharing the view that the exam syllabus is not a piano curriculum, this approach persists and continues to be problematic in that it can often feel like those of us who disagree strongly with this ‘exam conveyer belt’ approach to teaching, often feel that we must keep explaining ourselves to students and parents and find ourselves needing to justify the more musical approach of exploring the wonderful wealth of piano repertoire that we have, repertoire which would take more than one lifetime to explore!
I must make it clear, I am not anti-exams, not at all, I am just adamant that they should be used properly, and not be the main (for some, the only) goal. What do I mean by that? Well, exams should be taken when students are already playing at that level, if a student is having to strive to play repertoire that is way too technically or musically demanding for them, then they will be stuck for months and months working on the same 3 or 4 pieces which can be soul destroying and in fact, hold students back from progressing, as well as kill their love of piano playing.
Although we understand that exams can provide a sense of accomplishment, if used incorrectly, they can lead to a narrow focus on meeting specific criteria rather than nurturing a broader musical understanding. Exploring a diverse repertoire, on the other hand, offers a richer, more holistic experience and will give the student a greater appreciation and love of the piano.
What do I mean by The Exam Conveyor Belt Approach: The exam conveyor belt approach emphasizes structured learning, where students work through a series of graded pieces, technical exercises, and sight-reading tests. Certainly those who want to go on to study the piano at music college will need to take some graded exams, however, the exam only approach limits a student’s exposure to different musical styles and eras. The repertoire for exams is often curated to fit a particular level and pedagogical purpose, which might inadvertently confine students to a narrow range of pieces. As a result, students may miss out on the broader experience of exploring a wide array of composers and musical traditions.
Goal Setting: Parents and Students often state that they/their child needs to do an exam because they work better when working towards goals. Of course, we all often need a focus, something to aim for, but those goals do not have to be solely exam based, why not set a goal of aiming to learn more repertoire this term/year, of performing your pieces beautifully, expressively and stylistically to your teacher, or performing in your teacher’s student concert and/or in your local piano group. Learn a duet to play with a fellow student, family member or your teacher, or find another instrumentalist at your level to work with and learn a piece to perform together.
For me performance goals are so important for students, and I offer plenty of opportunities for my private students to perform in concerts, festivals, groups and duos if they wish to, or if they are particularly nervous, just to prepare a piece and perform it to me in their lesson. I do not teach those who want to pursue and exam only pathway.
I often quote my teaching at Junior Guildhall where we do not focus on exams, but rather on performance. Students have many opportunities to play in weekly concerts and I can hand on heart say that these students thrive on this approach, they learn so much repertoire, so many different genres, and they therefore develop so much faster and more fully than students who insist on exam goals only and they learn to become confident performers because they start by performing repertoire that is well within their technical grasp allowing them to be free to express the music fully.
The Benefits of Exploring Repertoire:
Diving into a diverse repertoire offers so many advantages in musical and pianistic development that go way beyond the exam-focused approach:
- Musical Versatility: Exploring different styles and periods of music helps students become more versatile musicians. Encountering the intricate rhythms of Baroque music, the expressive melodies of Romanticism, and the harmonic innovations of contemporary works for example, can greatly enhance a pianist’s overall musicianship.
- Creative Expression: When students are encouraged to select and explore pieces that resonate with them personally, they often develop a deeper emotional connection to the music. This connection can lead to more nuanced and expressive performances, fostering creativity and personal interpretation. Developing tonal colour and their own musical voice is something which is often hampered by being fed a diet of exam repertoire only.
- Historical and Cultural Insight: Learning about various composers and their historical contexts provides valuable insights into the music itself. Understanding the background of a piece enriches a student’s appreciation and interpretation, transforming the act of playing into a deeper musical exploration.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Tackling a broad range of repertoire challenges students to adapt their technical and interpretative skills. This varied approach can improve their overall problem-solving abilities, making them more adept at handling unfamiliar or complex pieces.
- Increased Engagement: Students who have the freedom to explore pieces they are passionate about often show greater enthusiasm and dedication. This intrinsic motivation can lead to more consistent practice and a more enjoyable learning experience.
Striking a Balance:
Encouraging students to explore a variety of repertoire helps students to develop more fully as pianists both technically and musically and to enjoy a much more engaging and fulfilling musical journey. There is no reason why exams should not be a part of this journey if used correctly and approached as and when students are ready rather than the exam syllabus being their only repertoire.
We are so very lucky that there is so much repertoire for the piano, it truly is a life’s work to explore it all and even then, there is not enough time! It therefore baffles me why anyone would want to restrict their journey through all this wonderful music, to 3 or 4 pieces a year! By embracing both structured learning and personal exploration, pianists can develop a well-rounded skill set and a lifelong love for music.
