Oldie and exams

[mrschewy]

I am learning to play alto sax, having lessons once a week and was thinking about taking a formal music course(part time/adult ed) as well, maybe GCSE or A'Level. Have any other late bloomers followed this route and if so, what advice/experience can you share with me? I am a housewife and have not done any formal study since school but am interested in expanding my horizons. I am not sure if I want to take grade exams in Sax.Thanks in advance.

[sskilton]

Welcome Mrs Chewy. I too am a house wife, who has ALWAYS loved the sax and took it up almost a year ago, when I gave up work. I needed something that was ‘my time’. I am now obsessed. If I am not playing I am studying theory.

I am planning to work through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Practical and Theory exams.

http://www.abrsm.org/?page=home

I am starting with Grade 3 practical and grade 1 theory in early March 2005 and am already ‘bricking it’. I would happily suggest you take up a course if you interested in other area’s of music and not just playing. It also gives you a goal to aim for and sense of achievement. Just don’t let it take over your playing. After all you took it up for enjoyment; just make sure it never becomes a chore.

Keep in touch please; it will be great to know how you are getting on.

Sarah

[DougR]

I'd like to second the idea of the abrsm theory courses and exams.
In these you do the work, then sit the exam, then you get the results.

If you haven't met GCSE or A level work recently, then you could be in for a surprise.

Both have coursework, which is marked and contributes to the overall grade, both place a heavy emphasis on composition and on public performance.
Some people like this, others don't, but either course will go better with a sound theoretical base (bass?).

You said:I am not sure if I want to take grade exams in Sax
I think this is reasonable, but that they are worth considering. Some people speak highly of Trinity and Guildhall - check the syllabuses you might find something that suits.

I admire any island that names a town after me.