To get to Grade 1, on a new instrument in about three months.
Big wants to learn guitar. I don’t mind what I play. Dp is considering joining in and learning recorder.
I’m the only one with any musical experience, I’ve got grade three on violin and piano, and grade one theory. We’re not precisely a musical family :/ that’s all set to change.
I’d like to ask for your help and support. I’d like to do this for sponsorship, I’m thinking half for World Vision and half for our local Children’s hospice, EACH. But before anyone reaches into their pocket I need knowledge.
I’ve been told that I don’t need a teacher to enter exams, I can organise it myself. But I could do with someone explaining what we need to achieve. I happen to have a friend who reaches recorder, so I should be able to suss that one out, but I couldn’t make head nor tail of the ABSRM (is that even right) page about guitar. How do I work out pieces required? Don’t they sell little booklets with the pieces in any more?
Guitar – Big wants rock rather than classical. So if I go out in search of a guitar what am I looking for? Assume I know nothing and you’ll be about there.
When I mentioned this on twitter before, I had offers of loan instruments from a couple of people. I’d be very happy to take that further.
So, if you’ve anything to offer in the way of information or support please get in touch via comments, contact form or find me on twitter. Thanks.
Linky to come for other participants, am fairly sure there are a few more kicking about 🙂
Comments
10 responses to “Musical charity challenge.”
I want to start learning piano. I have an electric organ which I bought 20 years ago and have bean meaning to take it seriously ever since. Every September I make my new (academic and Jewish) new year resolutions and every year I don’t touch the keyboard. I won’t be taking exams but I want to work my way through the Grade One books to a level of proficiency. I’m afraid I can’t sponsor atm but I’ll offer support and join in with my own efforts. Good luck. Btw – I’d also like to play the recorder again as I still have mine and the books from my schooldays.
Sponsorship is not the only way to support us, we’re happy for positive thoughts and information, spreading the word. And I’d love people to be playing along 🙂
Can’t help with exams, but if you’re buying a guitar for children, it’s worth buying a 3/4 size guitar (for 7+) or even half size for younger, or they can’t reach around the body of the instrument. Nylon strings are kinder for little fingers – although steel strings sound better, they can make fingers sore, and children become reluctant to play – although steel strings are brighter and sound ‘rockier’ whereas nylon tends to be a more mellow sound, so used for acoustic/folk.
Thanks. I was a bit worried about the strings, she’s going to have to practice lots to get good enough in time. Size wise she’s going to need full size I think, she’s taller than me (at 12!) already.
I’d try a smaller one first – I’m 5 foot 4 and find a 3/4 instrument much easier to play.
I’m going to take her to a music shop on Monday, will bear that in mind.
Here is the link to the syllabus for Grade 1 guitar (traditional): http://www.abrsm.org/regions/fileadmin/user_upload/syllabuses/guitar0111.pdf
and here is the book from Amazon (+CD which I would definitely recommend you get)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-pieces-complete-syllabus-Pieces/dp/186096950X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1346619194&sr=8-5
If Big is more keen on Rock though it looks like Trinity do a Rock Syllabus:
http://trinityrock.trinitycollege.co.uk/instruments/guitar/grade1
Youtube may have some helpful beginner guitar videos (you’ve probably thought of that) like this one (although I haven’t watched it) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PkpVLmtcWY
I’m a violin teacher so can’t be much help on the guitar I’m afraid but hope that helps. A trip to the music shop sounds like a good idea.
That’s a huge amount of help, thank you 🙂
Jax, what a fantastic idea. Please let us know what we can do to support and keep us up to speed with both of your progress!
Will do. Will drop you a line about sponsorship routes.