Any musicians amongst you guys?

[Don Boyer]

After I reached level 8 in England, I went to a higher level music course, and they gave levels 9, 10 and 11 based on their own standards. In the US, there are competitions where you can pass music levels up to 10 if you go to special competitions, and I'm 9 as well on that scale.

What kind of higher level music course? We only have grades 1-8, then we have music diplomas. No other levels are widely recognised.

I get the feeling he was indicating that his music school instituted their own grading system above 8.  It's not likely a nationally recognized one.  Imagine if a school allowed grades like "A++" or something like that...

[Lushbob]

I get the feeling he was indicating that his music school instituted their own grading system above 8.  It's not likely a nationally recognized one.  Imagine if a school allowed grades like "A++" or something like that...

Yeah, I guess. It just seems odd to me. I mean, if a school in England allowed an "A**" grade, I'd be pretty confused because it would knock the rest of their system off kilter - each previous grade would be easier to get, and you wouldn't quite know how to match it against other, nationally recognised grades.
But, I guess that doesn't really apply with music grades. Just seemed a little confusing, that's all.

[Don Boyer]

Yeah, I guess. It just seems odd to me. I mean, if a school in England allowed an "A**" grade, I'd be pretty confused because it would knock the rest of their system off kilter - each previous grade would be easier to get, and you wouldn't quite know how to match it against other, nationally recognised grades.
But, I guess that doesn't really apply with music grades. Just seemed a little confusing, that's all.

It's an assumption, but it's possible that the school had a personal standard they felt was higher than the national standard.  Its grades through 8 would be as the national standard, while above they they've added more grades.


Again, just an assumption.  What schools/competitions did he get these higher grades in?  That would answer a lot.

[Aaron]

At my school I play Trombone. I dont really like it though.

[Jin Jian]

At my school I play Trombone. I dont really like it though.

same here that why i stop playing it now

[moonexe]

I don't play anything right now, but I own a chinese flute. I'll have to try it sometime.
I'd like to try guitar too, but I have bad memories of it from 5th grade, I was horrible back then even compared to the rest of the class. Then again, I was the only one to have started music class two years later than everyone else, and I never continued in high school because it was that or arts, which is also why I can't really read music sheets anymore.

[SpiritsCrusader]

I used to play alto saxophone in High school!

[John B.]

I sing if you will count that.

[dmbaggs]

I sing if you will count that.

that's a true gift! Being able to take your "instrument" with you wherever you go. I wish I could sing well haha

[John B.]

yea i had a good teacher, our choir teacher knew when to be harsh and make us practice and when to have fun, which was why i kept at it.

[xZEROx]

When you guys are talking about the UK grade, I'm guessing you're talking about the ABRSM?
If that's the case, I've played the piano for some time and got my diploma several years ago.