Failed Grade 7 Piano Trinity, what now?

Mr Rhode Island Red

Just got back my exam results and I got 55/100 in my Grade 7 Piano in Trinity Guildhall, which is a fail. Both me and my teacher are very surprised and did not see that coming considering I put a lot of work in (my brother also does piano, albeit it being Grade 3, and didn't do a tap until about 3 weeks ago and flew through with 70-something/100)

I am not discouraged in any way regarding piano, my teacher said that I most likely got a very hard marker. (especially it being a high grade) We were both confident in my ability for the exam.

Sooo what do I do now? My piano teacher says I can either:

• Repeat Grade 7 in six months time in the hope of passing it
• Forget Grade 7 and keep moving onwards to Grade 8

Her only concern with the second option is that if I failed grade 7, will I pass grade 8? (which my teacher says is considerably more difficult)

What are your views?

Thanks

Oregano_State

Go for grade 8. Put more work in than you did for this exam. Use this as your motivation. How much do you want it?

bunnyarmstrong

100% agree with above. The difference between the two is not large enough to merit repeating grade 7, especially since for most, the ultimate goal is 8. Financially, it also makes sense.

Also, ask yourself why this happened. You said yourself and your teacher were surprised at the result. Perhaps it was nerves? If that's the case, start playing more in front of people. Maybe it was the pieces? Did you feel you enjoyed playing them? If not, consider 'shopping around' the grade 8s. (Associated Board, Royal Irish Academy). Their syllabuses (syllabi?) might appeal to you more.

Whatever you chose to do, the best of luck, and don't let this deter you from your musical endeavors!

Mr Rhode Island Red

Decided to go ahead with Grade 8, but I'll do it over 18 months rather than a year