Jim
Grade 8 practicals alone,e.g. ABRSM, even with distinction, would not
normally be regarded as equivalent to 'A' level music - irrespective of the
grade achieved. This is because practical examinations of the ABRSM, GSMD,
etc. confine assessments almost exclusively to practical and aural skills.
However, if someone had passed Practical Musicianship at grade 8 and/or
grade 8 theory as well as grade 8 practical, then the degree of equivalence
with some of the GCE 'A' level Boards could be considerably increased.
Furthermore, some Boards do exempt candidates from certain practical papers
where candidates have passed grade 8 practical on their chosen
instrument/voice.
I think you would need to speak to individual Boards for a clearer picture
on equivalencies and the degree of recognition they each give to the various
other forms of music assessment.
Sorry if it seems complicated but hope this is helpful.
Marvin Gresson
Faculty Administrator
Nottingham Trent University
-----Original Message-----
From: Pete Glazier [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 01 November 1999 11:23 am
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Entry qualifications - musicians
Jim Wells wrote:
# Do any colleagues have any idea of the equivalences of musical
# qualifications, for example Violin Grade 8?
#
# I wonder whether this might be a higher qualification than a low-ish A
level
# score. To me (a non-musician) Grade 8 seems quite impressive.
I'd add a little to what Anna has just written. My daughter has done grade 7
and recons it is more difficult than 'A' level.
Have a look at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
site
at
http://www.abrsm.ac.uk/
There's nothing I can see which directly equates grade 8 with an A level,
but
the examinations entry page
http://www.abrsm.ac.uk/nonukregs01.html
indicates a GCE 'O' level pass at theory can be taken as the equivalent of
grade 5 theory.
This page:
http://www.abrsm.ac.uk/thesemusicexams04beyond.html
indicates grade 8 (distinction) used to be the level needed for direct entry
into a UK music college. After grade 8 you head for one of the three diploma
levels.
Peter
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Peter Glazier
Exeter University
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