Goals and Objectives

The basic goal is to become a better piano player before my body says no. And also, because I want to be a decent player when I eventually get around to buying my own grand piano.

I have two primary goals:

  • Improve my sight reading which is erratic to say the least. I’m capable of sight reading, I’m just not as fluent as I would like to be.
  • Obtain my FRSM. This is a 10 year project or so and I have the following steps:
    • Grade 5 Theory Target date September 2023
      • In theory I can probably pass this now but I have gaps which mean I can pass but not be certain of a higher grade. As it’s a book exam, this should be fixable

        • UPDATE: Exam done on 14 August, 2023, result DISTINCTION. Happy me. 

    • Grade 6 Performance Target date April, 2024
      • Bach 2 part invention in E major in progress. Update 10 February. I’ve abandoned this. It’s not working for me and I have started CPE Bach’s Solfeggio instead. It is going so much faster it’s not funny. 
      • Mendelssohn Gondellied 19b ready to polish
      • Hillne Indigo Moon in progress
      • Rebikov Autumn Leaves No 3 ready to polish
    • Grade 8 Performance Target date December 2025 Latest
      • Rameau – Les Cyclopes
      • Tchaikovsky June from the Seasons
      • Debussy Reverie
      • Rachmaninov, Moment Musical Opus 16/5 readthrough done
    • ARSM Target date 2027
      • Brahms Intermezzo in A major
      • Rachmaninoff Prelude tbd
      • tbd Schuman Fantasiestuecke no 1/2
      • tbd Chopin
      • tbd Beethoven
    • LRSM Target date 2029
      • Chopin Ballade No 1 or 2
      • Mendelssohn Rondo Capricioso
      • tbd from Rachmaninoff list
      • tbd Brahms or Beethoven.
        • Opus 118/6
    • FRSM Target date 2031
      • Beethoven Appassionata
      • Chopin Sonata No 3 in B minor
QualificationDateResult
ABRSM Grade 5 TheoryAugust 2023Distinction
ABRMS Grade 6 PerformanceApril 2024
ABRMS Grade 8 PerformanceDecember 2025
ABRSM ARSM2027
ABRMS LRSM2029
ABRMS FRSM2031