Welcome to the July, 2013 edition of “Merv’s RGT Exam Quick Tips.” Below you will find words of wisdom from Chief RGT Examiner Merv Young, posted on the RGT Facebook Page each Tuesday in July of 2013.
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Merv’s RGT Guitar Exam Quick Tips
1. “Under exam room conditions scales and arpeggios are all too often played too quickly, with the resultant accuracy errors that you’d expect when playing is rushed. Stick to the recommended tempos in the handbooks and reinforce these with the use of a metronome during lessons. Much better to play them accurately at a more relaxed tempo than to rush them and introduce errors!”
2. “Take the time to read the attainment band descriptions detailed in each syllabus. The examiner will be using these as part of the assessment process in the exam so they are a useful and insightful teaching aid when preparing your students for the exam itself.”
3. “Dynamics! These are commonly overlooked in the rhythm playing sections and take on more importance as the grades develop. Try to get your students used to interpreting these early on.”
4. “Remember that from Grade 3 of the Acoustic Guitar Exam musically effective variations are expected during the repeat playing of the Rhythm Study. Remember as well that the dynamics can be varied too.”
5. “How about recording your pupils playing as they prepare for the exam? This can be an effective way of placing them under a little more pressure during their exam preparation, while providing a learning experience at the same time.”
What do you think of July’s collection of Merv’s Exam Quick Tips? Share any questions or comments you have below and we’ll be glad to answer as soon as we can.
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