Grade 8 Violin Exam, ABRSM

(I'd like to dedicate this blog entry to my violin teacher - a very patient and creative man, my accompanist - for being patient as well, and especially Mom - who practised the aural section with me and gave me pointers for my pieces, and for being the wonderful music teacher that she is.)

Woke up at 5 in the morning even though the alarm was set at 6. Spent some time reading through the aural specimen tests, and some butterflies started to flutter their wings the more unusual terms I saw. But sitting there and letting the mind occupy itself would have made the butterflies flutter faster - thinking too much of the exam. I tried not to remember that I only got back on Sunday and had only yesterday to run through everything. During my week-log trip in Taiwan, I forgot about my violin exam almost completely - I said, 'almost'.

The journey to the venue wasn't pleasant. What could have been a 15-20 minute journey turned into a 45 minute one due to the traffic. It was 7 a.m. when we left the house and were met with the second wave of office-goers. The constant jerking of the car, closing the gap between our car and the one in front, and the air-conditioned air of the car made my head a bit dizzy and my stomach a little uncomfortable. I hate it when this happens... Dad was very kind to walk to a nearby 7-Eleven to get me some sweets. The minty Mentos does wonders.

My examiner looked pleasant, and spoke in the Queen's English, clear and music to my ears. She's from the Royal School, go figure. Whilst in the exam room, my hands felt cold all of a sudden, and a slight tingling started to run through my fingers. After tuning my accompanist had to wait outside because my first piece, Partita 2 by Bach, was a solo. Considering this was the first time I played the piece ever since waking up - I am not a morning person, by the way - I think I did alright, albeit having shaky hands. The problem was having a shaky right hand, my bowing arm, which made some parts sound like my violin was hiccuping - a potent skill, I must add. I was relieved when Mom said it sounded not bad, she could at least hear the expressions and some double melodies.

After I was done I invited my accompanist back in and we proceeded to rock out the second piece, Swediesche Tanze, 5th, 6th and 7th movements. Te 5th and 7th movements were more up-beat, and I hope I portrayed the overall feeling clearly. The 6th movement is a sweet piece, and I just hope it didn't sound like a chicken being slaughtered. I took a deep breath before starting the last piece, Sonatina 1st movement, by William Alwyn. A very romantic piece, and my Mom describes it as lovely. I thought I played this better than the first two pieces. Mom agrees, remembering that yesterday's playing was a sleepy murmur.

The scales section was up next and I'm thankful I went through my own drills yesterday. Sight-reading was fine, though I played arco when I was supposed to play pizzicato, and played one part too loudly as I missed out the piano direction. But I think the overall feeling was just right. Don't even talk about the notes, I can't tell you how out of pitch I was.

Then came the most dreaded section, aural. I think I got my cadences wrong, and my modulations as well, even though it was the easiest thing they could ask. I hope my description of the piece in the last question was acceptable! I even asked for my examiner's autograph. I am insufferable...

Coming out of the exam room, I felt a big boulder tumble off my shoulders, and was happy to see Mom and my violin teacher standing a few rooms away - it was held in a hotel. He came to cheer me on, after getting in caught in the traffic jam. Thank you! Ah well, I won't be seeing him for a while. I've decided to put violin on hold for the moment until I get my degree. Maybe I'll go for classes every no and then.

Now that this is over and done with I'm starting to think what the nervousness was for. I would've played better and enjoyed myself more, but I'm satisfied with what I've done - I shouldn't speak so soon. I can now start writing on my 'short' account of my exciting trip to Taiwan. So stay tuned!

Cheers
zhusun