Can I pass the grade 5 cello exam with only 5 months of learning the cello?

Question:I have been playing the piano for years, so i m wondering how possible would be to pass the grade 5 in cello whithin the limited time of 5 months.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have been playing the piano for years, so i m wondering how possible would be to pass the grade 5 in cello whithin the limited time of 5 months.

This depends on several factors:

1. Your hand to eye coordination

2. Your comfort level with Bass Clef

3. Which Grade 5 Cello exam you are talking about

4. Whether it is a prepared exam, sightreading, or both!

If you are talking about the Cello exam that they would normally give in Fifth grade, no sweat. If you are talking about the type of exam that they would normally give a Cellist who has been working diligently for five years, that's a little bit more of a challenge. If you are talking about level five for the Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada's exam system) I would strongly advise you to run this by a teacher, mentor, or at least a fellow player who knows your strengths and weaknesses.

If it is a prepared exam, you have a much better chance of pulling it off, keeping in mind that you are going to want to go back and fill in the gaps over the next couple of years. If you are already playing at a level five, then of course this is meaningless. If this is sightreading or has a sightreading component included, make absolutely sure that you can read any piece of music put in front of you in whatever keys are stated, before you make your decision. You should be using the exam to validate your experience, not as a blind challenge. Hope this helps.

is this including all other grades or just straight to grade five? it may be possible but you would have to practise your butt off- if you took the exam you may either get a low score such as merit or pass but 5 is quite a high level so you would need to work so hard.

how long until you take it?

if you pass i would be impressesed-im 14 years old and i've been playing trombone for around 6/7 years and taking my grade 7 this year. if you have the talent and are confident go for it!

good luck!

x.x

I'm sure you can. If you have a teacher, or even a good instruction book, all you have to do is figure out the fingerings. I learned to play cello at a passing elementary level in about 3 weeks. When you're a music ed major, you have to learn all the string instruments in one semester! I have faith in you, you can do it.