Selection of Pianos for Board Examination
From time to time, I always encountered new customer asking me whether the piano is an "Examination Model". That’s an interesting expression “Examination Model”. I suppose this “Examination Model” is built differently from the other type of vertical pianos like Spinet, Console, Studio and Upright model.
And not surprisingly, Associated Board also receives enquiries regarding the pianos used for the Board's Practical examinations. Indeed they are sometimes asked to comment upon the ideal model of piano to use for exams.
Philip Mundey, the Director of Examinations from Associated Board, help to dispel a certain misunderstanding which has arisen amongst some music retailers, teachers, Associated Board candidates and their parents that such an ideal model exists. This is simply not the case : there is no one model of piano that can be recommended above all others for examination purposes.
The Associated Board works to ensure throughout Southeast Asia, where we monitor exams in a large number of venues, that the quality of the instruments selected for examination purposes is the very best available. However, this is not a matter of favouring any one particular brand or model of piano. The pianos selected will alwyas have an acceptable tone quality, a responsive touch and pedals that are operational and effective and such instruments are judged to be suitable for Associated Board piano examinations worldwide from Grade 1 right up to Grade 8.
For all piano examinations at Diploma level in Southeast Asia, the Associated Board makes every effort to supply good quality grand pianos. At this level of assessment we feel it to be appropriate that candidates should have the opportunity of playing on an instrument designed for concert performance rather than domestic use. However, once again there is no one examination model or brand that can be endorsed in the selection.
In fact, the ideal examination piano model is a myth, not a reality! Quality and suitability are always going to be the overriding factors.
Conclusion
A good musical standard is a piano that is in tune and well regulated for tone and touch, respectively. A piano which does not perform to good musical standards is essentially a recreation object.
From time to time, I always encountered new customer asking me whether the piano is an "Examination Model". That’s an interesting expression “Examination Model”. I suppose this “Examination Model” is built differently from the other type of vertical pianos like Spinet, Console, Studio and Upright model.
And not surprisingly, Associated Board also receives enquiries regarding the pianos used for the Board's Practical examinations. Indeed they are sometimes asked to comment upon the ideal model of piano to use for exams.
Philip Mundey, the Director of Examinations from Associated Board, help to dispel a certain misunderstanding which has arisen amongst some music retailers, teachers, Associated Board candidates and their parents that such an ideal model exists. This is simply not the case : there is no one model of piano that can be recommended above all others for examination purposes.
The Associated Board works to ensure throughout Southeast Asia, where we monitor exams in a large number of venues, that the quality of the instruments selected for examination purposes is the very best available. However, this is not a matter of favouring any one particular brand or model of piano. The pianos selected will alwyas have an acceptable tone quality, a responsive touch and pedals that are operational and effective and such instruments are judged to be suitable for Associated Board piano examinations worldwide from Grade 1 right up to Grade 8.
For all piano examinations at Diploma level in Southeast Asia, the Associated Board makes every effort to supply good quality grand pianos. At this level of assessment we feel it to be appropriate that candidates should have the opportunity of playing on an instrument designed for concert performance rather than domestic use. However, once again there is no one examination model or brand that can be endorsed in the selection.
In fact, the ideal examination piano model is a myth, not a reality! Quality and suitability are always going to be the overriding factors.
Conclusion
A good musical standard is a piano that is in tune and well regulated for tone and touch, respectively. A piano which does not perform to good musical standards is essentially a recreation object.
