After I know what I am getting myself into for University, I told Mr Ng in hope that he would recommend me to stop lessons with him. Instead, he recommended me to take up this examination. Alright, actually I made that decision on my own. I was really lazy to learn 4 new pieces of diploma standard and I know my learning speed is quite slow so I cannot meet up to the deadline. So, I chose teaching diploma, where I can learn more about the techniques and specific skills in making piano learning more enjoyable. Most importantly, the pieces I have to play are of Grade 2, 4, 5 and 7 standards. ;) Shortcut hahaha.
But... what I didn't realise was the amount of work I have to put in for case studies, analysis, and essays. It was crazy... and tough for me especially during August/Sept when I was working 7 days a week and even OT for my internship. I didn't even have the time to write anything during that period. Moreover, I had an audition for music studies at unimelb during my internship event. Everything was all lumped together.
Ever since my internship ended, I have been churning out one essay each week on an average. Sometimes I procrastinate for a week, felt guilty and did 2 essays the following week. It was really tedious, but I'm glad I pulled through. I was really quite lucky because I didn't have other commitments like school or work. There was sufficient time for me to enjoy life (eating supper, clubbing, prawning etc) and to do my piano work.
It was only these 2 weeks prior to the exam that I had to stop myself from going out too often. Can't really discipline myself ever since graduation. Spent my time mostly at home planning to do work, but most of the time I'd slacked the day away, only to realise after dinner time and I'd panic before really start working till the wee hours.
Starbucks is just located opposite my piano teacher's place so it became my hideout quite often. I am typing this at Starbucks now muahahhaa. It's also the place where I rushed my revision for the few final exams in poly.
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| Breakfast at Starbucks before starting on my work. |
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| Toasted avocado tuna cheese sandwich for breakfast @home |
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| OldTown White Coffee Hazelnut |
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| Even went shopping on the eve of my exam because it was the last day to get the 30% off!!! |
Exam started at 9am so I had to wake up really early in the morning! My mom is in Genting, my father went to Malaysia, my sister in Shanghai and my brother in Taiwan, leaving me behind in Singapore. I drove to the warzone all on my own. Thank goodness for the fair weather.
I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. The examiner was really friendly and relaxed. He talks at a slow pace which really helps in calming down my soul. Qinping (my victim for the morning) reached early to practice her demonstration piece.
Basically, the examination lasted slightly more than an hour. It is broken down into 4 segments.
- Dissertation (20m)
- Demonstration lesson (30m)
- Presentation Analysis (30m)
- Discussion (20m)
All adds up to 100%. Dissertation is marked based entirely on the essays I have been working on for the past months. It better be good!!!!! The end product is 48 pages worth of content in word doc and another 50 pages (or so) on appendices/scores. Also... I spent $78 at the printer... just for that 20%.. :S
30 minutes of demonstration lesson kick starts the exam at 9am in the morning. Basically, I have to give a lesson for Qinping in front of the examiner and pretend that he isn't there. Qinping got the exam piece only 1 month before the exam. I really thank her for agreeing to help me out for this exam... It went a little awkward at times but I think I did so-so? Just some parts where I am confused with the rhythm myself HAHAHA. Quite embarrassing.
I have to play 4 pieces (from various grades) and talk about it... The background of the composer, the piece, analysis, and the approach to teaching. The playing went quite smooth, but I had some slips at the Grade 7 piece hahah... The powerpoint slides I painstakingly did for FULL 3 DAYS didn't show its worth entirely just now. We were running out of time so the examiner told me to skip it!! Hahahaha but he mentioned he saw my effort in having a lot of work done yay. *Act one with all the dummy slide shows*
We only had 5 minutes for discussion and he touched on my favourite topic - keeping the pupil interested and involved. I talked about my experiences and allowing pop repertoire for students to sustain their interests. I even mentioned drama sequels on Classical music. It was interesting and the examiner seemed really involved in this aspect. Looks like it is a common problem that students could not sustain their interests well enough and eventually gave up. LUCKILY HE DIDN'T REALLY ASK ME ABOUT TECHNICAL STUFFS (EG. How do you engage a student in producing a singing tone on the piano?) Jineh jialat if he really asked. heng.
I was somehow politely invited out of the room when the time is up. The exam would have taken forever if he allowed me to properly present my slides and discussed more.
It's finally over!!!! I hope I pass this round! I feel confident because the examiner seemed ok with my playing but sometimes he had this sleepy/bored look on his face. Well, I pray hard that it is his default morning look.
The singing students started arriving and I am done!!! Can't help it but to treat myself a cuppa latte at the Starbucks opposite. Muahahhaa.
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| Celebratory Breakfast round 2 |
I FEEL SO RELIEVED.
Supposed to feel this way the moment I officially end my teaching job at Cristofori, but I didn't. Most of the stress is coming from this exam. Even after today, I still have some pressure on me because I am running a full marathon 42.192km tomorrow morning for the first time. I had to wake up at 2am to prepare. It flags off at 5am. Muahahaha.
I signed up alone because it was out of impulse in the middle of the night. Fortunately, Meishi is also running alone so I have somebody to start off with me. but I'm very sure she will leave me behind after a few km.
My life will be so carefreeeeee after tomorrow! Gosh, cannot wait.
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