A Musical Milestone on the Violin
12th September 2025
I am excited to share that I recently passed my ABRSM Grade 7 violin exam. Unlike the usual live exams, this was a recorded performance exam, which brought its own set of challenges.
Recording four pieces back-to-back was not easy. The hardest part was knowing that even the smallest mistake meant starting all over again from the very first piece. After a few failed takes, the frustration would creep in, but I had to remind myself to stay calm and keep going.
Even before playing, setting up the room was a challenge of its own. The camera had to show both my accompanist and me properly, and the lighting needed to be just right. Moving chairs, adjusting stands, and testing angles sometimes felt harder than tuning my violin!
It was also hard work because most of the preparation and recordings happened during my holidays. While others were relaxing, my days were filled with practice sessions, retakes, and setting up equipment. Looking back, I realise it taught me the value of discipline and persistence.
In the end, all those repeated takes and adjustments paid off. The process taught me the importance of resilience—learning that mistakes are not the end, but a chance to try again, often with more confidence.
Passing Grade 7 feels like a big step forward in my musical journey. I am grateful to my teacher, my family, and everyone who supported me through the long hours of practice and recordings. Now, as I look towards Grade 8, I feel both nervous and excited for the new challenges ahead.
